Question to the Department of Health and Social Care:

To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, what assessment has been made of levels of disparities in GP-to-patient ratios between rural and urban constituencies.

Answered by Diana Johnson - Minister of State (Department of Health and Social Care)

Each general practice is required to provide services to meet the reasonable needs of their patients, and to consider the workforce required to meet those needs.

As independent contractors to the National Health Service, it is down to general practices to determine the staffing and skills mix that they recruit.

The number of patients per general practitioner (GP) has been steadily falling since the 2024 election and we are committed to continuing to expand GP workforce capacity. Thanks to actions taken by this Government, we now have the highest number of fully qualified GPs since 2015.

Question to the Ministry of Defence:

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, what steps are being taken to help address skills shortages and engineering deficits within the domestic defence workforce.

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

Addressing critical skills shortages is key to ensuring the UK defence sector has the workforce required now and in the future. The £182 million Defence Industry Skills package is strengthening the pipeline into defence careers and expanding training in strategically important disciplines, including engineering.

This Government is proud to have invested in skills for the first time as part of the Defence Industrial Strategy. This includes £50 million for five Defence Technical Excellence Colleges (DTECs) in England, which will equip students aged 16 and above with the technical skills required for critical defence roles. We also intend to launch two DTECs in Scotland, one in Wales, and we are working with the Northern Ireland Executive on similar skills initiatives as part of the NI Defence Growth Deal.

Question to the Ministry of Defence:

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, whether financial incentives are being offered to rebuild the domestic defence manufacturing and industrial base.

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

The Ministry of Defence is taking action to strengthen the UK's defence industrial base through targeted investment in skills, innovation, regional growth and supply chains. Through the Defence Industrial Strategy and Defence Investment Plan, the Ministry of Defence has committed £250 million to five Defence Growth Deals across the UK and £182 million to a defence-industry skills package. In addition, the forthcoming Defence Finance and Investment Strategy will support greater private investment into defence and dual-use businesses.

Question to the Home Office:

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, what assessment she has made of the adequacy of the police funding formula in meeting the needs of rural police forces.

Answered by Sarah Jones - Minister of State (Home Office)

The majority of public funding for police forces in England and Wales is provided by the Home Office and is agreed by the House of Commons on an annual basis at the police funding settlement. Each year the Home Office produces a Police Grant Report which is published and voted on by Parliament and contains grant funding allocations for the following year to be paid out under the Police Act 1996. The funding formula used for distributing Home Office Police Main Grant divides funds between different activities that the police undertake. A portion of total funding is also distributed according to population sparsity, to address the specific needs of rural forces. A copy of the most recent Grant Report for 2026-27 has been placed in the Libraries of both Houses and can be found online:

https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/media/6979db5b316fd8f8015520ad/E03528744_-_HC_1638_-_Police_Grant_Report_2026-27_BOOKMARKED.pdf

The Police Reform White Paper confirmed that we will review the formula once the implementation of police reform is underway so that the new formula reflects the new police force structures.

Reviewing the funding formula is an opportunity to review and update the factors that drive relative demand on modern police budgets for all forces – whether rural, urban or a blend of the two. Next steps of this review will be set out after the Independent Review of structures has reported.

Question to the Department for Business, Innovation, Science and Trade:

To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Innovation, Science and Trade, how sovereign artificial intelligence and quantum computing capabilities are being ring-fenced for national security applications.

Answered by Kanishka Narayan - Minister of State (Cabinet Office) (Jointly with the Department for Business, Innovation, Science and Technology)

The AI Research Resource (AIRR) is the UK’s national AI computing infrastructure. We are dedicating AIRR capacity to AI R&D aligned with government priorities and providing dedicated access to core Government AI functions, including the AI Security Institute and Sovereign AI. This supports the AI Security Institute’s work to understand and address security risks from advanced AI.

We are also investing in next-generation public compute infrastructure to strengthen the UK’s sovereign compute capability and provide a flexible platform for advanced AI workloads and emerging technologies, including novel AI architectures and quantum computing in the future.

The National Quantum Computing Centre and UKRI work closely with stakeholders across government to ensure our quantum computing deployments are designed to support national priorities, including national security. This will continue with the ProQure programme which is designed to accelerate development of quantum computing capability and help create the evidence base needed for future deployment of large-scale quantum computing systems in the UK. ProQure will also include investment in sovereign capability through supply chain investment.

Question to the Ministry of Defence:

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, how the UK’s overseas military footprint is being organised to meet regional deterrence goals.

Answered by Louise Sandher-Jones - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Ministry of Defence) (Minister for the Armed Forces)

The Strategic Defence Review put NATO First at the heart of UK defence policy, reflecting the growing threat from Russia and the need for European Allies to take greater responsibility for our collective security. We are therefore prioritising our military contribution where it can have the greatest deterrent effect, while retaining the flexibility to respond to emerging threats.

The Global Integrated Plan is the Department’s mechanism for cohering Defence activity across regions, ensuring military activity is aligned with the Government’s highest priorities. This mechanism regularly reviews our global military footprint against evolving security challenges.

The UK leads NATO’s Forward Land Forces in Estonia, contributes to NATO Air Policing on the Eastern Flank and to maritime security in the Baltic, while increasing our presence and activity in the High North. We continually assess our force posture against the evolving threat and requirement to ensure UK forces remain positioned to deter, defend and respond wherever required.

Question to the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs:

To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, what assessment has been made of the impact of rural crime on farm businesses.

Answered by Stephen Morgan - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs)

Defra recognises the significant impact of illegal waste dumping and fly-tipping on farm businesses. The 2025 Waste Crime Survey estimates that 57% of landowners and farmers have been affected by waste crime. Through the Waste Crime Action Plan, the Government is strengthening prevention and enforcement.

Question to the Department for Business, Innovation, Science and Trade:

To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Innovation, Science and Trade, what funding has been dedicated to sovereign semiconductor research and fabrication security.

Answered by Kanishka Narayan - Minister of State (Cabinet Office) (Jointly with the Department for Business, Innovation, Science and Technology)

The Government is supporting sovereign semiconductor research and fabrication through a range of targeted investments as part of the UK’s Modern Industrial Strategy. This includes over £1.1 billion through the UK AI Hardware Plan and £718 million for semiconductor, advanced connectivity technologies and cyber research via UKRI up to 2030. The Government has also supported domestic fabrication capability, including a £60 million National Wealth Fund investment in Pragmatic Semiconductor, support through the Automotive Transformation Fund for Vishay’s £250 million investment in Newport, and the Ministry of Defence’s acquisition of the facility now operating as Octric Semiconductor. These investments strengthen UK sovereign research, commercialisation, resilience and manufacturing capability.

Question to the Ministry of Defence:

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, by what date DragonFire will be fitted on Royal Navy Type 45 Destroyers.

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

I refer the hon. Member to the response to Question 17420:

https://questions-statements.parliament.uk/written-questions/detail/2026-07-09/17420

Question to the Department for Business, Innovation, Science and Trade:

To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Innovation, Science and Trade, what regulatory guardrails are being placed on commercial providers operating critical data centres in the UK.

