Question to the Ministry of Defence:

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, what assessment his Department has made of the safety of the F-35 fleet following a crash off the HMS Queen Elizabeth.

The Aviation Duty Holders for Lightning have reviewed the initial and emerging evidence following the crash of the F-35B Lightning from HMS Queen Elizabeth and remain satisfied that Risks to Life remain Tolerable and As Low As Reasonably Practicable. A Service Inquiry has been convened and it will be inappropriate to comment on the nature of that evidence while the Inquiry continues. However, if any new safety critical evidence emerges during the Inquiry process this will be considered further by the Aviation Duty Holders.