theodi/ndl-core-corpus huggingface dataset:
wrans/answers2025-04-07 conversation_121
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-04-07)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-04-07 conversation_121

Kevin Hollinrake:To ask the Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government, whether her Department plans to change disqualification rules for (a) councillors, (b) mayors and (c) other elected representatives, in relation to those found guilty of sexual offences. \p Jim McMahon: On changes to local government disqualification criteria, I refer the hon. Member to the answer given to Question UIN 41451.

The government has been clear that standards in local government need to be improved and that could include a standards regime which has the power to suspend, sanction and disqualify for the most serious breaches.

Councillors and mayors already face disqualification if found guilty of sexual offences. Individuals made subject to the notification requirements or who receive a relevant order for sexual offences are disqualified for as long as they remain subject to them.

Someone cannot be a Police and Crime Commissioner if they have ever been convicted of an imprisonable offence.

We have no plans to extend the House of Commons disqualification criteria beyond those set out in the House of Commons Disqualification Act 1975 and the Representation of the People Act 1981. There are also mechanisms in place under the Recall of MPs Act 2015 for the electorate to decide whether to remove MPs convicted of other offences.
wrans/answers2025-04-07 conversation_122
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-04-07)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-04-07 conversation_122

Kevin Hollinrake:To ask the Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government, what guidance her Department has issued to local authorities on how campaigners can (a) hold street stalls and (b) give out leaflets in local high streets. \p Rushanara Ali: The government has not issued any guidance to local authorities on issues relating to campaigning.

The Electoral Commission is responsible for providing guidance directly to candidates and campaigners.
wrans/answers2025-04-07 conversation_123
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-04-07)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-04-07 conversation_123

Kevin Hollinrake:To ask the Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government, pursuant to the Answer of 7 March 2025 to Question 31685 on Public Consultation: Young People, what his planned timetable is for the publication of the long term strategy for communities; and what policy areas it will cover. \p Alex Norris: Young people were invited to participate via DCMS-funded youth programmes. Participants represented a range of age groups and communities from across the country.

The government continues its work to deliver for communities and is currently developing its longer-term strategy. We will set out next steps in due course.
wrans/answers2025-04-07 conversation_124
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-04-07)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-04-07 conversation_124

Ben Obese-Jecty:To ask the Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government, with reference to the Chancellor of the Exchequer's Spring Statement of 26 March 2025, Official Report, column 945, what steps she is taking to monitor the progress made in meeting housebuilding targets. \p Matthew Pennycook: I refer the hon. Member to the answer given to Question UIN 39650 on 25 March 2025.
wrans/answers2025-04-07 conversation_125
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-04-07)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-04-07 conversation_125

Laurence Turner:To ask the Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government, if she will make an estimate of the cost to the public purse of her Department's intervention at Birmingham City Council since October 2023. \p Jim McMahon: The Commissioners’ fees and expenses are published on Birmingham City Council’s website at regular three-month intervals. There are additional costs associated with the admin support team provided by Birmingham City Council. Commissioners’ fees and expenses for one year were just over £1.3m.
wrans/answers2025-04-07 conversation_126
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-04-07)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-04-07 conversation_126

Kevin Hollinrake:To ask the Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government, whether (a) environmental delivery plans and (b) the nature restoration fund will replace suitable alternative natural greenspace. \p Matthew Pennycook: Suitable Alternative Natural Greenspace (SANG) can be used to address the negative effects of development leading to recreational disturbance of Habitats Sites. Where appropriate, SANGs will continue to play an important role in nature restoration under both Environmental Delivery Plans (which will be funded by the Nature Restoration Fund) and the existing Habitats Regulations Assessment regime.
wrans/answers2025-04-07 conversation_127
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-04-07)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-04-07 conversation_127

Kevin Hollinrake:To ask the Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government, whether she plans to amend the Habitats Regulations. \p Matthew Pennycook: The Planning and Infrastructure Bill includes targeted amendments to the Habitats Regulations, with Schedule 4 including changes necessary to streamline environmental assessment as part of Environmental Delivery Plans and Schedule 6 adding Ramsar Sites to Part 6 of the Habitats Regulations so these sites are covered whilst strengthening protections.
wrans/answers2025-04-07 conversation_128
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-04-07)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-04-07 conversation_128

Kevin Hollinrake:To ask the Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government, whether the Nature Restoration Fund levy will be in addition to Biodiversity Net Gain. \p Matthew Pennycook: The Nature Restoration Fund will be in addition to Biodiversity Net Gain and will run concurrently, focusing on enabling development in areas where it has stalled due to specific environmental obligations relating to impacts on protected sites or species.

