Asked by: Martin Wrigley (Liberal Democrat - Newton Abbot)
Question to the Ministry of Defence:
To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, what plans his Department has to support the expansion of cadet forces through (a) funding of infrastructure, (b) adult volunteer recruitment and retention, and (c) new cadet activities and qualifications.
Answered by Calvin Bailey - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Ministry of Defence) (Minister for Veterans and People)
The Government fully recognises the significant benefits that participation in the Cadet Forces brings to young people, communities and wider society. The Strategic Defence Review recommended a 30% increase in cadet numbers and, following the publication of Defence Investment Plan, we are now working to deliver this growth by 2035.
Detailed work is underway to determine how this expansion will be delivered and to identify the key enablers required to support sustainable growth across the Cadet Forces. While it is currently too early to confirm future funding allocations, we remain committed to investing in the Cadet Forces and improving opportunities for young people throughout the UK.
As part of planning for expansion, we are assessing the suitability, capacity and resilience of the existing cadet estate and infrastructure. This work will inform future decisions on how best to ensure cadet units have access to safe, modern and appropriate facilities capable of supporting increased cadet numbers and programme delivery.
Adult Volunteers are fundamental to the success of the Cadet Forces. We are reviewing and refining the offer available to our volunteers to ensure it remains attractive and sustainable. This includes analysis of volunteer feedback gathered through a recent extensive survey, which will help shape measures to improve recruitment and retention, and the overall volunteer experience as future growth is delivered.
The Cadet experience continues to evolve to help young people develop key skills and attributes for the future. Cadets already participate in a broad range of activities, including leadership, adventurous training, community engagement and STEM-related opportunities. Further work is planned to define skills baselines and improve the consistency of accreditation, qualifications and recognition across the cadet community.
Further detail on the long-term vision for the Cadet Forces will be set out in a new Cadets Action Plan, due to be launched during the first National Cadets Week in October. The Action Plan will focus on modernising the cadet experience, supporting adult volunteers and ensuring cadets and volunteers have the resources required to support future expansion.
Asked by: Martin Wrigley (Liberal Democrat - Newton Abbot)
Question to the Ministry of Defence:
To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, what steps his Department is taking to ensure that entries in the Ministry of Defence Hospitality Register are made in a timely manner; whether his Department provides guidance on the maximum period within which hospitality received must be recorded; and if his Department will make an assessment of the potential merits of introducing requirements for each entry to include (a) the date of entry and (b) the identity of the individual making it.
Answered by Calvin Bailey - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Ministry of Defence) (Minister for Veterans and People)
The Ministry of Defence’s policy has been that offers of hospitality should be recorded on the electronic hospitality register as soon as reasonably practicable. On 1 July 2026 a more robust policy and an improved electronic register were introduced. Offers of hospitality will in future have to be recorded within two weeks. The register includes the date of registration, and the name of the person registering the offer.
Asked by: Martin Wrigley (Liberal Democrat - Newton Abbot)
Question to the Ministry of Defence:
To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, what information his Department holds on the longest current waiting time for a provision of a valuation for a Armed Forces Pension Scheme Cash Equivalent Transfer Value request associated with divorce and financial remedy.
Answered by Calvin Bailey - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Ministry of Defence) (Minister for Veterans and People)
As at 1 May 2026, there are 627 Cash Equivalent Value (CEV) cases remaining where the member is in scope for 2015 Remedy, with the longest delay recorded at approximately 130 weeks.
1,951 CEV cases have been issued since processing began in line with Remedy divorce guidance in October 2023. The Ministry of Defence is committed to issuing CEVs to members as quickly and accurately as possible and is working closely with the scheme administrator to further improve operational delivery and minimise any internal delay. Regular updates are provided at the following link:
https://www.gov.uk/guidance/pensions-and-compensation-for-veterans#divorce
The MOD Veterans Services stands ready to support individuals affected by the delay, providing information, guidance and welfare support on behalf of the MOD to service leavers and their immediate. Further information and contact details can be found at the following link:
https://www.gov.uk/government/groups/veterans-welfare-service
Asked by: Martin Wrigley (Liberal Democrat - Newton Abbot)
Question to the Ministry of Defence:
To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, what information his Department holds on how many Armed Forces Pension Scheme Cash Equivalent Transfer Value requests associated with divorce and financial remedy proceedings remain outstanding.
Answered by Calvin Bailey - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Ministry of Defence) (Minister for Veterans and People)
As at 1 May 2026, there are 627 Cash Equivalent Value (CEV) cases remaining where the member is in scope for 2015 Remedy, with the longest delay recorded at approximately 130 weeks.
1,951 CEV cases have been issued since processing began in line with Remedy divorce guidance in October 2023. The Ministry of Defence is committed to issuing CEVs to members as quickly and accurately as possible and is working closely with the scheme administrator to further improve operational delivery and minimise any internal delay. Regular updates are provided at the following link:
https://www.gov.uk/guidance/pensions-and-compensation-for-veterans#divorce
The MOD Veterans Services stands ready to support individuals affected by the delay, providing information, guidance and welfare support on behalf of the MOD to service leavers and their immediate. Further information and contact details can be found at the following link:
https://www.gov.uk/government/groups/veterans-welfare-service
Asked by: Martin Wrigley (Liberal Democrat - Newton Abbot)
Question to the Ministry of Defence:
To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, whether his Department has undertaken any assessment of the potential merits of establishing a recruitment pathway for Ukrainian nationals lawfully resident in the UK to serve in the British Armed Forces.
