Question to the Ministry of Defence:

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, what discussions he has had with his counterparts in NATO countries with Soviet-era capabilities about backfill arrangements in addition to those proposed with Poland in respect of Challenger II tanks.

The UK has been steadfast in its support for our Allies on the Eastern Flank who face threat from Russia most acutely.

British Challenger 2 tanks will deploy to Poland to bridge the gap between Poland donating tanks to Ukraine and replacements arriving from the United States.

Defence ministers have made clear to partners that we remain open to backfill arrangements for Soviet-era capabilities given to Ukraine.