Answered by Kanishka Narayan - Minister of State (Cabinet Office) (Jointly with the Department for Business, Innovation, Science and Technology)

The Government recognises the critical role that commercially operated data centres play in supporting our economy, public services and national security. Through the Cyber Security and Resilience Bill, qualifying data centres will be brought within the Network and Information Systems regulatory framework, requiring operators to take appropriate and proportionate measures to manage risks to their network and information systems and strengthening incident-reporting arrangements.

Question to the Department for Business, Innovation, Science and Trade:

To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Innovation, Science and Trade, how the National Security Strategic Investment Fund is scaling up investments in breakthrough deep-tech start-ups.

Answered by Chris McDonald - Minister of State (Department of Health and Social Care)

To support the UK's security and growth objectives the Government is scaling up the National Security Strategic Investment Fund (NSSIF) investments during this Spending Review period. As announced in the National Security Strategy and Modern Industrial Strategy, NSSIF will receive up to £330 million of capital over the Spending Review period. This expansion will enable NSSIF to back more early-stage firms developing technologies in artificial intelligence and data, quantum technologies, space and communications, and other emerging technology sectors, while attracting further private investment into the UK ecosystem.

Question to the Home Office:

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, what resources have been provided to the Joint Security and Resilience Centre (JSaRC) to support public-private execution of the National Security Strategy 2025.

Answered by Dan Jarvis - Minister of State (Home Office) (Security) (Jointly with the Cabinet Office)

The Joint Security and Resilience Centre (JSaRC) acts as a convening and engagement mechanism for the security industry that supports delivery of the National Security Strategy 2025.

JSaRC is staffed by 15 full-time equivalent civil servants, supported part-time by three secondees from industry. Its budget for 2026 to 2027 is £1,748,476.

These resources enable JSaRC to provide the secretariat for the Security and Resilience Growth Partnership board and to run the annual Security & Policing Exhibition.

Question to the Ministry of Defence:

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, with reference to page 92 of his Department’s Strategic Defence Review, published 2 June 2025, what progress he has made on working with the Department for Education to develop an understanding of Armed Forces among young people in schools.

Answered by Calvin Bailey - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Ministry of Defence) (Minister for Veterans and People)

The Ministry of Defence recognises the importance of Recommendation 26 of the Strategic Defence Review and is continuing to work with the Department for Education to consider how young people’s understanding of the Armed Forces and their role can be strengthened.

Alongside this work, the Armed Forces continue to engage young people through a range of activities in schools and colleges. These include the Royal Air Force’s virtual work experience programme, Army careers and community engagement, and Royal Navy leadership, teamworking and STEM activities. These programmes provide young people with opportunities to learn about the work of the Armed Forces and the breadth of careers available.

Question to the Department for Business, Innovation, Science and Trade:

To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Innovation, Science and Trade, how the government protects home-grown technological start-ups from predatory foreign buyouts.

Answered by Chris McDonald - Minister of State (Department of Health and Social Care)

The Digital and Technologies sector plan, part of our Modern Industrial Strategy, aims to make the UK a leading place to start and scale technology businesses. Our Entrepreneurship Prospectus sets out further reforms, alongside mobilising private investment via our Public Financial Institutions.

The UK welcomes foreign investment, helping British businesses grow, innovate and access international markets. Government can act where acquisitions raise national security concerns under the National Security and Investment Act 2021, and on specified public interest grounds under the Enterprise Act 2002. The independent Competition and Markets Authority is responsible for investigating mergers and acquisitions on competition grounds.

Question to the Department for Business, Innovation, Science and Trade:

To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Innovation, Science and Trade, what protections exist for commercial space launch providers operating from UK soil against hostile interference.

Answered by Chris McDonald - Minister of State (Department of Health and Social Care)

The Government works with UK Launch providers at all stages of operations to ensure security from hostile interference. This includes conducting a security assessment during a licensing process, providing access to updates and warnings on incidents and activities that might affect operations and providing support and guidance on security matters, including physical, personnel and cyber security.

The Government takes any threat of hostile interference seriously and, working with regulators, law enforcement and national security partners, will respond firmly and proportionately to incidents.

Question to the Department for Business, Innovation, Science and Trade:

To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Innovation, Science and Trade, what export control measures are being tightened to prevent the leakage of sensitive dual-use technologies to hostile actors.

Answered by Blair McDougall - Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State (Department for Business, Innovation, Science and Trade) (Jointly with the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero)

We keep our controls under review to ensure they keep pace with evolving risks arising from export and transfer of sensitive dual-use technologies.

In 2022, we made significant updates to our Military End-Use Control, making it more effective to counter these threats. We are also working with our international partners and have jointly introduced controls on emerging technology, for example items related to quantum computing and semiconductors.

We will continue to review our measures to strike the right balance between restricting access to sensitive technologies to protect national security, and facilitating legitimate exports to support sovereign innovation and growth.

Question to the HM Treasury:

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, what evaluations have been conducted on the economic multiplier effect of domestic defence manufacturing investments.

Answered by Emma Reynolds - Chief Secretary to the Treasury

Increased domestic defence investment will improve our security and stability and boost economic growth, through more skills, innovation and spillover effects.

The government will ensure that economic growth considerations are central to decision-making in the allocation of defence investment. Our Defence Investment Plan will back British workers, support businesses and innovation, and create thousands of better-skilled jobs and apprenticeships by increasing Defence exports.

Question to the Ministry of Defence:

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, what doctrine governs the deployment of active cyber measures in response to hybrid attacks on allies.

Answered by Louise Sandher-Jones - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Ministry of Defence) (Minister for the Armed Forces)

The UK is taking coordinated action with NATO Allies and other international partners to counter the growing threat from hostile state hybrid activity and increase our collective resilience. The Government has a range of levers available to deter and respond to such activity, including cyber capabilities. Decisions on the use of cyber capabilities are taken through national decision-making arrangements on a case-by-case basis, with any activity conducted in accordance with international law.

Question to the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office:

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what steps he is taking to support human rights and democratic values in the context of strategic security partnerships.

Answered by Chris Elmore - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office)

The Government promotes human rights, democratic values and the rule of law through its strategic security partnerships. Through these partnerships the UK strengthens oversight, promotes accountability, and encourages responsible contracting.

The UK supports international initiatives, including the Voluntary Principles on Security and Human Rights and the International Code of Conduct Association for Private Security Providers, to improve standards in security provision and reduce the risk of human rights abuses. The UK also works through multilateral and regional security fora, including the United Nations, the G7 and the Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe, to promote human rights, democratic values and the rule of law internationally.

Question to the Ministry of Defence:

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, how the National Cyber Force (NCF) is scaling its operations to counter state-backed threat actors operating below the threshold of war.

Answered by Louise Sandher-Jones - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Ministry of Defence) (Minister for the Armed Forces)

The Ministry of Defence does not comment on operational matters as disclosure of such detail could undermine operational and national security.

Question to the Home Office:

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, what specific measures are being taken to harden critical national infrastructure against sub-threshold attacks.

Answered by Dan Jarvis - Minister of State (Home Office) (Security) (Jointly with the Cabinet Office)

The Government's first responsibility is to keep the country safe, and strengthening the resilience of the UK's Critical National Infrastructure (CNI) is a key element of our National Security Strategy and wider domestic resilience agenda. The Government is taking a range of measures to strengthen CNI against the full spectrum of threats, including sub-threshold activity.

