theodi/ndl-core-corpus huggingface dataset:
wrans/answers2025-11-21 conversation_189
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-11-21)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-11-21 conversation_189

Gideon Amos:To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, what estimates his Department has made of the time it will take to get all service family accommodation up to the Decent Homes Standard. \p Luke Pollard: As set out in the recommendations of the Defence Housing Strategy, the Defence Housing Service will develop proposals to address the condition and standards of overseas family homes. As a baseline, we are using the 2006 Government’s Decent Homes Standard for all Defence family homes in the UK, regardless of location. Where needs differ as a result of property location, proposals will be developed as part of the ongoing work of the Defence Housing Strategy.

This Government’s historic £9 billion Defence Housing Strategy will deliver a generational renewal of military homes, with nine in 10 Defence homes modernised or upgraded.

Work to raise the minimum standard of 1,000 of the worst military family homes has proceeded at pace across the UK since April 2025, with works due to complete by the end of December 2025.
wrans/answers2025-11-21 conversation_190
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-11-21)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-11-21 conversation_190

Ben Obese-Jecty:To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, with reference to recommendation 29 of the Strategic Defence Review 2025, by when he plans to create an always on munitions production capacity. \p Luke Pollard: The SDR committed to invest £1.5bn in an 'always on' pipeline for munitions and to build at least 6 new energetics and munitions factories in the UK this parliament. The Ministry of Defence is currently developing a plan to deliver this commitment alongside our wider Defence Industrial Strategy, delivering long-term investment to boost UK growth and generating skilled UK jobs and export opportunities. The MOD is carefully considering arrangements for 'always on' and we have announced that at least 13 sites across the UK have been identified as potential energetics and munitions factories. We are inviting industry to submit proposals to meet the government’s requirements for energetics production.
wrans/answers2025-11-21 conversation_191
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-11-21)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-11-21 conversation_191

Amanda Martin:To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, what assessment he has made of the adequacy of the level of resources allocated to the Royal Fleet Auxiliary's human resources function (a) to address parental policy concerns raised by trade unions (b) in general. \p Louise Sandher-Jones: The Department keeps the allocation of resources under regular review to ensure it is able to meet its obligations. A targeted programme to develop the lived experience within the Royal Fleet Auxiliary (RFA) is underway, and this is balanced against wider civil service headcount considerations. The RFA routinely consults with Trade Unions.
wrans/answers2025-11-21 conversation_192
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-11-21)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-11-21 conversation_192

Amanda Martin:To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, what his policy is on Royal Fleet Auxiliary personnel returning from maternity leave being required to (a) return to sea-based duties within a specified timeframe and (b) take unpaid leave to cover gaps in shore-based assignments. \p Louise Sandher-Jones: Managers have latitude to consider individual needs when scheduling working patterns at sea. This includes recognising family circumstances, parental obligations and employee requests. It also necessarily means ensuring that this flexibility protects Defence outputs and maximises training opportunities while allowing all personnel to take leave and benefit from existing Civil Service terms and conditions of service.

The Royal Fleet Auxiliary (RFA) does not have any permanent onshore posts and there is no facility to provide bespoke roles adapted to individual circumstances. There are 100 rotational shore jobs that support RFA and Defence output, with clear key skills and experience requirements.
wrans/answers2025-11-21 conversation_193
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-11-21)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-11-21 conversation_193

Amanda Martin:To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, what support is available to Royal Fleet Auxiliary (RFA) personnel who are (a) pregnant and (b) new parents where both partners are employed by the RFA; and what provision is made to ensure adequate childcare arrangements for seafaring couples. \p Louise Sandher-Jones: Under the Maternity and Carers Act (MCA), women receive additional protections from 26 weeks of pregnancy. Alongside this, a comprehensive range of support is available for parental, maternity, paternity, adoption, carers, and shared parental responsibilities. These provisions include enhanced leave entitlements and tailored assistance through mechanisms such as Occupational Health, keep-in-touch days, and reasonable workplace adjustments.

This framework is complemented by a full programme of opt-in wellbeing interventions, activities, and advice delivered through the Employee Assistance Programme, the Defence Health and Wellbeing Portfolio, and Family and People Services. Further support is provided by linked organisations such as the Defence Sports and Recreation Association and the Civil Service Sports Council. In addition, the RFA workforce benefits from an extended welfare network under the umbrella of expert services, including the Navy Families Federation, ensuring holistic support for employees and their families.
wrans/answers2025-11-21 conversation_194
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-11-21)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-11-21 conversation_194

Amanda Martin:To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, what changes have been made to Royal Fleet Auxiliary shore-based assignment policies for personnel on maternity leave in the last two years; and what assessment he has made of the impact of those changes on (a) recruitment and (b) retention of female officers and ratings. \p Louise Sandher-Jones: The Royal Fleet Auxiliary (RFA) is committed to the principles of the Equality Act 2010 and the Public Sector Equality Duty (PSED). We are enormously grateful for the vital contribution the RFA makes to the defence of the nation by supporting the Royal Navy.

