Asked by: Martin Wrigley (Liberal Democrat - Newton Abbot)
Question to the Ministry of Defence:
To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, whether the Department uses non‑deterministic systems.
Answered by Maria Eagle - Minister of State (Ministry of Defence)
The Ministry of Defence is exploiting AI across a broad spectrum of use cases from the frontline to the back office to make all parts of Defence more efficient and effective. This includes the use of 'non-deterministic' AI systems, such as Large Language Models, where they demonstrate operational benefit. Joint Service Publication 936 on Dependable AI provides a robust framework to address AI-related risks around human control and unpredictability as part of our existing risk management process. This ensures that our legal, ethical and safety obligations are always fulfilled for all AI use cases.
Asked by: Martin Wrigley (Liberal Democrat - Newton Abbot)
Question to the Ministry of Defence:
To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, what steps he is taking to ensure that AI-generated intelligence products are (a) reproducible, (b) trusted and (c) secure.
Answered by Luke Pollard - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Ministry of Defence)
The Ministry of Defence (MOD) continues to exploit AI tools to support intelligence analysts in producing robust and comprehensive assessments. Assessments that incorporate AI analysis are held to the same rigorous standards, such as the Professional Head of Intelligence Assessment Common Analysis Standards, which ensure the highest levels of objectivity, rigour, and auditability. In parallel, we are offering all staff AI training to ensure the MOD is best placed to interpret, manage and keep appropriately secure the large volumes of complex and often conflicting data. This will enable senior decision-makers to spend more time acting on accurate, timely intelligence assessment.
Asked by: Martin Wrigley (Liberal Democrat - Newton Abbot)
Question to the Ministry of Defence:
To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, for which roles his Department has considered using non‑deterministic AI systems; and what mechanisms he plans to put in place to (a) monitor and (b) mitigate associated risks.
Answered by Luke Pollard - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Ministry of Defence)
The Ministry of Defence intends to exploit AI across a broad spectrum of use cases from the frontline to the back office to make all parts of Defence more efficient and effective. This may include the use of ‘non-deterministic’ AI systems (such as Large Language Models). Joint Service Publication 936 on Dependable AI provides a robust framework to address AI-related risks around human control and unpredictability as part of our existing risk management process. This ensures that our legal, ethical and safety obligations are always fulfilled for all AI use cases. We expect that use cases such as training simulations and operational planning exercises will require robust assurance so that outcomes remain valid and repeatable.
Asked by: Martin Wrigley (Liberal Democrat - Newton Abbot)
Question to the Ministry of Defence:
To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, what assessment he has made of the potential impact of non‑deterministic AI behaviour on the validity of (a) training simulations and (b) operational planning exercises.
Answered by Luke Pollard - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Ministry of Defence)
The Ministry of Defence intends to exploit AI across a broad spectrum of use cases from the frontline to the back office to make all parts of Defence more efficient and effective. This may include the use of ‘non-deterministic’ AI systems (such as Large Language Models). Joint Service Publication 936 on Dependable AI provides a robust framework to address AI-related risks around human control and unpredictability as part of our existing risk management process. This ensures that our legal, ethical and safety obligations are always fulfilled for all AI use cases. We expect that use cases such as training simulations and operational planning exercises will require robust assurance so that outcomes remain valid and repeatable.
Asked by: Martin Wrigley (Liberal Democrat - Newton Abbot)
Question to the Ministry of Defence:
To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, if UK defence intelligence will analyse the reported drone attack on the vessel Conscience in international waters to determine the identity of the actors involved.
Answered by Luke Pollard - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Ministry of Defence)
I hope the hon. Gentleman will appreciate that the Department does not routinely disclose precise details of intelligence analysis concerning specific incidents.
Asked by: Martin Wrigley (Liberal Democrat - Newton Abbot)
Question to the Ministry of Defence:
To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, what steps he is taking with European allies to jointly (a) procure and (b) stockpile defence equipment; and if he will make it his policy to work with European allies to coordinate mutual large-scale rearmament.
Answered by Maria Eagle - Minister of State (Ministry of Defence)
Europe faces a generational threat to our shared security. As part of strengthening our international relationships this Government will seek an ambitious, broad-based UK-EU security partnership to protect the UK and EU and enhance cooperation on the threats we collectively face. We will seek a new geopolitical partnership with the EU that drives closer coordination and complements our unshakable commitment to NATO, which will remain the foremost vehicle for European security.
The need for collective European and NATO industrial and procurement initiatives is apparent in programmes such as the European Long-Range Strike Approach, the DIAMOND integrated air and missile defence initiative and NATO’s Defence Production Action Plan and Multinational Procurement initiatives. Collective procurement will deliver more of the capabilities we need across the continent and enhance our shared deterrence. This Government recognises the vital role the UK’s defence industry plays not only in our national security but also to the economic prosperity and growth of the UK.
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 publish the Defence Planning Assumptions before the Defence Spending Review.
Answered by Luke Pollard - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Ministry of Defence)
Defence Planning Assumptions (DPAs) will be revised following the Strategic Defence Review. We remain committed to transparency and will release a public version of updated DPAs once this detailed work is complete and tested.
Asked by: Martin Wrigley (Liberal Democrat - Newton Abbot)
Question to the Ministry of Defence:
To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, pursuant to Question 35453 on USA: Ammunition when he will provide an answer.
Answered by Maria Eagle - Minister of State (Ministry of Defence)
I responded to the hon. Member on 4 April 2025.
Asked by: Martin Wrigley (Liberal Democrat - Newton Abbot)
Question to the Ministry of Defence:
To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, what munitions the UK sources (a) directly and (b) via supply chains from the United States.
Answered by Maria Eagle - Minister of State (Ministry of Defence)
The UK’s munitions stockpile is maintained through the procurement of new rounds and the refurbishment or upgrading of existing munitions. Many types of in-service munitions are from UK suppliers, and many components of systems procured from overseas are manufactured in the UK.
Munitions procured directly through the United States through Foreign Military Sale include complex weapons such as cruise missiles, anti-armour and anti-air weaponry.
Munitions procured by the Ministry of Defence from the United States via supply chains through other contractual arrangements include Guided Multiple Launch Rocket System (GMLRS) rounds, an Extended Range variant of GMLRS rounds, a range of small arms ammunition and explosive charges, and the Trident nuclear deterrent.
Asked by: Martin Wrigley (Liberal Democrat - Newton Abbot)
Question to the Ministry of Defence:
To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, pursuant to the Answer of 10 March to Question 35454, whether he has made an assessment of the level of defence procurement can be moved to the UK from the US.
Answered by Maria Eagle - Minister of State (Ministry of Defence)
The Strategic Defence Review will guide the Ministry of Defence's future investment priorities and will also shape the Defence Industrial Strategy. To support the UK’s Armed Forces we procure a diverse range of systems both domestically and in collaboration with our international allies and partners.
The United States is the United Kingdom's primary defence and security ally. Our collaboration in defence is mutually beneficial, and we maintain robust working partnerships in the areas of intelligence, nuclear, science and technology, and operations.