The Government's 2025 Resilience Action Plan sets out an ‘all-hazards approach’ to building national resilience, including for CNI, and is supported by the National Security Strategy, Strategic Defence Review and 10 Year Infrastructure Strategy.

We work closely with CNI operators to improve security, preparedness and resilience across all CNI sectors. We have carried out a range of work to build awareness of the threats we face and the steps that businesses can take to strengthen their security and resilience. As part of this, we recently announced that the Security Minister will chair a threat briefing with industry bodies representing CNI.

Question to the Ministry of Defence:

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, what lessons his Department has learned from the war in Ukraine; and what impact that war has had on procurement models.

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

The UK is learning extensively from Ukraine, particularly the need for a much faster 'learn and adapt' cycle and the ability to analyse real time data to drive rapid changes in capability and tactics though rapid innovation. This continues to inform UK Defence Policy. As such, we are strengthening collaboration between operators, scientists and industry to accelerate our innovation activity to satisfy Defence requirements.

The war in Ukraine has also demonstrated the importance of speed and technical innovation for UK defence procurement. Our new segmented approach to procurement and accelerated commercial pathways, set out in the Strategic Defence Review, will enable us to get programmes onto contract faster. Through UK Defence Innovation, we will accelerate the delivery of cutting-edge, front-line-ready capabilities, enabling the rapid acquisition and integration of available technologies to strengthen military capability and deliver decisive operational advantage on the battlefield.

Question to the Ministry of Defence:

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, how the Total Efficiency Commitment is split between the (a) 2026-2026, (b) 2027-2028, (c) 2028-2029 and (d) 2029-2030 financial years.

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

As set out in Table 21 of the Annex to the Defence Investment Plan, the Department's total efficiency commitment of £10.7 billion is profiled across the four-year period as follows:

Question

To ask the Secretary of State for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport, what regulatory actions are planned to secure smart city and Internet of Things ecosystems against systemic disruption.

Answered by Ian Murray - Minister of State (Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport)

The Government does not regulate ‘smart city’ or Internet of Things ecosystems as a distinct category. Its focus is on ensuring that connected technology meets minimum security requirements (the PSTI Act 2022), and that essential networks and services are resilient (the Cyber Security and Resilience Bill). The Government Cyber Action Plan sets out how we will achieve a step change in cyber security and digital resilience across government and the wider public sector (including local authorities). Owners and developers of smart city infrastructure should also follow the National Cyber Security Centre’s connected places cyber security principles, and the Government’s secure connected places playbook.

Question to the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office:

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, whether diplomatic assets are being redeployed to contested regions in Africa and the Middle East.

Answered by Uma Kumaran - Assistant Whip

The Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) maintains a global diplomatic network and keeps the deployment of its staff and resources under regular review to ensure they are aligned with Government priorities.

Resource allocations may be adjusted as the evolving geopolitical context and operational requirements change. In Africa and the Middle East, the UK maintains a significant diplomatic presence in support of UK interests, including security, regional stability, economic growth, migration objectives and the protection of British nationals.

Question to the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs:

To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, how the security and continuity of the UK food supply chain is factored into national homeland resilience planning.

Answered by Stephen Morgan - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs)

Food security is national security. The Food Sector is one of the UK’s thirteen Critical National Infrastructure sectors. We work closely with the Cabinet Office and other Lead Government Departments to ensure food supply is fully incorporated as part of national resilience planning and emergency preparedness.

Question to the Department for Business, Innovation, Science and Trade:

To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Innovation, Science and Trade, what oversight the Cabinet Office maintains over foreign direct investment screenings to help protect sensitive domestic assets.

Answered by Chris McDonald - Minister of State (Department of Health and Social Care)

On 21 July 2026 responsibility for investment screening and the National Security and Investment (NSI) Act passed from the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster (CDL) in the Cabinet Office to the Secretary of State for Business, Innovation, Science and Trade. The powers and requirements under the NSI Act – including the statutory timelines, set processes, and legal tests for using the NSI Act – all remain the same.

Question to the HM Treasury:

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, with reference to the National Security Strategy, published 24 June 2025, what long-term fiscal adjustments have been modeled to support economic security.

Answered by Torsten Bell - Parliamentary Secretary (HM Treasury)

The Government considers the implications of national security, economic resilience and economic security as part of its overall approach to fiscal policy, spending decisions and public investment.

The National Security Strategy, published on 24 June 2025, set out the Government's approach to strengthening the UK's security and resilience, including the commitment to increase spending on national security to 5 per cent of GDP by 2035.

Decisions on taxation, public spending and investment are taken through the normal fiscal event and Spending Review processes, consistent with the Government's fiscal framework.

Through these processes, the Government is supporting economic security and resilience, including through our public finance offer, with Public Finance Institutions and interventions working together to direct more investment at strategic sectors and supply chains. This includes the expansion of the National Security Strategic Investment Fund, which invests into advanced dual-use technology companies to support the National Security and Defence community and start-ups across the country.

Question to the Ministry of Defence:

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, with reference to page 110 of his Department's Strategic Defence Review, published 2 June 2025, how his Department prioritises investment in surveillance drones and counter-drone systems.

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

The Defence Uncrewed Systems Centre (DUSC) considers the potential application of uncrewed systems across military applications, including surveillance. Through the Defence Investment Plan Project CORVUS is investing £310 million of new investment in the Army’s long-range surveillance and reconnaissance capabilities, including the next generation of uncrewed aerial systems to replace legacy Watchkeeper drones. Furthermore, it is investing £310 million in the new Uncrewed Systems Centre, including the recently opened DroneTEX facility, to coordinate all output with industry, partners, and allies.

In addition, Defence is investing a further £240 million in an enhanced counter-drone system, providing effective detection and defeat of emerging drone threats. Given the rapid pace of technological development and the evolving drone threat, Defence prioritises flexible and adaptable counter-drone capabilities that can be updated through spiral development and supported by operational learning.

Question to the Department for Business, Innovation, Science and Trade:

To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Innovation, Science and Trade, what steps he is taking to help insulate UK supply chains from structural volatility.

Answered by Blair McDougall - Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State (Department for Business, Innovation, Science and Trade) (Jointly with the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero)

The Department for Business, Innovation, Science and Trade has established and launched a new Supply Chain Centre. The Centre’s mission is to ensure that the UK has a secure supply of the inputs it needs and that businesses are equipped for sustained growth. That’s both for now and in a potentially increasingly disrupted and uncertain future.

The UK government is working with businesses, industry groups and partners across government and internationally to monitor impacts and respond to supply chain disruptions and volatility, including those caused by the conflict in the Middle East.

Question to the Ministry of Defence:

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, how the Ministry of Defence is aligning its force posture with ongoing geopolitical shifts.

Answered by Louise Sandher-Jones - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Ministry of Defence) (Minister for the Armed Forces)

The Ministry of Defence keeps the UK's force posture under constant review to ensure that it remains aligned with the evolving security environment. The Strategic Defence Review made it clear that owing to a changing geopolitical context, Defence needed to increase focus on warfighting readiness and our leadership role within NATO. This has driven prioritisation of the activity that our Armed Forces conducts and has shaped the ongoing investment in military capability to ensure that Defence remains capable of deterring threats, defending the United Kingdom and its Overseas Territories, and contributing to international security. Defence continually assesses geopolitical developments, emerging threats and opportunities, and adapts its planning, readiness, global engagement and capability development accordingly.