We will ensure that developers receive a user-friendly experience and that BNG credit and the Nature Restoration Fund revenue is deployed in a joined-up manner to maximise environmental outcomes.
wrans/answers2025-04-07 conversation_129
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-04-07)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-04-07 conversation_129

Kevin Hollinrake:To ask the Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government, in what circumstances a previous landowner is eligible for additional compensation following a Compulsory Purchase Order; and how this applies to Compulsory Purchase Orders where hope value has been removed. \p Matthew Pennycook: Additional compensation may be payable where a compulsory purchase order was confirmed with a direction removing hope value, but the acquiring authority does not build out their scheme as proposed.

The Department has issued guidance on the circumstances where additional compensation may be claimed.
wrans/answers2025-04-07 conversation_130
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-04-07)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-04-07 conversation_130

Nigel Huddleston:To ask the Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government, how many planning applications for housing developments in (a) Wychavon District Council and (b) England have the Gardens Trust and Sport England contributed to in their capacities as statutory consultees in the last five years; and how many of these applications (i) passed and (ii) were refused. \p Matthew Pennycook: I refer the hon. Member to the answer given to Question UIN 39567 on 27 March 2025 in relation to The Gardens Trust.

In respect of Sport England, available data from 2022/23 and 2023/24 show that they responded to 1,145 and 1,168 applications respectively across England. The government does not hold data on response times or the nature of the responses from statutory consultees broken down by individual local planning authorities.

Statutory consultees do not have a veto on planning applications and therefore cannot pass or refuse an application. It is for the local planning authorities to determine planning applications.

As set out in the Written Minister Statement made on 10 March 2025, the government intend to consult this Spring on the impacts of removing a limited number of statutory consultees, including Sport England and the Gardens Trust. Even if ultimately removed as statutory consultees, both organisations will still be able to submit views on individual planning applications.
wrans/answers2025-04-07 conversation_131
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-04-07)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-04-07 conversation_131

Charlie Dewhirst:To ask the Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government, with reference to the speech entitled PM remarks on the fundamental reform of the British state, published on 13 March 2025, on what evidential basis the Prime Minister said that jumping spiders stopped the development of an entire new town. \p Matthew Pennycook: The Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) at the Swanscombe Peninsula was designated in 2021 due to the presence of a number of rare plant, bird and invertebrate species, including the rare Distinguished Jumping Spider. The SSSI includes a significant area of land that had been purchased by the Ebbsfleet Development Corporation to bring forward an important part of the new Garden City at Ebbsfleet.

As a consequence of the designation and the need to comply with National Planning Policy on SSSI’s the Development Corporation took the decision to re-masterplan the area leading to the loss of approximately 1,300 new homes and some 30,000sqm of commercial development.

The Ebbsfleet Development Corporation continues to progress its plans for c15,000 new homes and facilities across its wider development area.
wrans/answers2025-04-07 conversation_132
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-04-07)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-04-07 conversation_132

James Cartlidge: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 he plans to make any service personnel redundant as part of his reforms. \p Maria Eagle: We are undertaking the biggest UK defence reforms for more than 50 years, including building an Armed Forces and Defence Civil Service workforce which will be more skilled, agile and which better exploits technology.

This means tackling bureaucracy and streamlining processes to increase productivity.

This Government inherited a crisis in Armed Forces recruitment and retention and Ministers are determined to stop the long term decline in troop numbers.
wrans/answers2025-04-07 conversation_133
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-04-07)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-04-07 conversation_133

James Cartlidge:To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, with reference to his Written Ministerial Statement of 1 April 2025 on Defence Reform, HCWS 573, if he will make an assessment of the potential impact of the creation of the National Armaments Director Group on the number of military posts in other organisations within his Department. \p Maria Eagle: Under Defence Reform, Civil Servants and Service personnel in organisations across the Ministry of Defence are re-aligning under four Areas – Department of State, Military Strategic Headquarters, National Armaments Director Group, and Defence Nuclear Enterprise.

In the first phase of implementation, teams are mostly moving as complete units. As new ways of working bed in, and in response to operational and policy needs, the Department will continue to assign roles in the most effective and efficient way.
wrans/answers2025-04-07 conversation_134
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-04-07)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-04-07 conversation_134

Ben Obese-Jecty:To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, what his Department's timetable is for the publication of the Defence Industrial Strategy. \p Maria Eagle: This Government is committed to bringing forward a Defence Industrial Strategy which ensures the imperatives of national security and a high-growth economy are aligned, to maximise the impact of our defence spending uplift with British based firms.

