Question to the Ministry of Defence:

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, what estimate he has made of the total costs incurred on Project MORPHEUS up to the decision to pause its original plans including a breakdown of expenditure on (a) development, (b) industry partnerships, (c) external advice and (d) sustainment activities.

Answered by Luke Pollard - Minister of State (Ministry of Defence)

It will take time to collate and review the information required to answer the hon. Member’s question. I will write to him shortly and place a copy of my letter in the Library of the House.

Question to the Ministry of Defence:

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, what assessment he has made of the potential impact the pause in Project MORPHEUS on warfighter effectiveness; and what interim measures are in place to extend the service life of the BOWMAN system.

Answered by Luke Pollard - Minister of State (Ministry of Defence)

It will take time to collate and review the information required to answer the hon. Member’s question. I will write to him shortly and place a copy of my letter in the Library of the House.

Question to the Ministry of Defence:

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, what assessment he has made of the factors which contributed to the delivery confidence assessment rating for the LETacCIS programme decreasing from amber to red between financial year 2023-24-Q4 and 2024-25-Q4; and what steps he is taking to address those factors.

Answered by Luke Pollard - Minister of State (Ministry of Defence)

It will take time to collate and review the information required to answer the hon. Member’s question. I will write to him shortly and place a copy of my letter in the Library of the House.

Question to the Ministry of Defence:

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, pursuant to the Answer of 21 July 2025 to Question 67826 on Boeing E-7: Standards, what enforcement measures are available for his Department to use if the incentivisation milestones are missed; and whether any of those enforcement measures had been used by 5 August 2025.

Answered by Luke Pollard - Minister of State (Ministry of Defence)

Contractual arrangements remain commercially sensitive information and cannot be disclosed publicly.

Question to the Ministry of Defence:

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, pursuant to the Answer of 22 July 2025 to Question 68356 on Air Force: Boeing E-7, whether any component of the UK E-7 Wedgetail sustainment contract will involve (a) logistical, (b) maintenance and (c) technical support operations being conducted in the United States.

Answered by Luke Pollard - Minister of State (Ministry of Defence)

The UK E-7 Wedgetail fleet will be supported and maintained within the United Kingdom. However, Boeing, as the aircraft's Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM), and Northrop Grumman, the OEM for the MESA radar, will provide technical data support from the United States as required. Additionally, a limited number of aircraft components are subject to US Government Arms Export Control legislation and will need to be supported in the United States.

Question to the Ministry of Defence:

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, whether any structural modifications carried out on WT001 post-delivery revealed unforeseen integration challenges with (a) the MESA radar and (b) other mission systems.

Answered by Luke Pollard - Minister of State (Ministry of Defence)

There have been no integration challenges with the MESA radar or other mission systems to date as a result of the structural modifications undertaken.

Question to the Ministry of Defence:

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, what risks he has identified in the complex integration challenges for the Type 31 frigate programme; and what (a) technical and (b) contractual steps he is taking to help mitigate those risks.

Answered by Luke Pollard - Minister of State (Ministry of Defence)

The Type 31 (T31) frigate programme will deliver a maritime security capability at a value for money price, in a timescale that compares favourably with other international warship procurement programmes.

In common with other enterprises, the T31 programme is experiencing inflationary pressures, which are understood and remain in line with the latest plans and forecasts. The Red delivery confidence assessment rating reflects this impact and on completion of full assessment and assurance, formal updates will be provided through official channels at the appropriate time.

HMS VENTURER is the first in Class of the T31 and is currently scheduled to be in service by the end of the decade. All five of the T31 ships are planned to be in service by the early 2030s and are forecast to meet the Key User Requirements. Three ships are currently in build; HMS VENTURER, which was floated off a launch barge in June 2025, HMS ACTIVE and HMS FORMIDABLE.

There has been substantial investment in risk mitigation. For example: significant investment in Babcock’s facilities at Rosyth, which include digitising the shipyard, new manufacturing facilities, and a new purpose-built Assembly Hall. In addition, there has been the generation of a Shore Integration facility at Portsdown Technology Park, to mitigate risks to the integration of the combat system.