While we recognise the needs of individuals within the RFA will vary, employment policies and processes are designed to promote fairness, equality and inclusivity. Fixed-period assignments are created based on Defence need rather than personal circumstances.
wrans/answers2025-11-21 conversation_195
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-11-21)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-11-21 conversation_195

Dr Al Pinkerton:To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, how many meetings his Department has held with the European Union to negotiate UK access to the Security Action for Europe programme since May 2024. \p Luke Pollard: I refer the hon. Member to the answer I gave on 18 November 2025 to Question 90640. The UK is committed to a broad and constructive relationship with the EU. We are working to implement the package agreed at the UK-EU Summit and build on our landmark Security and Defence Partnership – which includes taking forward discussions on a bilateral participation agreement for enhanced cooperation under the EU’s Security Action For Europe (SAFE) instrument. As part of these efforts, the Ministry of Defence continues to work closely with Government departments, including the His Majesty’s Treasury and the Department of Business and Trade, and in cooperation with industry partners and all our European allies, to inform our approach to enhancing Europe's defence industrial capacity and production and deliver critical capabilities required to support Ukraine.
wrans/answers2025-11-21 conversation_196
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-11-21)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-11-21 conversation_196

Ben Obese-Jecty:To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, with reference to page 109 of the Strategic Defence Review 2025, what level of readiness the UK contribution to the Strategic Reserve Corps is held at. \p Luke Pollard: NATO requires the Strategic Reserve Corps (SRC) to be held at graduated levels of readiness to meet the requirements of the Defence and Deterrence of the Euro Atlantic family of plans. The UK holds the SRC at readiness in line with this and communicates its specific readiness levels with NATO.
wrans/answers2025-11-21 conversation_197
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-11-21)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-11-21 conversation_197

Ben Obese-Jecty:To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, with reference to page 105 of the Strategic Defence Review 2025, updated on 8 July 2025, what his planned timeframe is for changing the Royal Navy’s personnel balance between (a) regulars and (b) reservists. \p Louise Sandher-Jones: The outputs of the Strategic Defence Review including the recommendation to increase the size of the Active Reserve by 20% are being reviewed through the Defence Investment Plan, with future strategic workforce planning to be modelled into the Royal Navy's structures through next year's strategic planning cycle.
wrans/answers2025-11-21 conversation_198
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-11-21)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-11-21 conversation_198

Ben Obese-Jecty:To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, with reference to recommendation 33 of the Strategic Defence Review 2025, published on 8 July 2025, what assessment he has made of the potential merits of amending the Single Source Contract Regulations. \p Luke Pollard: In accordance with recommendation 33 of the Strategic Defence Review a comprehensive review of the Single Source Contract Regulations has been commissioned. The initial consultation will run from October 2025 through to January 2026 with recommendations drafted and approved by 31 March 2026.
wrans/answers2025-11-21 conversation_199
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-11-21)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-11-21 conversation_199

Graeme Downie:To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, how many new pilots completed training and entered front-line service with the RAF in each of the last five years by (a) aircraft and (b) service type. \p Louise Sandher-Jones: For each training year, the number of pilots that undertake training and commence Operational Conversion Units is based upon the front-line demand for qualified pilots. The Royal Air Force (RAF) actively manage the pilot training pipelines to ensure that trainee flowthrough is kept to an optimum and meets the front-line requirements. The specific number of pilots that have completed training and commenced front-line Operational Conversion Units in each of the last five years is not released into the public domain as this level of detailed information may provide tactical advantage to hostile forces causing operational and personnel security risks.
wrans/answers2025-11-21 conversation_200
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-11-21)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-11-21 conversation_200

Jessica Toale:To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, what steps his Department has taken to ensure the McCloud Pension Remedy for Armed Forces veterans will be implemented in time for March 2026. \p Louise Sandher-Jones: I refer the hon. Member to the answer I gave on 20 October 2025 to Question 80011.

