Question to the Ministry of Defence:

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, with reference to page 115 of his Department’s Strategic Defence Review, published 2 June 2025, what progress he has made on reviewing storage and other standards to remove regulations that place unnecessary constraints on training and impose significant unnecessary cost in the lifecycle of highly expensive weapons.

As recommended by the Strategic Defence Review, Defence is reviewing standards, regulations and processes to remove unnecessary burdens that can constrain delivery, increase costs and slow the development, support and training associated with military capability. This work is focused on simplifying and streamlining requirements, removing duplication and unnecessary process, and clarifying which standards are mandatory, while maintaining appropriate safety, security and operational requirements.

Any changes will be targeted and risk-based, with appropriate governance and assurance. Safety, security and statutory requirements will continue to apply where they are essential to protecting personnel, equipment and operational effectiveness.