The Statement of Intent outlined that the Defence Industrial Strategy will be published in late-Spring 2025.
wrans/answers2025-04-07 conversation_135
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-04-07)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-04-07 conversation_135

James Cartlidge:To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, with reference to the Spring Statement, published on 26 March 2025, whether his Department has been set a target by which to increase Defence exports. \p Maria Eagle: The UK Government continually assesses the defence export market and plays an important role in supporting industry partners with the export of UK defence equipment. Alongside other measures announced in the Spring Statement, defence exports will play a key role in supporting the Government’s Growth agenda. Improving export performance will be a key role for the National Armaments Director.
wrans/answers2025-04-07 conversation_136
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-04-07)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-04-07 conversation_136

James Cartlidge:To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, when the Prime Minister last met with the lead members of the Strategic Defence Review team. \p Luke Pollard: As the Prime Minister reported in his Statement on Defence and Security in the House of Commons, the Strategic Defence Review is being finalised. The Reviewers are reporting regularly on progress to the Prime Minister, the Defence Secretary, and the Chancellor of the Exchequer, and the Review will be published in the Spring. It will help set the path for Britain's defence for the next decade.
wrans/answers2025-04-07 conversation_137
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-04-07)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-04-07 conversation_137

Ian Roome:To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, what steps his Department will take to assess the job performance of the National Armaments Director. \p Maria Eagle: The parameters and performance targets for the National Armaments Director will be agreed in line with the salary approval from the Chief Secretary to the Treasury as part of the recruitment process.
wrans/answers2025-04-07 conversation_138
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-04-07)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-04-07 conversation_138

James Cartlidge:To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, with reference to paragraph 3.29 of the Spring Statement, published on 26 March 2025, whether he plans to set a formal target for end to end procurement time for pace-setting modular upgrades. \p Maria Eagle: The Ministry of Defence is reforming its acquisition system to deliver defence capabilities at greater pace, secure the best possible value for money and support growth, under the leadership of a new National Armaments Director.

These reforms will enable the end-to-end procurement approach to be tailored according to the nature of each programme, delivering capability into the hands of the war fighter more quickly to maintain operational advantage.

As set out in the Spring Statement, the department will set targets for time to contract as part of its new segmented approach to procurement. While larger, complex platforms, such as those in the Government Major Projects Portfolio, will often take longer to deliver, we will look for opportunities to drive pace at every stage of the acquisition process.
wrans/answers2025-04-07 conversation_139
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-04-07)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-04-07 conversation_139

James Cartlidge:To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, how Defence Equipment and Support will interact with UK Defence Innovation. \p Maria Eagle: As set out in the Chancellor’s Spring Statement the Ministry of Defence will establish UK Defence Innovation (UKDI). This new body will consolidate, cohere and simplify the current Ministry of Defence (MOD) structures for innovation. As well as capitalise on lessons from Ukraine. It supports the Government’s wider agenda for greater departmental agility, driven by advances in technology and increased productivity. UKDI will be granted greater freedoms to exploit and capitalise on new ideas, equip Britain’s Armed Forces with cutting-edge tech faster, support the growth of high-tech businesses across the UK and demonstrate the UK’s ability to respond at pace to external threats.

UKDI will report under the new National Armaments Director (NAD) and sit within the Ministry of Defence as part of the new operating model being established through Defence Reform. Its output will be fully accountable to Ministers and Parliament. UKDI will be part of cross Government growth boards. UKDI is not a new Arm's Length Body, nor will it pull in any existing Arm’s Length Bodies. UKDI is a key part of the biggest overhaul of Defence for over 50 years and will be an essential part of reforming defence acquisition.

UKDI will reach initial operating capability in July 2025, that output will provide more detail on the admin and running costs of UKDI, the detailed design and interactions with MSHQ, other Government departments and industry. This work will look at the size and shape of the workforce needed to deliver the ambition. UKDI will be given the appropriate delegation, resources and authority to achieve its goals.

To achieve these aims UKDI will be given a ringfenced budget to give confidence to industry in the acquisition programme and to be able to move from concept to delivery at pace. Investment cases will prioritise UK SMEs. The Spring Statement also confirmed that from next year the MOD will spend at least 10% of its equipment procurement budget on novel tech including dual-use technologies such as uncrewed and autonomous systems and AI-enabled capabilities. UKDI will be closely linked to the DE&S and DASA teams which have recently been involved in recent rapid procurement activities where appropriate.