Armed Forces: Workplace Pensions (docx, 16.6KB)
wrans/answers2025-11-21 conversation_201
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-11-21)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-11-21 conversation_201

Andrew Rosindell:To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, if he will make it his Department's policy to reinstate compulsory chapels on Royal Navy vessels. \p Louise Sandher-Jones: The Royal Navy Chaplaincy Service (RNCS) provides spiritual, pastoral and moral support to all personnel, regardless of faith and belief. Chaplains are routinely embarked on Royal Navy vessels, particularly major warships and deployed task groups, and will use and suitable quiet space for services, prayers and one-to-one support.
wrans/answers2025-11-21 conversation_202
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-11-21)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-11-21 conversation_202

Jess Asato:To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, whether his Department has (a) implemented a domestic abuse policy for staff and (b) trained line managers to effectively respond to staff who are experiencing domestic abuse. \p Louise Sandher-Jones: Defence is fully committed to supporting staff affected by domestic abuse and will continue to do so through dedicated awareness campaigns and training. Addressing domestic abuse is a ministerial priority and a shared responsibility for Defence leaders, as detailed in the Ministry of Defence Domestic Abuse Action Plan 2024-2029.

Defence has a dedicated whole force policy on domestic abuse, Joint Service Publication (JSP) 913, which provides specific guidance for line managers. JSP_913_Whole_Force_Policy_on_Domestic_Abuse_-_Part_2_Guidance.pdf

While Defence does not yet formally train line managers to respond to domestic abuse, we are undertaking work aligned to this approach. In our current action plan, we have committed to developing a staff briefing to further promote workplace support and set out line manager actions. This work is well underway and near completion. Defence is also an active member of the Employers’ Initiative on Domestic Abuse (EIDA).
wrans/answers2025-11-21 conversation_203
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-11-21)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-11-21 conversation_203

Jim Shannon:To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, what steps he is taking with Cabinet colleagues to increase levels of funding for veteran support centres in Northern Ireland. \p Louise Sandher-Jones: VALOUR is a new national programme designed to make it easier for veterans across the UK to access the care and support they deserve. Led by the Office for Veterans' Affairs (OVA) within the Ministry of Defence, it aims to improve how services are coordinated at national, regional and local levels, ensuring veterans get the right support, in the right place, at the right time.

A network of VALOUR recognised centres across the UK will facilitate access to multiple services for veterans in one place. £27 million in development funding for VALOUR recognised centres has been made available, with funds being issued on behalf of the OVA through the Armed Forces Covenant Fund Trust. I encourage organisations in Northern Ireland to apply to for this funding.

Veteran support organisations in Northern Ireland already benefit from other Government funding streams. Beyond the Battlefield has received £325,000 through the Veterans Capital Housing Fund and Reducing Veteran Homelessness Programme to support its wraparound care service and facilitate the provision of a 24/7 support network. The Northern Ireland Thrive Together Programme, meanwhile, which is led by Brooke House Health and Wellbeing Centre, has received a grant of £765,000 to support its Veterans' Pathway Project and the establishment of six locality-based hubs.
wrans/answers2025-11-21 conversation_204
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-11-21)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-11-21 conversation_204

Ben Obese-Jecty:To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, what recent progress he has made on implementing the next generation fixed communication network. \p Luke Pollard: The next generation fixed communication network programme has made good progress towards delivering its outcomes.

Acceleration of programme benefits is now underway with opportunities being taken to expedite the closure of the legacy BT Network, and associated DFTS Contract.

This will incrementally deliver financial savings to the department, culminating in a significant cost reduction for Defence.

Concurrently the delivery of new support contracts that will enable transition to the future state are in development. This will enable detailed planning to commence with Fujitsu for the transition to modern network support arrangements.

Demonstratable progress has also been made through the development and implementation of a modern technical architecture solution and supporting operational model design that will transform how network services are procured and managed into the future.
wrans/answers2025-11-21 conversation_205
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-11-21)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-11-21 conversation_205

Alison Taylor:To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, what the timescales are for applications for Veterans Support Hubs; whether (a) match funding is required by devolved administrations in Scotland and (b) there is a (i) maximum or (ii) minimum capital spend required ifor the Veterans Support Hubs; and what crietria his Department plans to use for site selection. \p Louise Sandher-Jones: This Government is renewing the nation's contract with those that serve and have served, with over 1.8 million veterans and their families across the UK benefiting from a new network of VALOUR Recognised Centres. These centres, spread across the UK, will fundamentally transform how support is provided to veterans and the wider Armed Forces community, offering the first coordinated national network of support centres as part of the VALOUR programme.

