Question to the Ministry of Defence:

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, with reference to page 90 of his Department’s Strategic Defence Review, published 2 June 2025, what progress he has made on having the necessary plans, powers and personnel to achieve an effective and sustainable transition to war if required.

The Ministry of Defence keeps plans under regular review, and is updating its Homeland Defence and transition to war plans through 2026. These ensure we have the capabilities, powers and personnel at the right readiness levels to effectively transition to war if required.

Defence is also taking steps to strengthen our future readiness. Through the Armed Forces Bill 2026, Defence is seeking to increase its powers and flexibility to call out and/or recall former personnel at pace and scale in a potential crisis such as a transition to war. Similarly, Defence Readiness legislation is being developed in line with the Strategic Defence Review recommendations.