theodi/ndl-core-corpus huggingface dataset:
wrans/answers2025-09-08 conversation_412
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-09-08)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-09-08 conversation_412

Mr Andrew Snowden:To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what criteria are used to determine which (a) individuals and (b) companies involved in people smuggling should be recommended for sanctions. \p Stephen Doughty: The new regime has been established by this government to prevent and disrupt the operations of criminal gangs who smuggle people along dangerous migrant routes to attempt the channel crossing into the UK. This new regime boosts our ability to prevent, combat, deter, and disrupt irregular migration and hold smugglers and their enablers accountable.

The Government has set out the following factors relevant to the consideration of designations under the Global Irregular Migration regime in a policy note here: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/global-irregular-migration-sanctions-consideration-of-designations/global-irregular-migration-sanctions-consideration-of-designations#interaction-with-law-enforcement-activities. These include wider government irregular migration policy priorities and the scale, nature and impact of the activity. Sanctions are a foreign policy and national security tool under the Sanctions and Anti-Money Laundering Act 2018 and the exercise of sanctions functions under that Act is a matter for the Foreign Secretary.
wrans/answers2025-09-08 conversation_413
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-09-08)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-09-08 conversation_413

Kevin Hollinrake:To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, whether he has issued guidance to ambassadors on their participation in (a) fundraising and (b) other party political activity. \p Seema Malhotra: All members of the Senior Civil Service are subject to the Civil Service Management Code.
wrans/answers2025-09-08 conversation_414
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-09-08)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-09-08 conversation_414

Zarah Sultana:To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, how many foreign officials have been granted special mission immunity to visit the UK since March 2024; and what the (a) names and (b) country of origin are of those officials. \p Seema Malhotra: The purpose of special missions is a 'temporary mission, representing a state, which is sent by one state to another with the consent of the latter, in order to carry out official engagements on behalf of the sending state'. All visitors granted a special mission status would have had bilateral engagements with UK ministers and officials during their visit, pertinent to the individual bilateral relationship.

Since 1 March 2024, special mission status has been granted to four delegations:

Benny Gantz, Chairman of The National Unity Party & War Cabinet Minister of the State of Israel and two delegates, March 2024;

Lieutenant General Herzl Halevi, Chief of the General Staff of the Israel Defense Forces and four delegates, November 2024;

Major General Oded Bassiuk, Head of the Operations Directorate J3 of the Israel Defense Forces and five delegates, January 2025;

Major General Tomer Bar, Head of the Israeli Air Force, July 2025.
wrans/answers2025-09-08 conversation_415
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-09-08)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-09-08 conversation_415

Martin Wrigley:To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, whether his Department has made an assessment of the potential impact of contracts held by Palantir Technologies in (a) strategic competitor and (b) other countries on (i) his foreign policy and (ii) data security. \p Seema Malhotra: The UK continues to support the open, responsible, secure, and resilient development and innovation of technologies globally, through collaboration with governments, technology companies, and academia. Under the UK data protection regime, organisations must ensure there are appropriate safeguards in place when handling UK data.
wrans/answers2025-09-08 conversation_416
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-09-08)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-09-08 conversation_416

Ben Obese-Jecty:To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what assessment he has made of the potential impact of HMS Richmond's planned use of the Taiwan Strait in September on UK relations with China. \p Seema Malhotra: We do not routinely comment on operational details. Wherever the Royal Navy operates, it does so in full compliance with international laws and norms and exercises its rights to freedom of navigation and overflight provided for by United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS).
wrans/answers2025-09-08 conversation_417
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-09-08)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-09-08 conversation_417

Graeme Downie:To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, how many times RAF P8-Poseidon aircraft have been launched from RAF Lossiemouth on operational mission in each of the last 12 months. \p Louise Sandher-Jones: RAF P-8 Poseidon aircraft are routinely deployed from RAF Lossiemouth on operational missions in support of the UK's defence and security objectives. Over the past 12 months, an average of 17 operational missions per month have been conducted. For reasons of operational security, the Ministry of Defence does not disclose detailed information on the number of missions conducted.
wrans/answers2025-09-08 conversation_418
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-09-08)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-09-08 conversation_418