Applications for the first round of development funding for VALOUR Recognised Centres opened on 10 November and closes on 14 January 2026. The Armed Forces Covenant Fund Trust will administer grants on behalf of the Ministry of Defence to existing organisations or consortiums of between £500,000 and £1,000,000 for each centre. There will be no requirement for matched funding from Devolved Governments.

Additional information on criteria and the application process, including capital spend, can be found at the following website https://covenantfund.org.uk/programme/valour-recognised-centres-development-fund/
wrans/answers2025-11-21 conversation_206
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-11-21)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-11-21 conversation_206

Ben Obese-Jecty:To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, with reference to the National Infrastructure & Service Transformation Authority Annual Report 2024/25, published on 11 August 2025, what are the significant remaining challenges faced in delivering the European Common Radar System Mk 2. \p Luke Pollard: The significant remaining challenges faced in delivering the European Common Radar System (ECRS) Mk 2 centre principally around the international Eurofighter capability programme, known as Phase 4 Enhancements, which will deliver the significant changes to the aircraft's avionics system required to integrate the UK Radar.

Work is in hand with NETMA and Eurofighter Partner Nations to ensure that the international programme scope includes all essential UK features, and that these are prioritised to deliver in time for the RAF to test and field the ECRS Mk2 radar by 2030. This is in line with the mandate confirmed by all four Partner Nations' Ministers in May 2025.
wrans/answers2025-11-21 conversation_207
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-11-21)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-11-21 conversation_207

David Reed:To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, what assessment his Department has made of the value for money of the Future Strategic Tanker Aircraft contract since 2008. \p Luke Pollard: The RAF Voyager fleet provides value for money by serving as a versatile asset for air-to-air refuelling, strategic airlift, and VIP transport.

Under the Private Finance Initiative (PFI) contract, Air Tanker is required to provide the Department with their performance data.

This gives the Department complete transparency, ensuring regular monitoring and compliance with the terms of the agreement.
wrans/answers2025-11-21 conversation_208
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-11-21)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-11-21 conversation_208

Andrew Rosindell:To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, what steps he has taken to improve the sonar capabilities of the Royal Navy surface fleet. \p Luke Pollard: The Defence Innovation Anti-Submarine Warfare (ASW) Spearhead Programme has focussed on accelerating the Navy's understanding of advanced capabilities. Key areas progressed include sensor optimisation, machine learning and artificial intelligence, to improve the sonar capabilities within the surface fleet.

Investment in the Anti-Submarine Warfare Sonar 2087 system has led to improvements to Type 23 capabilities. These improvements will also be pulled through to the Type 26 programme.
wrans/answers2025-11-21 conversation_209
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-11-21)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-11-21 conversation_209

Andrew Rosindell:To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, how much his Department has spent on cancelled programmes in the (a) Royal Navy, (b) Royal Air Force and (c) Army in each year since 2010. \p Luke Pollard: The Department's spend on cancelled programmes of over £300,000 is published as part of its Annual Report and Accounts.

As would be expected of any responsible organisation, the Ministry of Defence regularly reviews its programmes and assets to determine how best to meet future threats including taking appropriate action to address changes.
wrans/answers2025-11-21 conversation_210
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-11-21)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-11-21 conversation_210

David Reed:To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, what steps his Department is taking to ensure that defence companies in the Oxford-Cambridge Growth Corridor are able to (a) recruit staff, (b) receive investment and (c) expand. \p Luke Pollard: As part of the Defence Industrial Strategy, we announced a £182 million skills package that will attract, develop and retain the high-skilled workforce required to meet the objectives of the Strategic Defence Review. This investment in skills, in addition to the creation of the Defence Office for Small Business Growth, will help defence companies across the UK, including those in the Oxford to Cambridge Growth Corridor. Further details will be announced with the publication of the Defence Finance and Investment Strategy in 2026.
wrans/answers2025-11-21 conversation_211
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-11-21)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-11-21 conversation_211

Andrew Rosindell:To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, what steps the (a) Royal Navy, (b) Royal Air Force and (c) Army have taken to improve interoperability. \p Luke Pollard: The Strategic Defence Review states that the Armed Forces must compete the journey from 'joint' to 'integrated'. On 1 April 2025, the Chief of the Defence Staff became head of the new Military Strategic Headquarters (MSHQ) with command over the Service Chiefs. This change ensures that authorities for force design and activity delivery now flow top-down from a single point of military authority. The MSHQ has also appointed an interoperability champion to support NATO in its development of its own interoperability plan. We have already seen tangible progress in improving interoperability with allies, for example, the UK's Carrier Strike Group has recently been under NATO Command, integrated into both Alliance operational and tactical command and control Systems.
wrans/answers2025-11-21 conversation_212
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-11-21)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-11-21 conversation_212