Question to the Ministry of Defence:

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, what steps he is taking to meet the first-of-class schedule for the Type 31 frigate.

Answered by Luke Pollard - Minister of State (Ministry of Defence)

The Type 31 (T31) frigate programme will deliver a maritime security capability at a value for money price, in a timescale that compares favourably with other international warship procurement programmes.

In common with other enterprises, the T31 programme is experiencing inflationary pressures, which are understood and remain in line with the latest plans and forecasts. The Red delivery confidence assessment rating reflects this impact and on completion of full assessment and assurance, formal updates will be provided through official channels at the appropriate time.

HMS VENTURER is the first in Class of the T31 and is currently scheduled to be in service by the end of the decade. All five of the T31 ships are planned to be in service by the early 2030s and are forecast to meet the Key User Requirements. Three ships are currently in build; HMS VENTURER, which was floated off a launch barge in June 2025, HMS ACTIVE and HMS FORMIDABLE.

There has been substantial investment in risk mitigation. For example: significant investment in Babcock’s facilities at Rosyth, which include digitising the shipyard, new manufacturing facilities, and a new purpose-built Assembly Hall. In addition, there has been the generation of a Shore Integration facility at Portsdown Technology Park, to mitigate risks to the integration of the combat system.

Question to the Ministry of Defence:

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, what assessment he has made of the potential impact of the red delivery confidence rating for the Type 31 frigate programme on the (a) overall user requirements and (b) operational readiness of the Royal Navy.

Answered by Luke Pollard - Minister of State (Ministry of Defence)

The Type 31 (T31) frigate programme will deliver a maritime security capability at a value for money price, in a timescale that compares favourably with other international warship procurement programmes.

In common with other enterprises, the T31 programme is experiencing inflationary pressures, which are understood and remain in line with the latest plans and forecasts. The Red delivery confidence assessment rating reflects this impact and on completion of full assessment and assurance, formal updates will be provided through official channels at the appropriate time.

HMS VENTURER is the first in Class of the T31 and is currently scheduled to be in service by the end of the decade. All five of the T31 ships are planned to be in service by the early 2030s and are forecast to meet the Key User Requirements. Three ships are currently in build; HMS VENTURER, which was floated off a launch barge in June 2025, HMS ACTIVE and HMS FORMIDABLE.

There has been substantial investment in risk mitigation. For example: significant investment in Babcock’s facilities at Rosyth, which include digitising the shipyard, new manufacturing facilities, and a new purpose-built Assembly Hall. In addition, there has been the generation of a Shore Integration facility at Portsdown Technology Park, to mitigate risks to the integration of the combat system.

Question to the Ministry of Defence:

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, what estimate his Department has made of the additional costs arising from inflation on the Type 31 frigate programme.

Answered by Luke Pollard - Minister of State (Ministry of Defence)

The Type 31 (T31) frigate programme will deliver a maritime security capability at a value for money price, in a timescale that compares favourably with other international warship procurement programmes.

In common with other enterprises, the T31 programme is experiencing inflationary pressures, which are understood and remain in line with the latest plans and forecasts. The Red delivery confidence assessment rating reflects this impact and on completion of full assessment and assurance, formal updates will be provided through official channels at the appropriate time.

HMS VENTURER is the first in Class of the T31 and is currently scheduled to be in service by the end of the decade. All five of the T31 ships are planned to be in service by the early 2030s and are forecast to meet the Key User Requirements. Three ships are currently in build; HMS VENTURER, which was floated off a launch barge in June 2025, HMS ACTIVE and HMS FORMIDABLE.

There has been substantial investment in risk mitigation. For example: significant investment in Babcock’s facilities at Rosyth, which include digitising the shipyard, new manufacturing facilities, and a new purpose-built Assembly Hall. In addition, there has been the generation of a Shore Integration facility at Portsdown Technology Park, to mitigate risks to the integration of the combat system.