The creation of UKDI underlines this Government's commitment to exploiting new ideas and technologies to equip our Armed Forces with cutting edge tech and grow high tech businesses across the UK.
wrans/answers2025-04-07 conversation_140
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-04-07)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-04-07 conversation_140

Max Wilkinson:To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, what assessment his Department has made of the potential role of the cyber security industry in Cheltenham in growing the UK defence industry. \p Maria Eagle: This Government is committed to bringing forward a Defence Industrial Strategy which ensures the imperatives of national security and a high-growth economy are aligned.

Defence is not just a cornerstone of national security, it’s also a powerful engine to drive economic growth - this Government’s number one mission.

The new Defence Industrial Strategy will unlock the potential of every region and nation across the UK. We are working collaboratively with colleagues across Government to maximise the linkages between the Ministry of Defence and other Departments.

We will set out our plans for strengthening the UK defence sector in the Defence Industrial Strategy later this year.
wrans/answers2025-04-07 conversation_141
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-04-07)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-04-07 conversation_141

Helen Maguire:To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, how many (a) type 23 Duke Class, (b) type 31 Inspiration Class and (c) type 26 City Class frigates the UK navy has; how many of each of those types are currently not fit for purpose; and for each frigate currently not fit for purpose, how many days each ship has been out of service. \p Maria Eagle: The Royal Navy operates eight Type 23 Frigates, and as of 2 April 2025, six Type 23 frigates are at readiness and available for operations. Each ship follows a normal operating cycle, going through different readiness levels based on their schedules and maintenance.

In addition to the eight operational Type 23 frigates, the Royal Navy has three that are in the process of being decommissioned. It has been 321 days since the decision to retire HMS Westminster and HMS Argyll, and 133 days for HMS Northumberland.

The retirement announcements are part of the UK’s plan to modernise its surface fleet. The Royal Navy will replace the Type 23 Frigates with new Type 26 and Type 31 Frigates. All eight world-class Type 26 ships are scheduled to enter service commencing from 2029, with all five Type 31 ships expected to be operational by the early 2030s.
wrans/answers2025-04-07 conversation_142
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-04-07)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-04-07 conversation_142

Katie White:To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, what steps he plans to take to use the increase in defence spending to boost British supply chains; and what steps he is taking with Cabinet colleagues to ensure strategic alignment and capitalise on economies of scale in key sectors. \p Maria Eagle: The additional investment in defence announced by the Prime Minister on 25 February 2025 and by the Chancellor in the 2025 Spring Statement will both protect UK citizens from threats and create a secure and stable environment in which businesses can thrive, supporting the Government’s number one mission to deliver economic growth. This includes maximising jobs, growth, skills and innovation in the UK.

This Government is bringing forward a Defence Industrial Strategy that will ensure a strong Defence sector and resilient supply chains across the whole of the UK. The Statement of Intent for the Defence Industrial Strategy, published in December 2024, set out a commitment to prioritising UK businesses for investment and boosting sovereign capacity.

The Ministry of Defence (MOD) is working closely with other Government Departments to align strategic objectives in key sectors, for example through the wider cross-Government Industrial Strategy. The Strategic Defence Review will also determine the roles and capabilities required by UK Defence to meet the challenges and threats of the twenty-first century.

The MOD is already actively improving the capabilities of the UK’s Defence sector and supply chains through initiatives such as the Defence Supplier Capability Development Programme and the new support hub for small and medium enterprises that the Prime Minister announced on 3 March 2025.
wrans/answers2025-04-07 conversation_143
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-04-07)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-04-07 conversation_143

Edward Morello:To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, what discussions he has had with European allies on developing joint weapon production initiatives. \p Maria Eagle: The Secretary of State for Defence continues to discuss defence capability matters, including on joint production, procurement and future development, with a range of our European Allies on a regular basis, both bilaterally and through multilateral fora. For example, the Secretary of State recently discussed our capability cooperation with France in Paris on 11 March, before discussing wider European industrial collaboration at the E5 defence ministers meeting on 12 March. I also have regular conversations with my counterparts. We continue to promote and encourage European Allies to co-design, co-develop and co-produce through a number of initiatives, including through UK-led Multinational Procurement Initiatives and DIAMOND.
wrans/answers2025-04-07 conversation_144
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-04-07)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-04-07 conversation_144

Max Wilkinson:To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, what steps his Department is taking to ensure that cyber tech businesses in Cheltenham are able to access funding through new defence innovation organisation. \p Maria Eagle: UK Defence Innovation (UKDI) will equip Britain’s Armed Forces with cutting-edge tech faster. It will support the growth of high-tech businesses across the UK – including in Cheltenham, capitalising on new ideas, supporting them rapidly through development and exploitation.