David Reed:To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, what future air-to-air refuelling requirements will be considered as part of the Defence Investment Plan. \p Luke Pollard: The Defence Investment Plan will consider the UK's future air-to-air refuelling requirements to ensure we meet our commitments to NATO and the nation. The outcome will be included in the Defence Investment Plan, which is due to be published this year.
wrans/answers2025-11-21 conversation_213
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-11-21)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-11-21 conversation_213

Ben Obese-Jecty:To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, how many affordable homes he plans to build on surplus military land in the next three years. \p Luke Pollard: The recently announced Defence Housing Strategy sets out a vision for the future renewal of the Service family estate, and is backed by a 10-year programme of investment to deliver its recommendations in full, with savings from the Annington Deal put back into fixing Defence family homes and delivering for the nation.

The number of affordable homes delivered on surplus land will depend upon a number of factors including macroeconomic conditions, the appetite of development partners and planning decisions.
wrans/answers2025-11-21 conversation_214
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-11-21)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-11-21 conversation_214

Ben Obese-Jecty:To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, by when is his target to reduce the average times to contract for (a) major projects of six years, (b) pace-setting modular upgrades to two years and one year respectively and (c) a target of three-month cycles for rapid commercial exploitation. \p Luke Pollard: Reducing the time taken to deliver capability is a key driver of our acquisition reforms. Our new segmented approach to procurement, supported by accelerated commercial pathways, is designed to enable programmes to get to contract faster.

No timescale for achieving the targets has been set; however, we are making progress towards the target date of 1 April 2026 for establishment of the segmented approach in line with the Strategic Defence Review. It will start with an initial phase of pilot projects aimed at realising opportunities early on.
wrans/answers2025-11-21 conversation_215
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-11-21)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-11-21 conversation_215

Ben Obese-Jecty:To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, what the role of the jHub is within Strategic Command. \p Al Carns: JHub delivers numerous innovation workstreams in support of operations to users across Cyber and Specialist Operations Command (formerly UK Strategic Command) and works closely with the new UK Defence Innovation organisation. These innovation projects spearhead the rapid adoption of new technologies, processes, and ideas which accelerate and reduce risk within the force development cycle and deliver valuable capabilities directly into the hands of the Warfighter.
wrans/answers2025-11-21 conversation_216
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-11-21)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-11-21 conversation_216

Mark Pritchard:To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, what steps he is taking to support military chaplains in Ukraine to receive training and development from UK armed forces chaplains. \p Al Carns: The Armed Forces Chaplaincy Centre (AFCC) at Shrivenham has been providing training for Ukrainian chaplains since May 2023, with planned programmes scheduled until at least November 2026.

The centre offers two distinct two-week courses: a foundational programme and an advanced course designed for chaplaincy leaders. The curriculum focuses on spiritual leadership, ethical leadership, and pastoral care, and is delivered by UK Defence personnel in collaboration with academic partners. Enduring links have been established between UK Chaplaincy and Ukrainian colleagues and the relationships established at AFCC have enabled alumni to develop stronger mutual support networks.
wrans/answers2025-11-21 conversation_217
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-11-21)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-11-21 conversation_217

Andrew Rosindell:To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, whether he will make it his Department's policy to reinstate the two-power standard as applied to the Royal Navy Fleet. \p Al Carns: The 'two-power standard' was set out by the Naval Defence Act 1889 and dictated that the Royal Navy (RN) should maintain a fleet at least as strong as the next two powerful navies combined. Today our security is underpinned by NATO's collective defence, where capabilities are shared across 32 allies.

Modern naval warfare still demands mass, presence, and resilience. For that reason, The Royal Navy is transforming to a hybrid fleet, moving to a dispersed but digitally connected fleet of crewed, uncrewed, and autonomous platforms. This restores mass and power in a cost-effective way whilst ensuring we retain the cutting-edge capabilities expected of a leading NATO navy.
wrans/answers2025-11-21 conversation_218
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-11-21)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-11-21 conversation_218

Andrew Rosindell:To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, what recent steps the Royal Marines and the United States Marine Corps have taken to improve interoperability. \p Al Carns: The Royal Marines and the United States Marine Corps have an enduring partnership forged through decades of shared operations and tested in demanding environments. This ensures that they can operate seamlessly together. The United Kingdom and United States have permanent exchange positions in operational and capability organisations, and set shared priorities for interoperability across doctrine, training and capability development annually. Recent joint exercises include BALTOPS and BOLD QUEST, which advanced UK/US digital integration to improve command and control.
wrans/answers2025-11-21 conversation_219
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-11-21)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-11-21 conversation_219