Alicia Kearns:To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, what estimate he has made of the number of living LGBT veterans dismissed from the Armed Forces before 1967 who are excluded from the reparations recommended by the LGBT Veterans Independent Review; and what assessment he has made of the potential merits of extending the scope of the reparations to include those veterans. \p Al Carns: The Government recognises the profound impact that historic criminal and Service law had on LGBT veterans and is committed to ensuring fairness and inclusivity in its restorative measures. While the current scope of the LGBT Financial Recognition Scheme (FRS) is based on the recommendations of the LGBT Veterans Independent Review, the Government acknowledges the concerns raised regarding veterans dismissed before 1967.

We therefore extended four restorative measures to those who served before 1967. They can apply to have administrative discharges qualified, their rank restored, Certificates of Service re-issued, and former Officers may apply to have Service details published in The Gazette, as part of the official record.

At present, the Government has not conducted, nor does it have plans to conduct, a formal assessment of the potential merits of extending the FRS to include veterans dismissed or discharged before 1967. This is because the Scheme was set up specifically to respond to the period when Service law was different to civilian law. We do not know how many living veterans were dismissed or discharged from the Armed Forces because of their sexual orientation or gender identity before 1967.

The forthcoming Veterans Strategy will set out this government’s vision for the remarkable men and women that have served in this country’s Armed Forces. Through this new strategy, we will ensure all veterans’– including LGBT – service is celebrated, their potential to make further contributions is realised and, for those that need it, that the right support is available to them.
wrans/answers2025-09-08 conversation_419
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-09-08)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-09-08 conversation_419

Ben Obese-Jecty:To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, what steps he is taking to develop hypersonic vectors for use by the Royal Air Force. \p Luke Pollard: I refer the hon. Member to the answer provided to Question 48869, by my right hon. Friend Maria Eagle MP, on 12 May 2025.

Guided Weapons (docx, 16.5KB)
wrans/answers2025-09-08 conversation_420
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-09-08)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-09-08 conversation_420

James Cartlidge:To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, with reference to recommendation 26 of the Strategic Defence Review: Making Britain Safer: secure at home, strong abroad, published on 2 June 2025, when he plans to commence the two-year series of public outreach events explaining current threats and future trends. \p Al Carns: Linked to the 2025 Strategic Defence Review, the Reserve Forces and Cadet Associations (RFCAs) have conducted 369 engagement days since 5 July 2024. This number defines ‘public engagement days’ with employers throughout the year, both nationally (Armed Forces Day) and regionally, and inclusive of employer visits to military bases.

Plans to increase the number of public engagement days have yet to be finalised as the Ministry of Defence seeks to ensure efficiency and impact.
wrans/answers2025-09-08 conversation_421
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-09-08)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-09-08 conversation_421

Carla Denyer:To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, what steps he has taken to monitor the impact of the data breach relating to the Afghan relocations and assistance policy on the human rights of those listed in the leaked data including (a) those of Afghan nationality, (b) their families and (c) British officials. \p Louise Sandher-Jones: As recognised by the Rimmer Review, the human rights picture in Afghanistan was dire, prior to and regardless of the data loss incident, which occurred under the previous Government.

However, while Afghanistan remains a dangerous place, the Rimmer Review does conclude that it is "highly unlikely" that merely being on the dataset would be grounds for targeting, and that it is unlikely that family members will be targeted simply because the principal appears in the dataset. It also concludes that the dataset is unlikely to substantially change an individual's existing exposure given the volume of data already available to the Taleban and the fact that links to the former Government are widely known.