To achieve these aims UKDI will be given a ringfenced budget of £400 million this year. The Spring Statement also confirmed that the Ministry of Defence will spend at least 10% of its equipment procurement budget on novel tech including dual-use technologies such as uncrewed and autonomous systems and AI-enabled capabilities. This will benefit the UKs cyber tech industry.

UKDI will be closely linked to the DE&S and DASA teams which have recently been involved in rapid procurement activities and currently give businesses across the UK access to funding.

UKDI will be operational by July 2025 and work is ongoing to confirm the detailed design of the organisation.
wrans/answers2025-04-07 conversation_145
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-04-07)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-04-07 conversation_145

Ben Obese-Jecty:To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, what assessment he has made of the potential impact of the production delays to the F-35 caused by software instability relating to Lockheed Martin’s Block 4 upgrade. \p Maria Eagle: We do not routinely comment on detailed delivery schedules however, it is not anticipated that the Block 4 delays will impact the declaration of Lightning Full Operating Capability, scheduled for no later than the end of 2025.
wrans/answers2025-04-07 conversation_146
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-04-07)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-04-07 conversation_146

Ben Obese-Jecty:To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, what the planned phase out date is of the SA80A3 for the Royal Marines. \p Maria Eagle: The Royal Marines currently operate the KS-1 / L143A2 and SA80 in a variety of roles. There is no current defined timeline to move Royal Marines entirely away from the SA80 until the current Out of Service Date of 2030.
wrans/answers2025-04-07 conversation_147
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-04-07)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-04-07 conversation_147

James Cartlidge:To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, with reference to page 18 of the Spring Statement, published on 26 March 2025, how the funding for the regeneration of His Majesty’s Naval Base Portsmouth will be allocated. \p Maria Eagle: The funding for the regeneration of His Majesty’s Naval Base Portsmouth will be allocated towards three main areas: refurbishment and upgrade of accommodation, jetty upgrade programme, and wider estate development.   This allocation aims to provide good quality, safe accommodation, ensure the jetties can better meet the demand of the surface fleet, and create a resilient, efficient, and sustainable Naval Base. This funding does not cover the totality of the regeneration needs, and future requirements will be determined following the Strategic Defence Review.
wrans/answers2025-04-07 conversation_148
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-04-07)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-04-07 conversation_148

Yasmin Qureshi:To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, if he will make an assessment of the potential impact of increasing levels of defence spending on (a) employment and (b) investment in Bolton. \p Maria Eagle: We are ensuring UK defence is on the cutting-edge of technology and innovation, with Defence spending meeting our military needs, supporting 434,000 jobs across the breadth of the UK and increasing the productive capacity of the UK economy to drive sustainable, long-term growth.

The increase in defence spending will fund critical investments in areas like autonomous systems, AI, cyber, rebuilding stockpiles and munition reserves, and therefore will support the security and resilience of the whole of the UK, including Bolton. The full details will be set out in the Strategic Defence Review.
wrans/answers2025-04-07 conversation_149
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-04-07)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-04-07 conversation_149

James Cartlidge:To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, what his Department's recruitment targets for the armed forces are for 2025-26. \p Luke Pollard: As the hon. Gentleman will know, the current Government inherited a crisis in recruitment and retention from the last administration. We have made a series of announcements to improve recruitment since July 2024.

The 2025-26 Single Service recruitment targets are detailed below:

Royal Navy – 3,890

Army – 10,200

Royal Air Force – 3,230

These figures are the totals for Regular Service personnel only and are rounded to the nearest 10.
wrans/answers2025-04-07 conversation_150
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-04-07)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-04-07 conversation_150

James Cartlidge:To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, pursuant to the Answer of 01 April 2025 to Question 41483 on Defence: Procurement, what the (a) eight business cases waiting for approval with His Majesty's Treasury and (b) seven cases waiting for approval with the Cabinet Office are. \p Maria Eagle: The eight cases with HM Treasury are as follows:

1) Sheffield Forgemaster Recapitalisation

2) Future Maritime Support Programme

3) Project BRAMLEY (ICT infrastructure)

4) Defence Marine Services – Next Generation

5) Astute

6) Dreadnought Support

7) Future Combat Air System/Global Combat Air Programme

8) Submarine Disposal Capability (NB - this case was approved by HM Treasury on 1 Apr 25).