Stuart Anderson:To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, what steps the Government is taking to strengthen UK civil defence and resilience. \p Al Carns: The Government is clear on the importance of implementing a whole-of-society approach to strengthen defence and our resilience to the threats we face, including those below and above the threshold of an armed attack. The Ministry of Defence, together with the Cabinet Office led cross-Whitehall Home Defence Programme, is delivering the Strategic Defence Review (SDR) recommendations supporting this approach. This includes drafting legislative measures to improve defence readiness; making better use of the reserves; increasing public engagement and understanding of defence; and improving the defence and resilience of Critical National Infrastructure (CNI).

Through the UK Government's Resilience Action Plan, we outline how we will enable the whole of society to increase their resilience, including taking action to prepare for emergencies as set out on the GOV.UK/Prepare website.
wrans/answers2025-11-21 conversation_220
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-11-21)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-11-21 conversation_220

Ben Obese-Jecty:To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, with reference to page 139 of the Ministry of Defence Annual Report and Accounts 2024-25, how was the retirement of the Albion and Bulwark landing platforms calculated at a constructive loss of £428,459,000. \p Luke Pollard: The decision to decommission both HMS Albion and HMS Bulwark was announced in November 2024. In the period from 2022 to 2024, a total of £72.1 million has been spent on refitting HMS Bulwark. Neither HMS Albion nor HMS Bulwark were due to go to sea ahead of their out-of-service dates in 2033 and 2034. Their disposal shows that we are delivering for defence by divesting ourselves of old capabilities to make way for the future. These ships were effectively mothballed by the previous Government.

As part of disposal procedures, we have calculated the write-down costs, in line with Managing Public Money and Ministry of Defence accounting policies. The constructive loss of £428,459,000 reflects the write-down of remaining value of HMS Albion and HMS Bulwark and their associated capital works, spares and consumables following the decision to bring forward their out-of-service dates.
wrans/answers2025-11-21 conversation_221
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-11-21)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-11-21 conversation_221

James Cartlidge:To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, pursuant to the Answer of 17 April 2025 to Question 33505 on Jaysley Beck, what recent progress he has made on implementing measures to build a safer and more inclusive environment for women serving in the armed forces. \p Louise Sandher-Jones: Sexual harassment and sexualised behaviours undermine the wellbeing of our people and operational effectiveness and have no place in Defence. Last year, Defence launched the Raising Our Standards programme, under direct Ministerial oversight through a Steering Board which I chair, as well as external scrutiny through an External Challenge Panel to hold Defence leaders to account. Raising our Standards is central to Defence’s response and is driving the cultural change we need, and is therefore a long-term programme of reform.

By commissioning the UK’s first ever comprehensive military sexual harassment survey, this Government is establishing, for the first time, a no holds barred baseline to fully confront and address the root causes of the issue, and set new standards in transparency and accountability across our Armed Forces. While the survey represents a small sample—around 17% of regulars and 5% of reserves—these findings provide new, detailed, and unprecedented insights to help combat unacceptable behaviour and target immediate areas of focus:

We’re implementing a Violence Against Women and Girls (VAWG) taskforce – for all Servicewomen and men – with physical hubs supporting the breadth of the Defence footprint, with initial locations in Catterick and Plymouth. With prevention at its core, this taskforce aims to tackle the root causes of harmful behaviour rather than simply responding to incidents.

Other initiatives include a Kings Counsel review of cases of unacceptable behaviours, and the application of zero tolerance policies, and the set-up of a new Tri-Service Complaints Unit to handle the most serious complaints outside of Service Chains of Command. The pilot for this new Unit is already underway. An Armed Forces Commissioner will also be appointed shortly.

We will continue to deliver Whole Force educational and behavioural campaigns. Recently, a new mandatory training package was introduced for all senior military leaders on how to recognise and respond to unacceptable behaviour and support victims. We have also already launched a new Service Complaints App to make it easier for personnel to raise concerns, and strengthened external oversight through the Service Police Complaints Commissioner to provide impartial scrutiny of complaints.

