Question to the Ministry of Defence:

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, what steps he is taking with the maritime trade unions to improve the (a) recruitment and (b) retention of merchant seafarers employed by the Royal Fleet Auxiliary.

Through their crucial work with the Royal Navy and our allies, the Royal Fleet Auxiliary are vital to our national security, keeping us all safe. We thank the Maritime Trade Unions for their support in reaching a resolution to the recent pay dispute with RFA members which recognises their unique contribution to Defence.

The Ministry of Defence continues to work collaboratively with the Maritime Trade Unions to deliver a wider recovery programme for the Royal Fleet Auxiliary, including by addressing recruitment and retention challenges. These reforms will improve the wider employee offer for those serving to ensure that the Royal Fleet Auxiliary can continue to perform its vital role.