The seven cases with Cabinet Office are as follows:

1) Defence Marine Services Next Generation

2) AWE Client Partnership Framework

3) Future Maritime Support Programme

4) Land Ground Based Air Defence (GBAD) Mounted SHORAD

5) HESTIA (Facilities Management) - All regional contracts - UK MOD Estate: South West; South; South East; East; North; Wales & W Midlands; Scotland and North Ireland

6) Project “Appivate” - RAF Digital Technology Contract

7) Defence Digital ICT manage services project.
wrans/answers2025-04-07 conversation_151
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-04-07)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-04-07 conversation_151

Ben Obese-Jecty:To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, if he will publish the outcomes of his meeting with the Ukraine Defence Contact Group on 12 February 2025. \p Luke Pollard: At the Ukraine Defence Contact Group (UDCG) co-chaired by the Defence Secretary, the UK is taking a leading role in ensuring coordination and coherence of international support to Ukraine. We saw almost 50 nations and partners standing together to support Ukraine in February 2025.

The UK Ministry of Defence published the official press release on the February UDCG on gov.uk website, which saw the UK announce a £150 million military support package to Ukraine.
wrans/answers2025-04-07 conversation_152
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-04-07)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-04-07 conversation_152

James Cartlidge:To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, with reference to paragraph 2.7 of the Spring Statement, published on 26 March 2025, how many Royal Navy ships will operate a Directed Energy Weapon by 2027. \p Maria Eagle: As announced in the Spring Statement, part of the additional funding for Defence will be invested in advanced technology, including putting the DragonFire Laser Directed Energy Weapons on four Royal Navy ships, starting from 2027. This is not the totality of the Ministry of Defence (MOD)'s investment in DEW, and we will wait for the outcomes of the Strategic Defence Review and Spending Review before making further announcements on plans for DEW capability. Defence remains committed to bringing novel capabilities to our Armed Forces faster than before, and our Defence Reform efforts will help to set MOD up to deliver this.
wrans/answers2025-04-07 conversation_153
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-04-07)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-04-07 conversation_153

James Cartlidge:To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, which class of Royal Navy ships will operate a directed energy weapon. \p Maria Eagle: Our DragonFire Laser Directed Energy Weapons (DEW) will be fitted to four Royal Navy ships starting from 2027. Type 45 destroyers are being explored as the most suitable platform. The Ministry of Defence is maturing plans for future DEW capabilities alongside DragonFire delivery and in conjunction with the Royal Navy will ensure that the most suitable Royal Navy ships are selected.
wrans/answers2025-04-07 conversation_154
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-04-07)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-04-07 conversation_154

James Cartlidge:To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, with reference to paragraph 2.7 of the Spring Statement, published on 26 March 2025, how the investment in Directed Energy Weapons will be spent. \p Maria Eagle: The additional funding announced in the Spring Statement is contributing to advanced technology within Defence, including securing the in service date for the DragonFire Laser Directed Energy Weapons (DEW). This investment will continue development of software and overall lethality, integration of the system, and will support the UK industrial base and specialist skills. DragonFire is an example of our commitment to developing UK sovereign capability, and is not the totality of MOD’s investment in DEW. We will wait for the outcomes of the Strategic Defence Review and Spending Review before making further announcements on plans for DEW capability.
wrans/answers2025-04-07 conversation_155
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-04-07)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-04-07 conversation_155

James Cartlidge:To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, with reference to paragraph 2.9 of the Spring Statement, published on 26 March 2025, whether the Defence Reform Model will include a target for spending on UK Defence SMEs. \p Maria Eagle: The Prime Minister and Secretary of State for Defence have announced that, along with other Government Departments, the Ministry of Defence will publish a target for direct spend with Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) by June 2025.

This forms part of broader Defence Reform and complements the commitments within the Spring Statement regarding ringfenced funding for innovation. The Department is committed to a stretching but achievable target to meet this requirement.
wrans/answers2025-04-07 conversation_156
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-04-07)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-04-07 conversation_156

James Cartlidge:To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, what steps he plans to take to help ensure that proposed increases in defence spending create economic growth in all regions. \p Maria Eagle: In the recent announcements of an extra £5 billion for defence next year and setting a pathway to spend 2.5% of GDP by 2027, this Government recognised that Defence and national security are foundational for economic growth across the UK. We are determined to go further and use Defence procurement and investment to actively generate wealth, boost export potential and create high quality jobs across all the nations and regions of our country.

This Government is hard-wiring growth considerations into Defence processes. The new Defence Growth Board, which will be co-chaired by the Chancellor and Secretary of State for Defence, will ensure growth considerations are central to our decision-making.

The Defence Industrial Strategy Statement of Intent, published in December 2024, identified spreading prosperity as one of six key priorities. The new UK Defence Innovation organisation and the associated commitment to spend 10% of the Ministry of Defence’s budget on novel technologies, together with fundamental reforms to defence procurement and a new small and medium sized enterprises hub will benefit industry across the UK.