Defence remains committed to decisive, evidence-based action to protect our people and uphold the highest standards for everyone.
wrans/answers2025-11-21 conversation_222
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-11-21)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-11-21 conversation_222

Mr Richard Holden:To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, pursuant to the Answer of 30 October 2024 to Question 85351, whether the Government plans to publish the individual scheme costs for Strategic Road Network projects as part of the third Road Investment Strategy (RIS3), in line with the Answer of 23 July 2024 to Question 67864. \p Simon Lightwood: The third Road Investment Strategy (RIS3) will include a total funding line for all enhancements to the strategic road network to be delivered during the period 2026-2031.
wrans/answers2025-11-21 conversation_223
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-11-21)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-11-21 conversation_223

Mr Richard Holden:To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, what plans her Department has to promote the uptake of electric vehicles at rental installations on airport sites. \p Keir Mather: The Department engages actively with airport operators and infrastructure users, including rental companies, to support the provision of accessible EV charging infrastructure at major transport hubs. We will continue to facilitate discussions between operators and charging infrastructure users.
wrans/answers2025-11-21 conversation_224
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-11-21)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-11-21 conversation_224

Mr Richard Holden:To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, with reference to the Bus Services (No. 2) Bill, what is the policy rationale for legislating for byelaws which can ban vaping outside bus stops. \p Simon Lightwood: The Government is committed to tackling anti-social behaviour on the bus network. The Bus Services Act 2025 provides Local Transport Authorities (LTAs) with the power to create byelaws, should they wish to do so, and deploy officers who can deal with low level anti-social behaviour and fare evasion on buses.

These measures give LTAs greater flexibility to ensure that passengers feel safe and will make it easier for LTAs to prevent behaviours such as vaping, smoking and causing a nuisance on their bus networks. It will be up to LTAs to decide which behaviours they most need to target with these powers and the Government will be publishing guidance for LTAs which will emphasise the need for
wrans/answers2025-11-21 conversation_225
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-11-21)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-11-21 conversation_225

Mr Richard Holden:To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, pursuant to the Answer of 11 November 2025 to Question 87426 on Railways: Essex, what estimate her Department has made of the capital cost of electrifying the branch between London Gateway and Thames Haven Junction. \p Keir Mather: As per the answer of 11th November, initial assessments indicate that electrifying the branch between London Gateway and Thames Haven Junction would improve the efficiency and reliability of rail freight while reducing emissions. We will continue to work closely with Network Rail and other industry partners in assessing the viability and affordability of this proposal.
wrans/answers2025-11-21 conversation_226
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-11-21)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-11-21 conversation_226

Neil O'Brien:To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, how many (a) Equality Impact Assessments and (b) equality screenings have been produced by her Department in the last three months. \p Simon Lightwood: The Department does not maintain a central record of the number of EIAs produced.

Equality screenings are a requirement under Northern Ireland’s Section 75 framework and are not part of standard equality assessment practice in Great Britain.
wrans/answers2025-11-21 conversation_227
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-11-21)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-11-21 conversation_227

Mr Richard Holden:To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, what assessment she has made of the potential impact of the Railways Bill on private sector innovation within the rail industry. \p Keir Mather: Establishing GBR through the Railways Bill will provide an integrated approach and greater longer-term certainty for rail, giving the private sector the confidence it needs to invest and support innovation throughout the sector. In addition, open access operators can bring benefits to the rail network and passengers and will continue to play a role in delivering services where it represents best use of the network.
wrans/answers2025-11-21 conversation_228
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-11-21)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-11-21 conversation_228

Mr Richard Holden:To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, what assessment she has made of the potential impact of the Railways Bill on the coordination of services in London. \p Keir Mather: GBR will maintain and strengthen collaborative arrangements with Transport for London (TfL), recognising its role in operating London Overground and Elizabeth line services on the national network and supporting seamless journeys across modes. London is integral to the rail network: in April 2023 to March 2024, it accounted for 952 million passenger journeys, the highest of any region. We will continue to engage with TfL and the Greater London Authority on the organisational design of GBR to ensure effective coordination. The design of GBR is being developed alongside the passage of this legislation.
wrans/answers2025-11-21 conversation_229
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-11-21)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-11-21 conversation_229

Mr Richard Holden:To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, whether she plans to set a national framework for discounted fare schemes. \p Keir Mather: It is not clear what a “national framework for discounted fare schemes” would mean. The Railways Bill will safeguard existing statutory discounts for disabled persons, younger and older passengers, which today are delivered via railcards. Other concessionary discounts such as veterans’ and 26-30 railcards are also important, and there are no current plans to withdraw these offers.
wrans/answers2025-11-21 conversation_230
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-11-21)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-11-21 conversation_230

Tristan Osborne:To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, what steps her Department is taking to manage risks associated with the SS Richard Montgomery in the Thames Estuary. \p Keir Mather: My Department is progressing a project to reduce the height of the three masts on the SS Richard Montgomery, which will reduce stress on the wreck. This project is currently in the process of procuring a salvage contractor to deliver this work and expects to have this contract in place in 2026.
wrans/answers2025-11-21 conversation_231
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-11-21)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-11-21 conversation_231

Mr Richard Holden:To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, whether it is her policy that the views of airlines operating long-haul services should be central to determining the necessary length of a third runway at an expanded Heathrow Airport. \p Keir Mather: As the users of an expanded Heathrow Airport, the views of airlines will be vital for informing the Heathrow Expansion programme. To that end, as part of the invitation for scheme proposals for Heathrow Expansion, the department asked promoters to provide views from airlines on their proposals. The Secretary of State has also met with key senior airline representatives to understand their views.