Answered by Calvin Bailey - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Ministry of Defence) (Minister for Veterans and People)
Ukrainian nationals including those who are in the UK under the Homes for Ukraine Scheme are not eligible to join the UK Armed Forces unless they meet the nationality requirements which require individuals to be a British (British Citizen, British Overseas Citizen, British Overseas Territory Citizen, British National (Overseas) Citizen, British Protected Person or British Subject) Irish or a Commonwealth Citizen. This can be as a sole or dual national although there are some single Service differences. The British Army also has the Brigade of Gurkhas who are from Nepal. There are no current plans to change these nationality requirements.
If, however, a Ukrainian national is a dual British, Irish or Commonwealth citizen or is eligible to apply for and be granted citizenship of one of these countries, they could then apply to join. They would need to meet the same age, medical, educational and fitness requirements as anyone else, as well as the same security vetting requirements.
Asked by: Martin Wrigley (Liberal Democrat - Newton Abbot)
Question to the Ministry of Defence:
To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, whether a Ukrainian national who has subsequently acquired British citizenship is eligible to enlist in the British Armed Forces on the same basis as any other British citizen.
Answered by Calvin Bailey - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Ministry of Defence) (Minister for Veterans and People)
Ukrainian nationals including those who are in the UK under the Homes for Ukraine Scheme are not eligible to join the UK Armed Forces unless they meet the nationality requirements which require individuals to be a British (British Citizen, British Overseas Citizen, British Overseas Territory Citizen, British National (Overseas) Citizen, British Protected Person or British Subject) Irish or a Commonwealth Citizen. This can be as a sole or dual national although there are some single Service differences. The British Army also has the Brigade of Gurkhas who are from Nepal. There are no current plans to change these nationality requirements.
If, however, a Ukrainian national is a dual British, Irish or Commonwealth citizen or is eligible to apply for and be granted citizenship of one of these countries, they could then apply to join. They would need to meet the same age, medical, educational and fitness requirements as anyone else, as well as the same security vetting requirements.
Asked by: Martin Wrigley (Liberal Democrat - Newton Abbot)
Question to the Ministry of Defence:
To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, what the eligibility requirements are for Ukrainian nationals residing in the UK under the Homes for Ukraine scheme to enlist in the British Armed Forces.
Answered by Calvin Bailey - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Ministry of Defence) (Minister for Veterans and People)
Ukrainian nationals including those who are in the UK under the Homes for Ukraine Scheme are not eligible to join the UK Armed Forces unless they meet the nationality requirements which require individuals to be a British (British Citizen, British Overseas Citizen, British Overseas Territory Citizen, British National (Overseas) Citizen, British Protected Person or British Subject) Irish or a Commonwealth Citizen. This can be as a sole or dual national although there are some single Service differences. The British Army also has the Brigade of Gurkhas who are from Nepal. There are no current plans to change these nationality requirements.
If, however, a Ukrainian national is a dual British, Irish or Commonwealth citizen or is eligible to apply for and be granted citizenship of one of these countries, they could then apply to join. They would need to meet the same age, medical, educational and fitness requirements as anyone else, as well as the same security vetting requirements.
Asked by: Martin Wrigley (Liberal Democrat - Newton Abbot)
Question to the Ministry of Defence:
To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, whether Ukrainian nationals residing in the UK under the Homes for Ukraine scheme are eligible to apply to enlist in the British Armed Forces.
Answered by Calvin Bailey - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Ministry of Defence) (Minister for Veterans and People)
Ukrainian nationals including those who are in the UK under the Homes for Ukraine Scheme are not eligible to join the UK Armed Forces unless they meet the nationality requirements which require individuals to be a British (British Citizen, British Overseas Citizen, British Overseas Territory Citizen, British National (Overseas) Citizen, British Protected Person or British Subject) Irish or a Commonwealth Citizen. This can be as a sole or dual national although there are some single Service differences. The British Army also has the Brigade of Gurkhas who are from Nepal. There are no current plans to change these nationality requirements.
If, however, a Ukrainian national is a dual British, Irish or Commonwealth citizen or is eligible to apply for and be granted citizenship of one of these countries, they could then apply to join. They would need to meet the same age, medical, educational and fitness requirements as anyone else, as well as the same security vetting requirements.
Asked by: Martin Wrigley (Liberal Democrat - Newton Abbot)
Question to the Ministry of Defence:
To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, if he will make an assessment of the potential merits of introducing a compensation scheme for a) veterans and b) their descendants who may have been irradiated during nuclear tests.
Answered by Louise Sandher-Jones - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Ministry of Defence) (Minister for the Armed Forces)
The Government is deeply grateful to all those who participated in the UK nuclear testing programme. We recognise their service and the huge contribution they have made to the UK’s security. We also remain steadfast to our commitment to working with veterans and listening to their concerns.
Any veteran, including those of the nuclear tests, who believes they have suffered ill-health due to service has the right to apply for no-fault compensation under the War Pension Scheme if they served before 6 April 2005. War pensions are payable in respect of illness or injury as a result of service in the Armed Forces, with the benefit of reasonable doubt always given to the claimant. Decisions are medically certified and follow consideration of available service and medical evidence and carry full rights of appeal to an independent tribunal.
Asked by: Martin Wrigley (Liberal Democrat - Newton Abbot)
Question to the Ministry of Defence:
To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, with reference to his Department’s award notice entitled UK5 - Transparency Notice, published 17 December 2025, what definition the Department uses for technical lock‑in.
Answered by Luke Pollard - Minister of State (Ministry of Defence)
The Ministry of Defence does not use a single formal definition of ‘technical lock in’. In the context of the referenced award, the term is used to describe situations where changing a supplier would create disproportionate operational technical difficulty, disruption, or incompatibility with existing systems.