Question to the Ministry of Defence:

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, what measures are outlined in the pending Review Note to transition the Protector programme from red to green delivery confidence rating; and what (a) timelines and (b) oversight mechanisms are in place to ensure that programme achieves Full Operating Capability.

Answered by Luke Pollard - Minister of State (Ministry of Defence)

A Protector Review Note will be produced after the results of the Defence Investment Plan, due to be published later this year, have been analysed. It is therefore not possible to provide a timetable for the Review Note approval at this time however, once approved it will provide a pathway to Full Operating Capability and support Red to Green delivery assessment confidence.

The delivery confidence assessment was assessed as Red by the National Infrastructure and Service Transformation Authority, primarily due to the programme awaiting previous Review Note approvals.

Question to the Ministry of Defence:

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, for what reason the Protector programme has a red delivery confidence rating.

Answered by Luke Pollard - Minister of State (Ministry of Defence)

A Protector Review Note will be produced after the results of the Defence Investment Plan, due to be published later this year, have been analysed. It is therefore not possible to provide a timetable for the Review Note approval at this time however, once approved it will provide a pathway to Full Operating Capability and support Red to Green delivery assessment confidence.

The delivery confidence assessment was assessed as Red by the National Infrastructure and Service Transformation Authority, primarily due to the programme awaiting previous Review Note approvals.

Question to the Ministry of Defence:

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, what his planned timetable is for approval of the Review Note for the Protector programme.

Answered by Luke Pollard - Minister of State (Ministry of Defence)

A Protector Review Note will be produced after the results of the Defence Investment Plan, due to be published later this year, have been analysed. It is therefore not possible to provide a timetable for the Review Note approval at this time however, once approved it will provide a pathway to Full Operating Capability and support Red to Green delivery assessment confidence.

The delivery confidence assessment was assessed as Red by the National Infrastructure and Service Transformation Authority, primarily due to the programme awaiting previous Review Note approvals.

Question to the Ministry of Defence:

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, pursuant to the Answer of 1 September 2025 to Question 62175, when his Department plans to hold the next Ajax-specific event at Bovington to which journalists will be invited.

Answered by Luke Pollard - Minister of State (Ministry of Defence)

There are currently no Ajax specific events due to be held at Bovington to which journalists will be invited.

Question to the Northern Ireland Office:

To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland, pursuant to the Answer of 3 September 2025 to Question 70331 on Northern Ireland Troubles (Legacy and Reconciliation) Act 2023, if he will set out his planned timetable for (a) responding to the Joint Committee on Human Rights’ recommendations regarding the draft Northern Ireland Troubles (Legacy and Reconciliation) Act 2023 (Remedial) Order and (b) laying the final Order.

Answered by Hilary Benn - Secretary of State for Northern Ireland

The Government is committed to introducing primary legislation when parliamentary time allows, including to reform and strengthen the independent Commission to ensure it is fully human rights compliant. As I stated at the Northern Ireland Affairs Committee on 3rd September, I intend to lay the draft Remedial Order and the Government’s response to the JCHR at the same time as introducing primary legislation.

Question to the Northern Ireland Office:

To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland, pursuant to the Answer of 3 September 2025 to Question 70329 on Terrorism: Northern Ireland, what information his Department holds on the jurisdiction in which the trial (a) is taking place for the person awaiting trial and (b) was taking place for the person who died before legal proceedings were concluded.

Answered by Hilary Benn - Secretary of State for Northern Ireland

In reference to my previous Written Answer, the Northern Ireland Office is aware of at least one individual who has received a so-called 'on-the-run letter’ and is currently awaiting trial in Northern Ireland.

We are also aware, through publicly available information, of another individual in receipt of a letter, whose legal proceedings in Northern Ireland were discontinued upon that individual’s death.

Question to the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office:

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, whether his Department received legal advice on the imminence of legal rulings under the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea on the Chagos Islands.

Answered by Stephen Doughty - Minister of State (Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office)

The Government's position in relation to the UK-Mauritius treaty has been informed by legal advice throughout. The Government's legal position was set out on 22 May when the treaty was signed, and can be found here: https://www.gov.uk/government/news/uk-secures-future-of-vital-diego-garcia-military-base-to-protect-national-security

Question to the Ministry of Defence:

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, what estimate he has made of the total cost to the public purse of establishing the National Armaments Director Group since March 2025; and what the breakdown of those costs are.