It is worth noting that in a small number of cases, the names of British officials have been named on the dataset. The risk to these individuals, who are in the UK, is considered to be extremely low. The Ministry of Defence continues to make all reasonable efforts to contact those affected to provide security advice and support.
wrans/answers2025-09-08 conversation_422
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-09-08)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-09-08 conversation_422

Jim Allister:To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, what steps he is taking to inform veterans who served in Northern Ireland of the Victims Pension Scheme. \p Al Carns: The Troubles Permanent Disablement Payment Scheme is advertised on https://www.nidirect.gov.uk/

The scheme is being promoted locally in Northern Ireland via the veterans’ support network and victims and survivors groups.
wrans/answers2025-09-08 conversation_423
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-09-08)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-09-08 conversation_423

Charlie Dewhirst:To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, whether the payment of armed forces pensions counts towards the 5% NATO defence spending target. \p Al Carns: In line with the current NATO definition, spend on armed forces pensions is already included as part of core defence spending. This will continue to be the case against the 5% defence spending target.
wrans/answers2025-09-08 conversation_424
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-09-08)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-09-08 conversation_424

Ben Obese-Jecty:To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, whether Project Teutates is included within the Defence Nuclear Enterprise. \p Luke Pollard: The TEUTATES programme is part of the Defence Nuclear Enterprise (DNE). It includes the ongoing development of an interim firing point at the Atomic Weapons Establishment (AWE) Aldermaston site. The Technology Development Centre is also at AWE Aldermaston and is now being repurposed to support other programmes, having originally been constructed for TEUTATES.

As set out in the DNE 2025 Annual Update to Parliament published on 22 May, the first X-rays by the UK-supplied Induction Voltage Adder machine were fired at the EPURE hydrodynamics facility in November 2024, marking an important Treaty milestone.

I hope the hon. Gentleman will understand that I am withholding cost estimates for the programme as release would prejudice international relations.
wrans/answers2025-09-08 conversation_425
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-09-08)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-09-08 conversation_425

Mr Richard Holden:To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, pursuant to the Answer of 28 February 2025 to Question 31166 on Ministers: Aviation, how much air passenger duty has been paid for Prime Ministerial domestic travel on RAF-provided flights since 4 July 2024. \p Luke Pollard: During the period 4 July 2024 to present there have been a total of seven domestic tasks for which the Prime Minister (PM) was identified as the principal passenger.

The total of Air Passenger Duty (APD) paid for all passengers on those flights is £14,358.

Information is not held regarding the identity of individual passengers, but on the assumption that the PM was present for all legs that involved passenger movements, the total APD for the PM in this period was £1,578.
wrans/answers2025-09-08 conversation_426
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-09-08)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-09-08 conversation_426

James Cartlidge:To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, with reference to recommendation 35 of the Strategic Defence Review: Making Britain Safer: secure at home, strong abroad, published on 2 June 2025, what steps he plans to take to enhance parliamentary scrutiny of the nuclear deterrent. \p Luke Pollard: In May this year, this Government published an update to Parliament on the major programmes in the Defence Nuclear Enterprise and, in July, provided a guide to Parliamentarians on the work underway to maintain and renew the nuclear deterrent. These publications are available at the following locations:

https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/defence-nuclear-enterprise-2025-annual-update-to-parliament/defence-nuclear-enterprise-2025-annual-update-to-parliament

https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/media/6880af493f770776241204e7/The_UK_s_nuclear_deterrent_-_the_National_Endeavour_Explained.pdf

We will continue to update Parliament on how investment in the Defence Nuclear Enterprise is contributing to national security and economic prosperity. The Government will keep under review mechanisms for reporting and accountability to Parliament.
wrans/answers2025-09-08 conversation_427
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-09-08)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-09-08 conversation_427

Mike Wood:To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, who will (a) procure and (b) own the nuclear weapons to be deployed on the F35-A fighter jets; and whether permission will be required from (i) NATO and (ii) the USA to (A) deploy and (B) launch them. \p Luke Pollard: As confirmed when the Ministry of Defence announced our intention to participate in NATO’s nuclear mission, the nuclear weapons allocated to the NATO dual capable aircraft (DCA) nuclear mission are United States (US) nuclear weapons and the US retains control and custody over them, as the UK does with its own nuclear weapons.