Question to the Home Office:

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, how law enforcement agencies are being equipped to tackle AI-generated deepfakes and automated cybercrime operations.

Answered by Sarah Jones - Minister of State (Home Office)

I can assure that the government takes AI enabled crime and cybercrime very seriously and will continue to take the necessary steps to protect the public and support victims.

The Home Office has established the Police AI Threat Hub (PATH), as part of PoliceAI, to help build a consistent national response across local policing to the criminal misuse of AI.

PATH brings together expertise from across policing and partner organisations to develop and share good practice, and strengthen the response to emerging threats, including AI-generated deepfakes.

Through the Crime and Policing Act 2026, the Government banned the making and supply of deepfake intimate image generators, often known as nudification apps.

To tackle cybercrime the Home Office works with our partners across Government and law enforcement, including the National Crime Agency, National Cyber Security Centre (NCSC) and Policing, to tackle all cyber threats. This includes Home Office funding for Regional Cyber Crime Units (RCCUs) across England and Wales, tasked with investigating and pursuing serious cyber offenders conducting crime committed in, or against, the UK. Since 2017, in partnership with local Police and Crime Commissioners, the Home Office has also directly funded a national network of local specialist officers trained to investigate cybercrime and support local communities in efforts to prevent crimes that occur online.

Question to the Department of Health and Social Care:

To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, what steps she is taking to help improve the resilience of national stockpiles of critical pharmaceuticals and medical devices.

Answered by James Frith - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Department of Health and Social Care)

Stockpiling is one of a number of measures used to strengthen the resilience of essential healthcare supply chains, along with diversification, support for domestic manufacturing, and international collaboration.

The Department has established shortage management procedures to help mitigate the patient impact of supply disruption, including sourcing alternative products, serious shortage protocols, and a global logistics contingency. Further, NHS England's procurement arrangements include requirements for suppliers of certain secondary care medicines to hold buffer stocks to help manage disruption.

Given the global nature of the supply chains for critical pharmaceuticals and medical devices, the Government continues to work with international partners, including the European Union, and across the supply chain to strengthen resilience, reduce vulnerabilities, and support reliable access to essential products for patients.

Question to the Department for Energy Security & Net Zero:

To ask the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, what steps she is taking to help upgrade the security of energy pipelines in order to build resilience to future threats.

Answered by Michael Shanks - Minister of State (Department for Energy Security and Net Zero)

The Government takes the protection of energy infrastructure incredibly seriously. We work closely with the National Protective Security Authority, the energy industry, regulators and other stakeholders to continually improve and maintain the security of energy infrastructure, ensuring it can safely operate and is resilient both now and in the future.

Building on this work, Government will publish an Energy Resilience Strategy in 2026, setting out the Government’s long-term priorities for maintaining and strengthening energy resilience across the UK.

Question to the Department for Business, Innovation, Science and Trade:

To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Innovation, Science and Trade, what resilience measures protect national satellite navigation and communication assets against jamming and spoofing.

Answered by Chris McDonald - Minister of State (Department of Health and Social Care)

The UK does not own or operate any national satellite navigation assets and relies upon Global Navigation Satellite Systems. To mitigate any potential disruption to these Global Navigation Satellite Systems, the Government is implementing the 2023 Policy Framework for Greater Position, Navigation and Timing (PNT) resilience. This includes £13 million over the current Spending Review period to develop a UK interference monitoring programme, to monitor and react to threats to PNT signals like jamming and spoofing. The UK’s national satellite communication assets are military systems and the responsibility of the Secretary of State for Defence.

Question to the HM Treasury:

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, what tax or investment policy levers are being deployed to stimulate private equity and venture capital investment into dual-use domestic technologies.

Answered by Dan Tomlinson - Exchequer Secretary (Cabinet Office) (Jointly with HM Treasury)

The Government is mobilising private investment into dual-use domestic technologies through a combination of public finance and tax interventions. This includes a substantial uplift of £330 million over the spending review period to the National Security Strategic Investment Fund (NSSIF). NSSIF invests directly and through specialist venture capital funds into strategically important dual-use companies, playing an important role in crowding in private capital. The British Business Bank’s financial capacity has also increased to £25.6 billion, including a £4 billion Industrial Strategy Growth Capital initiative to support businesses in priority sectors, such as defence and digital technologies.

At Budget 2025, the government announced a comprehensive package of entrepreneurship tax measures to provide substantially greater support for scaling businesses across the UK. This included doubling the maximum amount companies can raise through the Enterprise Investment Scheme and Venture Capital Trust scheme. The increased limits are expected to generate around £100 million a year in additional investment for successful scaling companies, including those developing dual-use technologies such as cybersecurity and artificial intelligence technologies.

Question to the Home Office:

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, what steps her Department is taking to tackle illicit activity on the high street.

Answered by Sarah Jones - Minister of State (Home Office)

In May, the Government announced a £30 million crackdown targeting illicit cash intensive businesses such as barber shops, vape stores, mini-marts and sweet shops operating on our high streets, over three years. This includes the following activities:

- £20 million in funding towards an enhanced law enforcement response, including establishing a new multi-agency coordination cell based in the National Crime Agency.

- Police officers are being uplifted across forces in hotspot regions (Greater Manchester Police, West Midlands Police, and a joint Kent Police and Essex Police Unit).

- Trading Standards will also be backed with £6 million in new funding to bolster the response to sham businesses in at-risk local authorities. New officer training will be rolled out to identify suspicious businesses, strengthen business compliance and boost enforcement.

- A new cross-government High Street Organised Crime Unit has also been established to bring together government departments, policing partners and Trading Standards. The unit is responsible for identifying what more is needed – from stronger powers to better coordination – to stop this criminal activity from happening in the first place. On that front, the Government has already announced plans to double the duration of closure orders and plans are underway to introduce secondary legislation to that effect in the coming months.

- The remainder of the funding is split between HMRC and immigration enforcement.

This work builds upon operational activity, Operation MACHINIZE, led by the National Crime Agency in conjunction with the National Police Chief’s Council, which, since March 2025, has led to over 3,000 high street premises suspected of criminality having been visited and nearly 1,000 individuals arrested.

This Government is committed to tackling high street crime and the selling of illegal goods and we will continue to work with the NCA, regional and local policing, and other key stakeholders to disrupt the highest harm organised crime groups who operate these illegal businesses and cause harm within our communities.

Question to the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office:

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, whether the diplomatic apparatus is being restructured to match the strategic framework set out in the National Security Strategy 2025.

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

The Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) is undertaking the FCDO2030 transformation programme to ensure that its structures, capabilities and ways of working support delivery of the Government's priorities, including those set out in the National Security Strategy 2025: Security for the British People in a Dangerous World. This includes strengthening strategic planning, improving organisational agility and ensuring that resources and capabilities are aligned to national security and foreign policy challenges in a rapidly changing world.

Question to the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government:

To ask the Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government, how local resilience forums are being resourced to meet the expanded threat profile.