The Ministry of Defence continues to engage with industry, devolved Governments and local authorities to better understand the regional opportunities and barriers for growth in the defence sector. We are working with partners across Government to determine how these can best be addressed.
wrans/answers2025-04-07 conversation_157
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-04-07)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-04-07 conversation_157

Andrew Rosindell:To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, what proportion of invoices from UK suppliers his Department paid within 10 days of receipt between September 2024 and February 2025. \p Maria Eagle: Between September 2024 and February 2025, a total of 619,531 invoices were received, of which, 97.28 per cent (602,704) were paid within ten working days of receipt.

Details of the Ministry of Defence's (MOD) supplier invoicing and payment information, including supplier payment performance, invoice processing and MOD contract payments, are published at the following link:

https://www.gov.uk/government/collections/ministry-of-defence-supplier-invoicing-and-payment-information
wrans/answers2025-04-07 conversation_158
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-04-07)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-04-07 conversation_158

James Cartlidge:To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, with reference to paragraph 2.7 of the Spring Statement, published on 26 March 2025, how the UK’s programme of joint exercises with NATO allies will be enhanced. \p Luke Pollard: The UK will participate in exercises with NATO Allies to build and enhance interoperability in multi-domain operations, key to NATO’s operational effectiveness. This will be demonstrated through participation in Exercises Hedgehog and Steadfast Deterrence in May of this year, which aim to strengthen NATO’s defence and deterrence in the Euro-Atlantic area.
wrans/answers2025-04-07 conversation_159
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-04-07)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-04-07 conversation_159

Helen Maguire:To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, what the average number of months are between a service person enlisting and leaving the (a) Navy, (b) RAF and (c) Army; what the 2015 average number of months was between a service person enlisting and leaving the (a) Navy, (b) RAF and (c) Army; and what the 2020 average number of months was between a service person enlisting and leaving the (a) Navy, (b) RAF and (c) Army. \p Al Carns: It is taking time to collate the required information to answer the hon. Member's Question. I will write to her when the information is available, and a copy of this letter will be placed in the Library of The House.
wrans/answers2025-04-07 conversation_160
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-04-07)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-04-07 conversation_160

Helen Maguire:To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, which recommendations of the Etherton Report have yet to be implemented; and what his planned timeline is for the implementation of those outstanding recommendations. \p Al Carns: As of 1 April 2025, 42 of the 49 recommendations have been implemented, with work to implement the outstanding seven recommendations underway, demonstrating our commitment to supporting the LGBT veteran community.

Of the seven remaining recommendations, two are for Defence and five are for the Department of Health and Social Care (DHSC). Defence officials are also supporting DHSC colleagues with progressing their five remaining recommendations (recommendations 31, 35, 36, 38 and 42).

The two for Defence include recommendation 44 focusing on female veterans affected by the ban; this will be implemented as part of the new inclusive veterans’ strategy. Recommendation 17 to implement a dedicated memorial to LGBT personnel at the National Memorial Arboretum is expected to be unveiled before the end of 2025.

Defence encourages those affected to apply for non-financial restorative measures and the LGBT Financial Recognition Scheme by completing the application forms available at the following address: https://www.gov.uk/government/collections/lgbt-veterans-support-and-next-steps.
wrans/answers2025-04-07 conversation_161
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-04-07)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-04-07 conversation_161

Helen Maguire:To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, what steps his Department has taken to protect British supply chains from Russian interference and sabotage. \p Maria Eagle: We closely monitor the impact of global conflicts including the extent of Russian content in our critical programmes and the supply chains that support them, with the aim of identifying and managing emergent issues.

The Department is actively engaged in a range of activity to de-risk critical defence supply chain vulnerabilities to enable us to make informed decisions around if and how to intervene. We work collaboratively with industry to mitigate risks via initiatives such as the recent joint Ministry of Defence (MOD)-industry wargaming event. The MOD also continues to work alongside the National Protective Security Authority and with allies to ensure our industry colleagues are aware of the threats posed by Russia, and the National Security and Investment Act 2021 is used to address national security risks posed by malign Russian ownership where appropriate.
wrans/answers2025-04-07 conversation_162
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-04-07)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-04-07 conversation_162

James Cartlidge:To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, when he last met with the lead members of the Strategic Defence Review team. \p Luke Pollard: The Reviewers are reporting regularly on progress to the Defence Secretary, the Prime Minister and the Chancellor of the Exchequer. The Review will be published in the Spring. As the Prime Minister reported in his Statement on Defence and Security in the House of Commons, the Strategic Defence Review is advanced, and he will lay it in Parliament as soon as he can. It will help set the path for Britain's defence for the next decade.
wrans/answers2025-04-07 conversation_163
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-04-07)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-04-07 conversation_163

Ben Obese-Jecty:To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, pursuant to the Answer of 27 March 2025 to Question 40755, for what reason the Total Compensation Payable under the AFCS increased. \p Al Carns: The total expenditure under the Armed Forces Compensation Scheme (AFCS) increased in 2023-24 due to the number of Guaranteed Income Payments (GIP) in payment increasing year on year and an increase in the number of awarded initial injury/illness claims in that financial year.