The NATO DCA nuclear mission would operate under the orders of NATO’s Supreme Allied Commander Europe, when authorised by NATO’s Nuclear Planning Group, through which Allies exercise political control over the mission. The UK would always retain the right to participate, or not participate, according to a political decision by the UK Prime Minister.
wrans/answers2025-09-08 conversation_428
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-09-08)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-09-08 conversation_428

Charlie Dewhirst:To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, with reference to the press release entitled Internship Scheme To Get More Working Class Students Into Civil Service, published on 1 August 2025, whether children of members of the armed forces will be able to apply for the Summer Internship Programme in his Department in 2026. \p Al Carns: The Summer Internship Programme is a pan-Civil Service initiative designed to increase the representation of those from a working-class background into the Civil Service, and support opportunities to join the Fast Stream within this group. As such, it has a number of eligibility requirements, including socio-economic status. Children of Armed Forces personnel are subject to the same eligibility criteria as other applicants.
wrans/answers2025-09-08 conversation_429
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-09-08)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-09-08 conversation_429

Ben Maguire:To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, if he will make an assessment of the potential merits of ensuring that the proposed transfer of Bodmin Keep from his Department to its Trustees is accompanied by sufficient funding to (a) enable the museum to remain financially sustainable, (b) continue to deliver youth engagement and (c) support the Keeping the Army in the Public Eye policy. \p Luke Pollard: The Department is in regular communication with the Military Museum at Bodmin Keep about how they will transition from their current supported status in 2030, and what this will mean. The Department is also exploring a number of long-term options with the Museum regarding their lease agreement for the Keep. Until then, the Museum will continue to receive a Grant-in-Aid from the Department. I am happy to meet with the hon. Gentleman to discuss further if that would be useful.
wrans/answers2025-09-08 conversation_430
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-09-08)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-09-08 conversation_430

Ben Obese-Jecty:To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, what recent progress he has made on the single digital platform for the Armed Forces Recruiting Programme. \p Louise Sandher-Jones: The Armed Forces Recruiting Programme (AFRP) has been directed to deliver a comprehensive tri-Service recruiting solution to establish a unified recruiting operating model. Future tri-Service recruiting will provide a flexible Candidate recruiting pathway that optimises the digital environment and will recruit against demand. It will engage, assist, and support the Candidates from expression of interest through to application, assessment, and job offer, to joining their chosen service and commencing initial training.

The development of the single digital platform continues to progress in line with the delivery timeline. It is being built in line with Government Digital Service standards and the user experience is core to its development. Digital development is using an Agile methodology with a number of sprints taking place to align development to the overall solution requirements.

AFRP submits quarterly reports and regular updates detailing the progress of the transition from Contract Effective Date which was 1 April 2025, to Service Commencement in 2027 which allows the monitoring and assurance of transition activity.

The digital platform is currently in the detailed design phase and we are unable to provide further detail at this stage.
wrans/answers2025-09-08 conversation_431
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-09-08)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-09-08 conversation_431

Ben Obese-Jecty:To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, what progress the 14 Squadron Royal Air Force has made on locating the remaining hostages held in Gaza following 7 October 2025. \p Louise Sandher-Jones: While I am unable to comment on intelligence matters for operational security reasons, I can say that the UK Government has been working closely with partners across the region to secure the safe release and recovery of hostages.

In support of this effort, the Ministry of Defence has been conducting surveillance flights over the Eastern Mediterranean. These operations include activity within the airspace over Israel and Gaza.

To be clear, the mandate for these flights is strictly limited to supporting hostage rescue. The aircraft involved are unarmed and have no combat role.
wrans/answers2025-09-08 conversation_432
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-09-08)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-09-08 conversation_432

Matt Vickers:To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, what support is available for reservists to help them balance defence service with civilian employment. \p Al Carns: The Ministry of Defence works closely with Reservist employers to maximise the support Defence provides to Reservists. As part of this, Defence encourages employers to provide a minimum of 10 days additional paid leave to allow Reservists to complete their training throughout the year.
wrans/answers2025-09-08 conversation_433
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-09-08)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-09-08 conversation_433

James Cartlidge:To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, with reference to clause 25 of the Strategic Defence Review, published on 2 June 2025, which body will be responsible for external scrutiny of UK warfighting readiness. \p Louise Sandher-Jones: As set out in the evidence session with the House of Commons Defence Select Committee (HCDC) on 8 July, we expect the HCDC to have a central role in scrutinising UK warfighting readiness.
wrans/answers2025-09-08 conversation_434
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-09-08)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-09-08 conversation_434