Answered by Florence Eshalomi - Minister of State (Housing, Communities and Local Government)

Since Financial Year 2021/22, MHCLG has provided all 38 LRFs in England with Capacity & Capability Funding, averaging £180,000 per LRF per annum. In addition, our Stronger LRF Trailblazer programme provides 5 LRFs (Cumbria, Greater Manchester, London, Northumbria and Suffolk) with additional average resource of £550,000 per annum for a 4 year period starting in 2025/26 to test significantly strengthening resilience arrangements and provide evidence for the next Spending Review.

Question to the Department for Education:

To ask the Secretary of State for Education, what assessment she has made of levels of foreign operations targeting domestic academic institutions.

Answered by Josh MacAlister - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Department for Education)

It is, and always will be, an absolute priority to protect the UK against foreign interference. The National Security Act 2023 provides the security services and law enforcement agencies with the tools they need to deter, detect, and disrupt modern-day state threats.

Any attempt by any foreign power to intimidate, harass or harm individuals or communities in the UK or to coerce universities to limit free speech and academic freedoms, will not be tolerated.

As a matter of longstanding policy, we do not comment on operational matters, including specific threat assessments, investigations or activity relating to individual organisations.

Question to the Ministry of Defence:

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, what support military engineering units are providing to civil authorities for homeland infrastructure protection.

Answered by Louise Sandher-Jones - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Ministry of Defence) (Minister for the Armed Forces)

Cabinet Office and CNI Lead Government Departments are seeking to deliver measures that ensure CNI is safeguarded against a range of hybrid and conventional threats. Defence is supporting these efforts by developing plans to align Defence resources and capabilities to protect the most important infrastructure in a conflict scenario.

It is the responsibility of CNI Lead Government Departments to set and enforce standards for the protection and resilience of infrastructure within their sector, in partnership with CNI operators in the private and public sectors. If there is a requirement for military support, the Military Aid to Civil Authority process is a mechanism through which Defence can be engaged for support.

Question to the Ministry of Defence:

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, what joint exercises are planned with Commonwealth partners to test collective security guarantees.

Answered by Louise Sandher-Jones - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Ministry of Defence) (Minister for the Armed Forces)

The Commonwealth is a political association that does not provide collective security guarantees in the same way that NATO does. The UK Armed Forces routinely conduct exercises with Commonwealth partners on a bilateral and multilateral basis to build capacity, strengthen regional security and enhance interoperability.

The only other Commonwealth nation in NATO is Canada, with both countries expected to participate in NATO’s STEADFAST series of exercises designed to test and validate the alliance’s readiness and ability to defend the Euro-Atlantic. All members of the Five Power Defence Arrangements (FPDA) are Commonwealth nations, but this grouping is consultative and does not provide direct security guarantees. The UK routinely participates in FPDA exercises that are announced on its website.

Question to the Cabinet Office:

To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office, with reference to page 27 of the National Security Strategy, published 24 June 2025, what findings have been made by the annual National Exercises testing whole-of-society preparedness.

Answered by Dan Jarvis - Minister of State (Home Office) (Security) (Jointly with the Cabinet Office)

The Cabinet Office oversaw two cross-system National Exercises within this period – more than in 14 years of successive Conservative governments. Exercise PEGASUS on pandemic preparedness was conducted in three primary phases in September and October 2025 helping to shape this government’s new Pandemic Preparedness Strategy. A classified cross-system exercise was also conducted in 2026. Findings from PEGASUS will be made public by winter 2026. Findings from the cyber resilience exercise will not be made public for national security considerations.

Question to the Cabinet Office:

To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office, what recent progress he has made on the Home Defence Programme in bridging civil-military preparedness gaps.

Answered by Dan Jarvis - Minister of State (Home Office) (Security) (Jointly with the Cabinet Office)

HMG has made significant progress in advancing the Home Defence Programme since its inception in 2024 and continues to develop civilian-military preparedness. As announced in July, the programme is leading the regeneration of the Government War Book and we will be holding the largest home defence exercise in recent UK history next year. I am driving forward this work at pace in the Cabinet Office, working with colleagues in the Ministry of Defence.

Question to the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office:

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, how the UK is cooperating with international partners to regulate the military applications of artificial intelligence.

Answered by Uma Kumaran - Assistant Whip

The United Kingdom continues to promote safe, legal and ethical development and use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in the military domain. The UK co-sponsored the UN resolution on Artificial Intelligence in the Military Domain and contributed to the subsequent Secretary-General's report on its implications for international peace and security. We are working with partners on follow-up discussions at the United Nations to build international understanding of opportunities, risks and practical risk-reduction measures. The UK also co-sponsors the Responsible AI in the Military Domain (REAIM) process and works with NATO Allies to advance the Alliance's approach to the responsible use of artificial intelligence.

Question to the Ministry of Defence:

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, how the UK's nuclear deterrent posture is being adapted to match modern proliferation risks.

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

The UK’s independent nuclear deterrent exists to deter the most extreme threats to our national security and way of life, which cannot be deterred by other means. We continually review our nuclear deterrence posture in light of the international security environment and the actions of potential adversaries, to ensure we can meet the threats facing the UK and our NATO allies.

The Government has accepted all recommendations made in the Strategic Defence Review 2025, including those relating to nuclear. The Defence Investment Plan is delivering on the vision set out in the Government’s response to the SDR to place defence on a stronger, more sustainable footing.

On nuclear deterrence, the Government has committed: to delivering the next generation of the UK’s SSBNs through the Dreadnought programme, to enter service over the 2030s; to £15 billion investment into the UK’s sovereign warhead programme; to continuous submarine production to allow the UK to grow our SSN fleet up to 12; to sustain investment across the Defence Nuclear Enterprise, supporting the UK’s alliances, skills and industrial base; to purchase at least 12 F-35As with the intention to contribute these towards NATO’s Nuclear Mission, and; to supporting core NATO capabilities through investments including DPS and IAMD, bolstering NATO’s overall deterrence and defence posture.

Question to the Ministry of Defence:

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, what milestones have been established for the next operational phases of the AUKUS security partnership.

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

Under Pillar I, we are midway through the Detailed Design and Long Lead (D2L2) phase, and next year we will cut steel on the first UK SSN-AUKUS submarine.

Under Pillar II, in September 2026, Project Broadsword saw the Excalibur XLUUV adapted with a specialist management system to successfully fire and control a US Mk48 heavyweight torpedo. We are also approaching our greatest demonstration of trilateral cooperation and interoperability at Maritime Big Play Pacific (Oct 2026). The first payloads from the UUV payload Signature Project will be delivered in 2027.

Question to the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office:

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, with reference to page 14 of the National Security Strategy, published 24 June 2025, what assessment he has made of the potential impact of eroding rules-based international frameworks on the implementation of the National Security Strategy.

Answered by Uma Kumaran - Assistant Whip

The Government's approach to national security is rooted in the 2025 National Security Strategy. This sets out our analysis of the international context, including the power balance in the Indo-Pacific, the erosion of respect for the 'rules-based order' and the increasing power projection of states such as Russia and China, including in the polar regions.

