Asked by: Mark Pritchard (Conservative - The Wrekin)
Question to the Ministry of Defence:
To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, if he will take steps with the Secretary of State for Defence to second homeland security personnel to the Royal Military Police to identify and counter extreme right wing activity in His Majesty's Armed Forces.
Answered by Al Carns - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Ministry of Defence) (Minister for Veterans)
The British Army takes far-right extremism extremely seriously and is fully equipped to act swiftly and decisively where necessary to uphold its high standards. Robust measures are firmly in place to prevent and address any such activity. At present, there are no plans to second homeland security personnel to the Royal Military Police, as the Army's existing frameworks and partnerships effectively manage the identification and countering of extreme right-wing behaviour within His Majesty's Armed Forces.
Asked by: Mark Pritchard (Conservative - The Wrekin)
Question to the Ministry of Defence:
To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, what estimate he has made of the quantity of ballistic missiles imported by Iran from China since June 2025.
Answered by Al Carns - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Ministry of Defence) (Minister for Veterans)
The Ministry of Defence cannot comment on the specifics of the Iranian missile regime, as doing so could provide an advantage to those who may seek to harm the UK.
Asked by: Mark Pritchard (Conservative - The Wrekin)
Question to the Ministry of Defence:
To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, if he will ensure that UK Armed Forces personnel in (i) Oman, (ii) Bahrain, (iii) Qatar and (iv) Cyprus are provided with chemical, biological, radiological and nuclear protective kit.
Answered by Al Carns - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Ministry of Defence) (Minister for Veterans)
The requirement for personal protective equipment, is reviewed based on operational circumstances. For reasons of safeguarding operational security, we will not comment further.
Asked by: Mark Pritchard (Conservative - The Wrekin)
Question to the Ministry of Defence:
To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, if he will publish the origin of the component parts of the munitions used in the attack on UK armed forces personnel in (a) Akrotiri and (b) Erbil.
Answered by Al Carns - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Ministry of Defence) (Minister for Veterans)
The Ministry of Defence is currently analysing the origin of the component parts of the munitions used in the attacks on UK Service personnel in Akrotiri and Erbil. We will publish any relevant findings once the investigation has concluded.
Asked by: Mark Pritchard (Conservative - The Wrekin)
Question to the Ministry of Defence:
To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, what estimate he has made of the quantity of chemical compounds imported by Iran from China since 2025.
Answered by Al Carns - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Ministry of Defence) (Minister for Veterans)
The Ministry of Defence cannot comment on the specifics of chemical importations by the Iranian regime, as doing so could provide an advantage to those who may seek to harm the UK.
Asked by: Mark Pritchard (Conservative - The Wrekin)
Question to the Ministry of Defence:
To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, what assessment he has made of the potential risks of Iran's (a) diesel-electric submarine fleet, (b) mini-submarines and (c) underwater unmanned autonomous vehicles on (i) the Royal Navy and (ii) UK commercial shipping.
Answered by Al Carns - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Ministry of Defence) (Minister for Veterans)
The Ministry of Defence routinely monitors and assesses the capabilities and activities of the Iranian Armed Forces, including its naval assets.
Asked by: Mark Pritchard (Conservative - The Wrekin)
Question to the Ministry of Defence:
To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, what steps he is taking to ensure safeguards in the use of AI in the defence systems within the continuous at-sea nuclear deterrent.
Answered by Luke Pollard - Minister of State (Ministry of Defence)
The delivery of defence capabilities enabled by artificial intelligence (AI) will be ambitious, safe and responsible. Research to identify, understand, and mitigate against risks of applying AI for sensitive defence affairs is underway.
Routine nuclear deterrence operations continue to be conducted in accordance with the highest standards and controls. Regardless of any potential application of artificial intelligence in our strategic systems, we will ensure human political control of our nuclear weapons is maintained at all times. I hope that the hon. Gentleman will understand that I will not comment further on the details as to do so would prejudice the capability, security and effectiveness of the Armed Forces.
Asked by: Mark Pritchard (Conservative - The Wrekin)
Question to the Ministry of Defence:
To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, if he will take steps to help improve the living accommodation for Armed Forces personnel located at Clive Baracks, Tern Hill in Shropshire.
Answered by Luke Pollard - Minister of State (Ministry of Defence)
Clive Barracks has been identified for closure under the Defence Estates Optimisation Portfolio, as such, work has been limited to routine and planned preventative maintenance. All troops accommodated at Clive Barracks will be relocated ahead of the closure of the site, in 2029.
Service Family Accommodation (SFA):
The Defence Housing Strategy sets out a vision for the future transformation of military homes; 90% of military homes will be upgraded, renewed or rebuilt, through a record £9 billion investment over a decade. The Armed Forces Bill will establish the new Defence Housing Service (DHS), which will put the needs of Forces and their families first.
In Financial Year 2024-25, 121 Service Family Accommodation (SFA) properties serving Clive Barracks received replacement UPVC doors and windows, and 52 SFA received replacement loft insulation and roofs.
Single Living Accommodation (SLA):
In 2025 the installation of 88 Self-Contained (single occupancy) pods with ensuite bathrooms, shared kitchen & utility rooms, was commissioned by the Army, with further works in progress to improve on-site ablutions, due for completion by the end of the Financial Year. No further improvement works are identified currently.
Asked by: Mark Pritchard (Conservative - The Wrekin)
Question to the Ministry of Defence:
To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, if he will provide details of collaboration with the French Government on the UK nuclear deterrent.
Answered by Luke Pollard - Minister of State (Ministry of Defence)
The UK and France work closely together on a range of nuclear research and technology matters, including as part of the 2010 Teutates Treaty. Our deepening co-operation under the 2025 Northwood Declaration includes nuclear policy, capabilities and operations.
Release of information relating to the UK’s nuclear deterrent and our collaboration with Allies on nuclear matters is considered on a case-by-case basis, taking into account considerations regarding national security, defence and international relations.
Asked by: Mark Pritchard (Conservative - The Wrekin)
Question to the Ministry of Defence:
To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, what steps he is taking to counter engagement with extreme online political content by members of the armed forces.
Answered by Louise Sandher-Jones - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Ministry of Defence)
The Ministry of Defence remains vigilant to the risks associated with Service personnel engaging with extremist or extreme online political content and treats such matters with the utmost seriousness. Such behaviour is wholly incompatible with the values and standards of the Armed Forces.
Defence maintains clear expectations of conduct, requiring all personnel to uphold the core values of respect, integrity and commitment, and to adhere to strict rules on political impartiality. It also voluntarily applies the Government’s Prevent Duty. Service regulations set out clear restrictions on online and public activity to ensure personnel do not engage in behaviour that could undermine the reputation, neutrality or operational effectiveness of the Armed Forces. Through a combination of clear behavioural standards, mandatory training, counter-terrorism intelligence, vetting and robust personnel policies, Defence works to reduce the risk of Armed Forces personnel engaging with extreme online political content.