Question to the Ministry of Defence:

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, with reference to his Written Ministerial Statement of 1 April 2025 on Defence Reform, HCWS 573, whether the Chief of Defence People will be replaced by a civil service Director General.

This Government is bringing in the deepest reforms in UK Defence for 50 years, to speed up decision-making, secure faster delivery and achieve the best value for money for our troops and taxpayers.

It is too early to specify the overall staffing requirements for the new organisational structure created as part of Defence Reform. This will be subject to refinement as planned implementation continues, and in response to operational and policy requirements as they emerge.

There is no intent to replace the Chief of Defence People with a Senior Civil Servant.

The organisation and structure of our Armed Forces, including the ranks of the Chief of the Defence Staff and Military Chiefs, has been considered as part of Defence Reform. It was judged that their seniority and rank remain commensurate to their roles and responsibilities.