James Cartlidge:To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, with reference to recommendation 33 of the Strategic Defence Review: Making Britain Safer: secure at home, strong abroad, published on 2 June 2025, whether he plans to take legislative steps to direct industry to prioritise defence nuclear requirements in the current Parliament. \p Louise Sandher-Jones: The Strategic Defence Review set out the need for Defence Readiness legislation this Parliament to give the Government more robust or additional powers to make the UK safe. This could include measures to improve the preparedness of key industries including nuclear, to better protect our Critical National Infrastructure and to support the mobilisation of wider Defence, including industry reserves. As I set out to the Joint Committee on the National Security Strategy on 30 June, a Defence Readiness Bill is potentially a legislative vehicle for the wider Government, not just Defence. We are therefore working closely across Government through the Cabinet Office-led Home Defence programme to shape our key requirements, and understand and identify the measures needed. This will lay the groundwork to introduce legislation when Parliamentary time allows, but we do not yet have a specific timescale for when this will come before Parliament.
wrans/answers2025-09-08 conversation_435
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-09-08)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-09-08 conversation_435

Jayne Kirkham:To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, how many seafarer (a) apprentices and (b) cadets have been trained by the Royal Fleet Auxiliary in each year since 2010. \p Al Carns: Cadetship and apprenticeship opportunities available within the RFA are designed to provide individuals with a comprehensive pathway to a fulfilling and meaningful career at sea. These programmes cater to a wide range of academic backgrounds and offer individuals the chance to develop the skills and qualifications necessary to thrive in a unique maritime environment.

In 2025, and in partnership with the Maritime Trade Unions, the Royal Navy successfully made a broad pay and non-pay financial award across the RFA workforce to recruit, retain and sustain an engaged and inclusive workforce.

The table below shows the numbers of apprentices and cadets trained by the Royal Fleet Auxiliary since 2014. Figures from prior to May 2014 are not readily available and have been excluded from the analysis.

Year

2014

2015

2016

2017

2018

2019

2020

2021

2022

2023

2024

2025*

Total

[c]

[c]

45

105

97

76

80

84

87

87

70

44

Cadet

10

23

11

32

24

13

17

21

18

15

17

10

Apprentice

[c]

[c]

34

73

73

63

63

63

69

72

53

34

Notes

1. 2014 and 2025 are partial years. 2014 consists of data available from 1 May 2014 to 31 December 2014. 2025 consists of data available from 1 January 2025 to 30 June 2025.

2. This analysis defines Cadets and Apprentices who achieve promotion as having completed training.

3. This analysis excludes any untrained personnel who joined through other entry routes and were not designated as an Apprentice or Cadet.

4. Figures of 5 or fewer and the corresponding Total are represented by '[c]', in line with disclosure control policy.
wrans/answers2025-09-08 conversation_436
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-09-08)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-09-08 conversation_436

James Cartlidge:To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, with reference to recommendation 35 of the Strategic Defence Review: Making Britain Safer: secure at home, strong abroad, published on 2 June 2025, if he will publish the potential total cost of delivering the National Endeavour public communications campaign. \p Louise Sandher-Jones: The ‘National Endeavour’ communications campaign began in July 2024. It is an enduring Government Communications Service (GCS) ‘low/no-cost’ campaign which aims to highlight and improve understanding of the work of the Defence Nuclear Enterprise, its importance to our national security, and its contribution to our economy. Any expenditure under the campaign would be managed and approved in accordance with GCS processes, as with all Departmental communications campaigns.
wrans/answers2025-09-08 conversation_437
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-09-08)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-09-08 conversation_437