Since the publication of the National Security Strategy, many of the trends identified in it have intensified with the UK and other Allies experiencing hostile activity by foreign powers such as sabotage, espionage, cyberattacks and information manipulation. Along with other NATO Allies, the UK reaffirmed our commitment to the NATO target of spending 5 per cent of GDP on defence and security by 2035 (including 3.5 per cent of GDP on 'core defence') at the Alliance's Summit in Ankara on 7-8 July 2026. The Defence Investment Plan, published on 30 June, sets out plans to invest £298 billion over the next four years in the modernisation of the armed forces. The UK has played a leading role in NATO's Eastern Sentry, Arctic Sentry and Baltic Sentry 'enhanced vigilance activity' in response to growing threats towards the Alliance.

We have strengthened our defence and security partnerships in Europe, including through new agreements with France, Germany, the Netherlands, Norway and Turkey since 2025. We remain in intense day to day contact with Allies and partners on Euro-Atlantic security issues, and we continue to work with partners to address global security challenges - for example, leading a global coalition to support freedom of navigation in the Strait of Hormuz.

Question to the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office:

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, whether multilateral engagement strategies have changed following the publication of the National Security Strategy 2025.

Answered by Uma Kumaran - Assistant Whip

The Government's approach to national security is rooted in the 2025 National Security Strategy. This sets out our analysis of the international context, including the power balance in the Indo-Pacific, the erosion of respect for the 'rules-based order' and the increasing power projection of states such as Russia and China, including in the polar regions.

Since the publication of the National Security Strategy, many of the trends identified in it have intensified with the UK and other Allies experiencing hostile activity by foreign powers such as sabotage, espionage, cyberattacks and information manipulation. Along with other NATO Allies, the UK reaffirmed our commitment to the NATO target of spending 5 per cent of GDP on defence and security by 2035 (including 3.5 per cent of GDP on 'core defence') at the Alliance's Summit in Ankara on 7-8 July 2026. The Defence Investment Plan, published on 30 June, sets out plans to invest £298 billion over the next four years in the modernisation of the armed forces. The UK has played a leading role in NATO's Eastern Sentry, Arctic Sentry and Baltic Sentry 'enhanced vigilance activity' in response to growing threats towards the Alliance.

We have strengthened our defence and security partnerships in Europe, including through new agreements with France, Germany, the Netherlands, Norway and Turkey since 2025. We remain in intense day to day contact with Allies and partners on Euro-Atlantic security issues, and we continue to work with partners to address global security challenges - for example, leading a global coalition to support freedom of navigation in the Strait of Hormuz.

Question to the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office:

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what steps he is taking within NATO to address sub-threshold and grey-zone aggression.

Answered by Uma Kumaran - Assistant Whip

The Government's approach to national security is rooted in the 2025 National Security Strategy. This sets out our analysis of the international context, including the power balance in the Indo-Pacific, the erosion of respect for the 'rules-based order' and the increasing power projection of states such as Russia and China, including in the polar regions.

Since the publication of the National Security Strategy, many of the trends identified in it have intensified with the UK and other Allies experiencing hostile activity by foreign powers such as sabotage, espionage, cyberattacks and information manipulation. Along with other NATO Allies, the UK reaffirmed our commitment to the NATO target of spending 5 per cent of GDP on defence and security by 2035 (including 3.5 per cent of GDP on 'core defence') at the Alliance's Summit in Ankara on 7-8 July 2026. The Defence Investment Plan, published on 30 June, sets out plans to invest £298 billion over the next four years in the modernisation of the armed forces. The UK has played a leading role in NATO's Eastern Sentry, Arctic Sentry and Baltic Sentry 'enhanced vigilance activity' in response to growing threats towards the Alliance.

We have strengthened our defence and security partnerships in Europe, including through new agreements with France, Germany, the Netherlands, Norway and Turkey since 2025. We remain in intense day to day contact with Allies and partners on Euro-Atlantic security issues, and we continue to work with partners to address global security challenges - for example, leading a global coalition to support freedom of navigation in the Strait of Hormuz.

Question to the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office:

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what assessment he has made of the risk of governance breakdown in the Arctic and Antarctic poles.

Answered by Uma Kumaran - Assistant Whip

The Government's approach to national security is rooted in the 2025 National Security Strategy. This sets out our analysis of the international context, including the power balance in the Indo-Pacific, the erosion of respect for the 'rules-based order' and the increasing power projection of states such as Russia and China, including in the polar regions.

Since the publication of the National Security Strategy, many of the trends identified in it have intensified with the UK and other Allies experiencing hostile activity by foreign powers such as sabotage, espionage, cyberattacks and information manipulation. Along with other NATO Allies, the UK reaffirmed our commitment to the NATO target of spending 5 per cent of GDP on defence and security by 2035 (including 3.5 per cent of GDP on 'core defence') at the Alliance's Summit in Ankara on 7-8 July 2026. The Defence Investment Plan, published on 30 June, sets out plans to invest £298 billion over the next four years in the modernisation of the armed forces. The UK has played a leading role in NATO's Eastern Sentry, Arctic Sentry and Baltic Sentry 'enhanced vigilance activity' in response to growing threats towards the Alliance.

We have strengthened our defence and security partnerships in Europe, including through new agreements with France, Germany, the Netherlands, Norway and Turkey since 2025. We remain in intense day to day contact with Allies and partners on Euro-Atlantic security issues, and we continue to work with partners to address global security challenges - for example, leading a global coalition to support freedom of navigation in the Strait of Hormuz.

Question to the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office:

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what assessment he has made of the potential impact of the balance of power in the Indo-Pacific region on UK security.

Answered by Uma Kumaran - Assistant Whip

The Government's approach to national security is rooted in the 2025 National Security Strategy. This sets out our analysis of the international context, including the power balance in the Indo-Pacific, the erosion of respect for the 'rules-based order' and the increasing power projection of states such as Russia and China, including in the polar regions.

Since the publication of the National Security Strategy, many of the trends identified in it have intensified with the UK and other Allies experiencing hostile activity by foreign powers such as sabotage, espionage, cyberattacks and information manipulation. Along with other NATO Allies, the UK reaffirmed our commitment to the NATO target of spending 5 per cent of GDP on defence and security by 2035 (including 3.5 per cent of GDP on 'core defence') at the Alliance's Summit in Ankara on 7-8 July 2026. The Defence Investment Plan, published on 30 June, sets out plans to invest £298 billion over the next four years in the modernisation of the armed forces. The UK has played a leading role in NATO's Eastern Sentry, Arctic Sentry and Baltic Sentry 'enhanced vigilance activity' in response to growing threats towards the Alliance.

We have strengthened our defence and security partnerships in Europe, including through new agreements with France, Germany, the Netherlands, Norway and Turkey since 2025. We remain in intense day to day contact with Allies and partners on Euro-Atlantic security issues, and we continue to work with partners to address global security challenges - for example, leading a global coalition to support freedom of navigation in the Strait of Hormuz.

Question to the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office:

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, how he is engaging middle-power democracies to form flexible coalitions on global security issues.

Answered by Uma Kumaran - Assistant Whip

The Government's approach to national security is rooted in the 2025 National Security Strategy. This sets out our analysis of the international context, including the power balance in the Indo-Pacific, the erosion of respect for the 'rules-based order' and the increasing power projection of states such as Russia and China, including in the polar regions.

