Question to the Ministry of Defence:

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, what funding has been committed to increase the total number of Regular personnel in the Armed Forces.

As set out in the Defence Investment Plan, between financial years 26/27 and 29/30 the Ministry of Defence plans to invest £78.5 billion in our People (regulars, reserve forces, and civilians) and our Veterans.

Between 2030 and 2035, the government plans to invest at least £130 billion in our People, focusing on creating a ‘One Defence’ approach to people and training, to meet the vision set out in the Strategic Defence Review. Investment in people and training will focus on ensuring our workforce is capable and motivated – further improving recruitment and retention within the Armed Forces.

The Government is committed to improving retention across the Armed Forces and renewing the nation's contract with those who serve. Since April 2024, we have delivered two of the largest pay increases in over 20 years for Service Personnel; most have received a cumulative pay award of 14.1% over that period. These measures are showing positive results. For the first time in several years, Armed Forces intake now exceeds outflow, with recruitment increasing and departures reducing compared with previous years. We will continue to monitor retention closely and take action where evidence shows further improvements are needed.