In 2023-24, the number of GIPs in payment increased by 10%.

In 2023-24, 4,075 initial injury/illness claims were awarded which was an increase of 34% when compared to the previous year. This increase was due to an increase in the number of injury/illness claims registered (9,545 in 2023-24 compared to 7,793 in 2022-23) and an increase in the percentage of initial injury/illness cleared claims awarded (57% compared to 50% the previous year).
wrans/answers2025-04-07 conversation_164
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-04-07)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-04-07 conversation_164

Noah Law:To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, what steps his Department is taking to ensure that veterans who participated in lawful military operations during the Northern Ireland Troubles are treated fairly in relation to investigations or judicial proceedings; and if he will increase (a) legal protections and (b) welfare support for those veterans. \p Al Carns: The Government recognises the important service of Armed Forces personnel and the sacrifices they made to keep us all safe in Northern Ireland during the Troubles. We are exploring measures to ensure that the legacy of the past is addressed sensitively, efficiently, and lawfully, including with veterans’ groups. When a veteran faces judicial proceedings in relation to their duties, we offer, at public expense, legal support and representation as appropriate. Veterans are also offered welfare support tailored to their individual needs and circumstances.
wrans/answers2025-04-07 conversation_165
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-04-07)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-04-07 conversation_165

James Cartlidge:To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, which sites will be included in the refurbishment of military housing. \p Al Carns: We are unable to give details of our future plans for specific sites at this time.

The Defence Housing Strategy Review to determine how the Department will utilise its properties reacquired from Annington following the completion of the deal in January 2025 is now underway.

The Military Housing Strategy planned for publication in Summer 2025 will set out a roadmap to deliver a generational renewal of military accommodation.
wrans/answers2025-04-07 conversation_166
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-04-07)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-04-07 conversation_166

James Cartlidge:To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, with reference to paragraph 2.7 of the Spring Statement, published on 26 March 2025, whether any of the funding for military housing will go towards finalising the Annington transaction. \p Al Carns: I refer the hon. Member to the answer I gave him on 31 March 2025 to Question 41492.

Annington Homes: Contracts (docx, 29.3KB)
wrans/answers2025-04-07 conversation_167
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-04-07)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-04-07 conversation_167

Andrew Rosindell:To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, what steps he is taking to increase recruitment and retention within the Royal Navy Reserves. \p Al Carns: Our Reserve Forces help the UK Armed Forces meet the threats we face at home and overseas, with the scale, skills, agility and connection to society that we need, in a cost-effective way.

We are actively recruiting for the Royal Navy Reserve through our engaging social media campaign. Key themes for recruitment and retention include growth on the Maritime Reserves along with meaningful, diverse, and rewarding employment, reviewing and evolving administrative models for Part Time Volunteer Reserves to make sure they are fit for purpose, optimising selection processes for specialisations, credible career development pathways, and the modernising and flexibility of training pipelines.
wrans/answers2025-04-07 conversation_168
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-04-07)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-04-07 conversation_168

Ben Obese-Jecty:To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, how many claims for hearing loss have there been in the (a) British Army and Army Reserve, (b) Royal Air Force and Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve, (c) Royal Navy and Royal Navy Reserve, excluding the Royal Marines and (d) Royal Marines and Royal Marine Reserve for injuries sustained since the implementation of the Tactical Hearing Protection System programme. \p Al Carns: The implementation of the Tactical Hearing Protection System programme took place between April 2015 and September 2016.

The number of Noise-induced hearing loss claims brought by current and former Service personnel is reported in the Ministry of Defence common law compensation claim statistics.

https://www.gov.uk/government/collections/mod-compensation-claims-statistics

The breakdown of Service is not readily available. This does not include claims made via the Armed Forces Compensation and War pension schemes as providing breakdowns would require information from three different data systems to be combined and individual files to be manually reviewed which would incur disproportionate cost.

It is not possible to identify if claims relate to the Tactical Hearing Protection System.