Since the publication of the National Security Strategy, many of the trends identified in it have intensified with the UK and other Allies experiencing hostile activity by foreign powers such as sabotage, espionage, cyberattacks and information manipulation. Along with other NATO Allies, the UK reaffirmed our commitment to the NATO target of spending 5 per cent of GDP on defence and security by 2035 (including 3.5 per cent of GDP on 'core defence') at the Alliance's Summit in Ankara on 7-8 July 2026. The Defence Investment Plan, published on 30 June, sets out plans to invest £298 billion over the next four years in the modernisation of the armed forces. The UK has played a leading role in NATO's Eastern Sentry, Arctic Sentry and Baltic Sentry 'enhanced vigilance activity' in response to growing threats towards the Alliance.

We have strengthened our defence and security partnerships in Europe, including through new agreements with France, Germany, the Netherlands, Norway and Turkey since 2025. We remain in intense day to day contact with Allies and partners on Euro-Atlantic security issues, and we continue to work with partners to address global security challenges - for example, leading a global coalition to support freedom of navigation in the Strait of Hormuz.

Question to the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government:

To ask the Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government, when the response to the call for evidence for 'Park homes: reasons for commission payments' will be published, and whether the intention remains to set out the Government's final position by the end of 2026.

Answered by Matthew Pennycook - Minister of State (Housing, Communities and Local Government)

The government recognise that there are longstanding concerns about the requirement to pay site owners a commission upon sale of a park home.

The previous government published a report in June 2022 on the impact of a change in the maximum park home sale commission. It can be found on gov.uk here.

On 5 March 2026, my Department published a 12-week call for evidence regarding the rationale for the payment of a commission. It can be found on gov.uk here.

We are currently analysing the feedback received and remain committed to publishing a detailed summary of responses ahead of announcing the government's final position by the end of the year.

Question to the Ministry of Defence:

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, what strategy is in place to secure domestic raw material inputs, such as rare earth elements, required for advanced military hardware.

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

The Ministry of Defence is taking forward a programme of work to improve the resilience of supply chains for the critical materials required to support Defence capability. This includes establishing a dedicated Defence critical materials team and developing a Defence Critical Minerals Priority List to identify and assess those materials most important to Defence, including Rare Earth Elements, tungsten and key steel inputs, helping to inform risk assessment, prioritisation and resilience activity.

The Department is working closely with industry through the Defence Industrial Joint Council (DIJC), alongside wider Government and international partners, to strengthen security of supply and improve understanding of supply chain vulnerabilities. This includes engagement on strategically important materials such as tungsten and steel, and collaboration with allies including Australia and Canada. In 2026, the UK and Australia agreed a Defence Critical Minerals Statement of Intent to support closer cooperation on critical minerals, supply chain resilience and shared capability priorities.

Question to the Ministry of Defence:

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, what assessment he has made of the adequacy of progress made on reform to defence procurement.

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

We inherited a procurement system that was slow, costly and unsuited to the challenges we now face as a nation. The Government set out reforms to procurement in the Strategic Defence Review and the Defence Industrial Strategy, and these are being implemented currently. We are reforming Defence acquisition to deliver capability faster, secure better value for money and strengthen the UK defence industrial base. The Department continues to make progress, from introducing the simpler and a more flexible procurement framework under the Procurement Act 2023, embedding Procurement Segmentation in plans and portfolios, issuing tailored guidance, launching demonstrator projects and introducing seven Commercial Pathways. We continue to test and measure these reforms, support live procurements, and expand adoption across Defence.

Question to the Ministry of Defence:

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, how the UK Defence Space Strategy is integrated into the wider goals of the National Security Strategy 2025.

Answered by Louise Sandher-Jones - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Ministry of Defence) (Minister for the Armed Forces)

Building on the 2022 Defence Space Strategy, the newly published UK Space Strategy 2026, backed by £7.8 billion in funding through to 2029/30 integrates space into these wider defence goals through a One Government approach. The strategy marks a shift from a broad approach to space policy towards one focused on economic growth, defence and national security.

Under this One Government approach, departments will increasingly align policy, investment, procurement, capability development and international cooperation to strengthen resilience and develop sovereign capabilities that preserve the UK’s freedom of action.

Question to the Ministry of Defence:

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, what specific commitments have been made to sustain long-term military and economic assistance to Ukraine.

Answered by Louise Sandher-Jones - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Ministry of Defence) (Minister for the Armed Forces)

As the Prime Minister said last week our support for Ukraine remains rock solid and is vital for keeping us safe here in the UK and for ensuring those on the frontlines in Ukraine have the equipment they need to push back Russia. We will continue to stand in solidarity with Ukraine for as long as it takes.

The Prime Minister also announced that the UK is accelerating the delivery of a £45 million package of air defence interceptors to meet Ukraine's most urgent winter requirements and asked Ministers to draw up further sanctions, military aid, and fiscal packages to provide urgent support in the coming weeks.

Question to the Ministry of Defence:

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, what reforms are being made to procurement pathways to accelerate the delivery of sovereign capabilities.

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

The Department is using the flexibilities of the Procurement Act 2023 to support trusted supply chains, including British-based suppliers, where necessary to safeguard sovereign capability. Procurement Segmentation and tailored Commercial Pathways will accelerate delivery by applying proportionate processes, timelines, and risk appetites to each requirement.

Question to the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office:

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what diplomatic efforts are being pursued to establish binding norms of responsible behaviour in outer space.

Answered by Uma Kumaran - Assistant Whip

The UK is leading diplomatic efforts to reduce space threats through norms of responsible behaviours, including at the United Nations General Assembly First Committee session in New York this month (October 2026). We participate in the UN Open Ended Working Group (OEWG) on Preventing an Arms Race in Outer Space in All its Aspects which has a mandate to consider both legally and non-legally binding measures. Our priority is agreeing upon non-legally binding measures to reduce the risks of miscalculation, escalation, and conflict in space. We remain open to legally binding measures where, for example, robust verification is feasible.

Question to the Department for Business, Innovation, Science and Trade:

To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Innovation, Science and Trade, what assessment has been made of the potential risk to regional industrial clusters of supply chain coercion.

Answered by Blair McDougall - Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State (Department for Business, Innovation, Science and Trade) (Jointly with the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero)

The recently established Supply Chain Centre is made up of policy and analytical experts with the knowledge and insight to tackle these challenges, including through analysing risks linked to specific goods, suppliers and places. This includes use of the world leading Global Supply Chains Intelligence Programme (GSCIP) and working with colleagues across HMG, including preparing our trade defence toolkit to better protect our security against a burgeoning range of harms.

Question to the Ministry of Justice:

To ask the Secretary of State for Justice, in what way the prison and probation estates are being safeguarded against radicalisation and security threats.

Answered by Catherine McKinnell - Minister of State (Ministry of Justice)

His Majesty’s Prison and Probation Service (HMPPS) has robust measures in place to reduce the risk of radicalisation in its estate, including specialist staff training, monitoring of communications, targeted interventions and management through a specialist multi-agency process.

In June 2026, the Ministry of Justice announced an additional £35 million investment in physical security measures, to stop the smuggling of drugs, weapons and mobile telephones into prisons. It is also working with UK Research and Innovation, which has committed £6.5 million to accelerate counter-drone research and development.