Answered by Luke Pollard - Minister of State (Ministry of Defence)

This Government is delivering the deepest defence reforms in over 50 years. On 31 March 2025 the National Armaments Director (NAD) Group was stood up – creating a new export to end acquisition system design to cut waste and fix the broken procurement system this Government inherited.

Andy Start was appointed interim NAD and had been acting as NAD since the NAD Group was stood up on 31 March 2025. He conducts, all of the responsibilities the Head of the NAD Group must, regardless of the fact he is an interim appointment.

To the end of August 2025, the Ministry of Defence (MOD) expended £4.2 million in workforce costs on the establishment of the National Armaments Director (NAD) Group. This expenditure was drawn from existing resource within MOD, and is not a net increase for the Department. This expenditure is broken down into Enabling Workstreams (£3.1 million) and Organisational Change (£1.1 million).

In addition, in the same period the Department spent £0.5 million on external assistance in support of the establishment of the NAD Group.

The NAD Group design phased is scheduled to conclude on 31 March 2026, at which point costing will be able to be confirmed.

The Department has incurred no additional cost as a result of operating the NAD Group under Andy Start.

Question to the Ministry of Defence:

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, whether his Department has incurred additional costs as a result of operating the National Armaments Director (NAD) Group under an acting director rather than a permanent one.

Answered by Luke Pollard - Minister of State (Ministry of Defence)

This Government is delivering the deepest defence reforms in over 50 years. On 31 March 2025 the National Armaments Director (NAD) Group was stood up – creating a new export to end acquisition system design to cut waste and fix the broken procurement system this Government inherited.

Andy Start was appointed interim NAD and had been acting as NAD since the NAD Group was stood up on 31 March 2025. He conducts, all of the responsibilities the Head of the NAD Group must, regardless of the fact he is an interim appointment.

To the end of August 2025, the Ministry of Defence (MOD) expended £4.2 million in workforce costs on the establishment of the National Armaments Director (NAD) Group. This expenditure was drawn from existing resource within MOD, and is not a net increase for the Department. This expenditure is broken down into Enabling Workstreams (£3.1 million) and Organisational Change (£1.1 million).

In addition, in the same period the Department spent £0.5 million on external assistance in support of the establishment of the NAD Group.

The NAD Group design phased is scheduled to conclude on 31 March 2026, at which point costing will be able to be confirmed.

The Department has incurred no additional cost as a result of operating the NAD Group under Andy Start.

Question to the Ministry of Defence:

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, what estimate he has made of the costs of the design phase of the National Armaments Director Group; and when that phase is will conclude.

Answered by Luke Pollard - Minister of State (Ministry of Defence)

This Government is delivering the deepest defence reforms in over 50 years. On 31 March 2025 the National Armaments Director (NAD) Group was stood up – creating a new export to end acquisition system design to cut waste and fix the broken procurement system this Government inherited.

Andy Start was appointed interim NAD and had been acting as NAD since the NAD Group was stood up on 31 March 2025. He conducts, all of the responsibilities the Head of the NAD Group must, regardless of the fact he is an interim appointment.

To the end of August 2025, the Ministry of Defence (MOD) expended £4.2 million in workforce costs on the establishment of the National Armaments Director (NAD) Group. This expenditure was drawn from existing resource within MOD, and is not a net increase for the Department. This expenditure is broken down into Enabling Workstreams (£3.1 million) and Organisational Change (£1.1 million).

In addition, in the same period the Department spent £0.5 million on external assistance in support of the establishment of the NAD Group.

The NAD Group design phased is scheduled to conclude on 31 March 2026, at which point costing will be able to be confirmed.

The Department has incurred no additional cost as a result of operating the NAD Group under Andy Start.

Found:

Found: & Barrett, Pets at Home To discuss employment within retail sectors Justin Madders 02/04/2025 Mark Francois