On 22 October, we formally commenced the review of the ANPS and set out our intention to announce a single scheme to inform the review. Any final details of any scheme, including the runway length, will be considered further as part of the review and by promoters in preparing their DCO applications.

If any amendments are needed as a result of the ANPS review, we will consult on a revised ANPS by next summer which will provide an opportunity for stakeholders to provide views. In addition, we are also planning to hold stakeholder roundtables during the review, including with airlines.
wrans/answers2025-11-21 conversation_232
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-11-21)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-11-21 conversation_232

Mr Richard Holden:To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, if she will take steps to ensure that all proposals for a third runway at Heathrow Airport will avoid unnecessary cost and delay, including options that would require construction over the M25. \p Keir Mather: The Government is clear that any expansion at Heathrow must be delivered in a way that minimises cost for passengers and customers. The scheme will be privately financed, including both the core runway infrastructure and any related improvements to surface access. Promoters are expected to engage constructively with relevant authorities, such as National Highways, to develop solutions that support the wider transport network and minimise disruption.
wrans/answers2025-11-21 conversation_233
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-11-21)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-11-21 conversation_233

Daisy Cooper:To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, if she will bring forward the statutory review of the Jet Zero strategy. \p Keir Mather: This Government is committed to delivering greener transport as part of its missions to kickstart economic growth and make Britain a clean energy superpower.

We are progressing a range of measures to support the decarbonisation of the aviation sector at pace. The Government has introduced the Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) Mandate and the SAF Bill to provide revenue certainty for UK SAF producers, is delivering airspace modernisation, which will see cleaner, quicker and quieter journeys, and is providing funding to support the develop of low and zero emission aerospace technologies.

While there are no statutory obligations for the Government to review the Jet Zero Strategy, we continue to keep our approach to support the decarbonisation of aviation under review.
wrans/answers2025-11-21 conversation_234
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-11-21)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-11-21 conversation_234

Mr Richard Holden:To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, what estimate she has made of the cost to the public purse of the rail network in each of the next five years. \p Keir Mather: For the next three financial years (2026/27 to 2028/29 inclusive) the Department estimates the net cost to the public purse could be c£9bn a year on average, including passenger services, Network Rail’s operations, maintenance and renewal (OMR) and enhancements investment. This net cost is a reduction when compared to previous financial years.

OMR CDEL and RDEL for 2029/30 to 2033/34 will be finalised through the next Periodic Review (PR28), with funding for enhancements and passenger services agreed during future Spending Reviews.
wrans/answers2025-11-21 conversation_235
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-11-21)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-11-21 conversation_235

Mr Richard Holden:To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, pursuant to the Answer of 7 November 2025 to Question 86322 on Charging Points and Hydrogen Fuelling Stations, what assessment her Department has made of the value for money of public funding allocated specifically to hydrogen refuelling infrastructure since April 2024. \p Keir Mather: All public funding for hydrogen refuelling infrastructure since April 2024 has been invested through our delivery partners Innovate UK, part of UKRI. Innovate UK assess value for money of applications submitted for research, development and demonstration projects as part of a standardised process. In addition, Innovate UK and the Department for Transport have commissioned an independent monitoring study to assess the outputs and early outcomes from all schemes included in the Innovate UK Land and Maritime Transport Portfolio from 2022. This study is expected to report in autumn 2026.

As part of the original business case for ZEHID, the programme as a whole had a VfM assessment of very high value for money noting that, as is typical for R&D projects, the final scope of the projects has changed. Ongoing evaluation activities are underway as part of the programme.
wrans/answers2025-11-21 conversation_236
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-11-21)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-11-21 conversation_236

Mr Richard Holden:To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, whether her Department plans to publish annual data on passenger (a) complaints and (b) resolutions under Great British Railways. \p Keir Mather: ORR publishes biannual statistics on the volume and cause of complaints made to train operating companies, including the response times. We expect ORR to continue to collect and publish core industry data in the future.