HMPPS continues to work closely with police forces to protect the prison and probation service estates from terrorist and security threats.

Question to the Ministry of Defence:

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, what role the reserves play in domestic civil contingency responses.

Answered by Calvin Bailey - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Ministry of Defence) (Minister for Veterans and People)

The Reserve Forces play an important role in strengthening Defence's ability to protect the United Kingdom and support wider national resilience. As part of the Whole Force, Reservists provide specialist skills, additional capacity and regional presence that can be called upon to support military operations and domestic civil contingency responses when required.

Reservists have a strong track record of supporting the nation during times of emergency. During Op RESCRIPT, the UK's military response to the COVID-19 pandemic, more than 1,800 Army Reservists were mobilised to support the national effort. They helped deliver personal protective equipment, operated mobile testing units and contributed to the construction and operation of Nightingale hospitals, demonstrating the unique value that Reservists bring through their military training and civilian expertise.

Their contribution demonstrated the important role that Reservists play in strengthening national resilience.

Question to the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office:

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what strategy is being deployed to counter economic coercion by authoritarian states against developing trade partners.

Answered by Uma Kumaran - Assistant Whip

The Government is working to strengthen the UK's economic security through Economic Security Dialogues with key partners to strengthen supply chains, build resilience and tackle economic coercion. We also engage the G7, including through the Economic Coercion Platform.

Question to the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office:

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what diplomatic steps he is taking to prevent the erosion of arms control treaties.

Answered by Uma Kumaran - Assistant Whip

The United Kingdom remains among the strongest defenders of international arms control and security treaties and of the international law and norms on which our collective security depends. The UK chairs the two main security committees of the OSCE, the Forum for Security Co-operation and the Security Committee. We have just concluded our year-long chairing of the P5 group on nuclear arms control. We will be the President of the next Conference of States Parties to the Arms Trade Treaty. And we played a key role at the five-yearly Review Conference of the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty in April/May, which reaffirmed the centrality of the Treaty for stopping the proliferation of nuclear weapons.

Question

To ask the Secretary of State for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport, what steps are being taken to protect public service broadcasters and media channels from state-backed disinformation campaigns.

Answered by Ian Murray - Minister of State (Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport)

It is essential that the public has access to accurate and trustworthy information from public service broadcasters. The Government is resolute in taking steps to combat interference targeting the UK and its sectors from any actor.

Question to the Home Office:

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, whether her Department has increased counter-terrorism policing budgets to address domestic threats.

Answered by Dan Jarvis - Minister of State (Home Office) (Security) (Jointly with the Cabinet Office)

Funding for Counter-Terrorism Policing increased to over £1.2 billion this year (2026-27). This funds a range of capabilities, as well as approximately 800 live investigations, which allows policing to respond swiftly and decisively to domestic, hostile state and international terrorist threats.

As part of the recently announced National Policing Response to Antisemitism (14 July 2026, HCWS246), Counter-Terrorism Policing will receive a further £59 million over the next three years to provide further security to vulnerable communities, places and people.

We do not disclose specific breakdowns of funding for security reasons.

Question to the Ministry of Defence:

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, what assessment has been made of the level of vulnerability of military command-and-control networks to quantum-based decryption.

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

The Ministry of Defence is assessing its cryptographic dependencies as part of its continued preparations for transition to post-quantum cryptography.

This assessment remains ongoing in line with wider Government advice and guidance. Necessary replacements will be managed through Defence's post-quantum migration planning and appropriate equipment refresh cycles.

Question to the Ministry of Defence:

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, what measures are being implemented to ensure maintenance, repair, and overhaul (MRO) resilience for major fleet assets within domestic shipyards.

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

This Government is putting national security and resilience first as we implement the recommendations of the Strategic Defence Review and Defence Industrial Strategy to grow our shipbuilding sector, delivering deterrence and powering innovation.

Our £26 billion investment through Project Royal Oak will deliver the largest programme of upgrades for naval bases and shipyards since the Cold War, demonstrating our commitment to improving infrastructure and facilities to enhance the UK’s resilience.

We also recognise that a resilient shipbuilding industry requires clear demand signals from Government in order to balance investment and workforce planning. That is why we are using the full range of powers available to us through the combined civil and defence shipbuilding pipeline to maximise the demand required to support resilience across industry and the supply chain.

The Government recently announced the first use of the national security exemption contained within the Procurement Act 2023 to procure a new research vessel for the Centre for Environment, Fisheries and Aquaculture Science and build it within the UK. This coincided with the announcement that the major project to deliver new submarine docking infrastructure – known as Programme EUSTON – would also be delivered through a UK-only competition.

Question to the Ministry of Defence:

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, what framework governs intellectual property sharing in joint international technology development projects.

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

The UK Ministry of Defence (MOD) has an established policy for addressing Intellectual Property (IP), and all MOD projects are expected to set out an IP strategy to ensure that IP is adequately protected, whilst securing maximum impact for our armed forces and value for money for the taxpayer.

With regards to joint international technology development projects, several frameworks are used. The IP conditions are agreed within a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU), or a subordinate arrangement thereto with another nation, governing the project.

The most common framework used for joint international technology development projects is laid out in NATO Allied Acquisition Practices Publication (AACP) – specifically AACP-1. These conditions have been pre-agreed amongst NATO members. Where more bespoke conditions are required, these are negotiated between programme participants by the MOD’s IP advisors.

Should an international technology development project be between nations which are not NATO members, the MOD will suggest AACP-1 conditions in the first instance.

Should contracts be placed in furtherance to the MoU or subordinate arrangement, the IP terms contained within these will follow the MOD’s established IP policies.

Question to the Ministry of Defence:

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, what progress he has made on establishing sovereign manufacturing capabilities for next-generation combat air systems.

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

The Future Combat Air System (FCAS) programme supports sovereign manufacturing capabilities across the UK, mobilising the UK’s aerospace and defence industrial base, drawing on expertise in airframe, propulsion, sensors, weapons, and systems integration. This underpins the UK’s sovereign ability to design, build, operate and sustain advanced Combat Air capability.

Question to the Ministry of Defence:

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, how asymmetric capability development is being balanced against traditional platform-heavy procurement.

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

The Defence Investment Plan (DIP) supports the rapid introduction of new capabilities and the integration of advanced and emerging technologies across the force. Capability choices are being informed by lessons from recent and ongoing conflicts, and via Force Testing activity, with investment focused on delivering a more lethal and digitally enabled Integrated Force, optimised for warfighting in the Euro-Atlantic.

The DIP sets out how the Integrated Force will draw on a more varied mix of equipment and weapons, combining advanced platforms and precision weapons with autonomous technologies and lower-cost, expendable effectors. This approach will increase the mass, lethality and resilience of the Integrated Force, while ensuring that investment remains threat-led, affordable and aligned with NATO requirements.

Question to the Ministry of Defence:

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, when the Common Combat Vessels will enter service.

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

I refer the hon. Member to the answer given on 20 July 2026 to Question 17810 to the hon. Member for South Shropshire (Stuart Anderson).

https://questions-statements.parliament.uk/written-questions/detail/2026-07-10/17810