Question to the Ministry of Defence:

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, if he will disclose full details of all three contracts signed in May 2025 between the Ministry of Defence (MoD) and Serco which relate to the provision of maritime services in support of the Royal Navy, and to i) explain in full what services are provided by Serco in relation to the operation of the Royal Navy’s Type 45 destroyers, ii) confirm whether these contracts, or any pre-existing contracts, include the ammunitioning of Royal Naval vessels by Serco, and iii) whether such contracts contain the necessary provisions to empower HM Government or the Royal Navy to enforce them at weekends, and during international crises.

For security reasons, the Ministry of Defence does not comment on specific contracts, staffing levels or detailed security arrangements at any defence establishment.

HM Naval Bases operate on a continuous 24‑hour basis. Appropriate Duty Staff are in place at all times to maintain the safety, security and operational availability of the site.