James Cartlidge:To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, with reference to page 90 of the Strategic Defence Review: Making Britain Safer: secure at home, strong abroad, published on 2 June 2025, when he plans to establish the Home Defence Programme. \p Louise Sandher-Jones: Defence plays a leading role in the development of the Cabinet Office-led cross-Government Home Defence Programme, overseen centrally by the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster. As set out in the National Security Strategy and the Resilience Action Plan, this coordinates civil and military preparations across the whole of Government for some of the most serious risks we could face, including communicating, empowering and engaging with all tiers of resilience actors to ensure that all sectors are prepared for and able to respond to the most catastrophic of risks. A broad range of Government Departments are engaged in supporting this work. It is an evolving and enduring programme of work which provides defence, security and resilience planning, focused on aligning military and civil effort in the event of a period of crisis and international hostilities affecting the UK, informed by and reflecting the recommendations from Government strategies, including the Strategic Defence Review, National Security Strategy and Resilience Action Plan.
wrans/answers2025-09-08 conversation_438
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-09-08)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-09-08 conversation_438

James Cartlidge:To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, with reference to recommendation 27 of the Strategic Defence Review: Making Britain Safer: secure at home, strong abroad, published on 2 June 2025, if his Department will hold regular meetings with the Cabinet Office to discuss the protection of UK critical infrastructure. \p Louise Sandher-Jones: The Strategic Defence Review set out the need for Defence Readiness legislation this Parliament to give the Government more robust or additional powers to make the UK safe. This could include measures to improve the preparedness of key industries including nuclear, to better protect our Critical National Infrastructure and to support the mobilisation of wider Defence, including industry reserves. As set out to the Joint Committee on the National Security Strategy on 30 June 2025, a Defence Readiness Bill is potentially a legislative vehicle for the wider Government, not just Defence. We are therefore working closely across Government through the Cabinet Office-led Home Defence programme to shape our key requirements, and understand and identify the measures needed. This will lay the groundwork to introduce legislation when Parliamentary time allows, but we do not yet have a specific timescale for when this will come before Parliament.
wrans/answers2025-09-08 conversation_439
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-09-08)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-09-08 conversation_439

James Cartlidge:To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, if he will list of all orders placed by each FLC on an Urgent Operational Requirements basis in relation to planning for potential Coalition of the Willing operations in Ukraine since such planning commenced by his Department. \p Louise Sandher-Jones: Operational planning continues, but we will not be drawn into detail on the procurement of specific capabilities and requirements for UK Armed Forces deployments at the risk of operational security.
wrans/answers2025-09-08 conversation_440
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-09-08)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-09-08 conversation_440

Stephen Gethins:To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, if his Department will make an assessment of the potential merits of providing unredacted access to the war records of ancestors of members of Polish forces who fought alongside the British Army in World War Two. \p Al Carns: The Ministry of Defence (MOD) has no plans to provide unredacted access to the records of service of Polish military personnel who served alongside British Forces during World War Two.

The MOD assesses the release of information on a case-by-case basis in response to requests processed in accordance with Freedom of Information and Data Protection legislation, subject to any exemptions that may apply, to protect third-party personal data and information that is either sensitive or confidential.
wrans/answers2025-09-08 conversation_441
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-09-08)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-09-08 conversation_441

James Cartlidge:To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, with reference to recommendation 17 of the Strategic Defence Review: Making Britain Safer: secure at home, strong abroad, published on 2 June 2025, whether he has a formal target for the reduction in the frequency with which people move locations during service in the armed forces. \p Al Carns: Defence fully recognises the impact of moving its people and their families. Whilst there are no formal targets to reduce the frequency with which Service personnel must move location, we will endeavour to support requests to reduce the number of moves experienced and are actively pursuing opportunities to provide increased stability in some areas. Ultimately, the needs of the Services are the priority and Kings Regulations empower the Armed Forces to move the workforce to fulfil the policies of the Government. This provides the flexibility and agility required to meet operational demands and deliver military outputs.
wrans/answers2025-09-08 conversation_442
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-09-08)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-09-08 conversation_442

James Cartlidge:To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, with reference to page 68 of the Strategic Defence Review, published on 2 June 2025, what plans he has to supplement live training with virtual training environments for the (a) British Army, (b) Royal Navy and (c) Royal Air Force. \p Louise Sandher-Jones: All of the service commands have plans to supplement live training with virtual training environments.

The Royal Navy’s SPARTAN programme aims at modernising and improving the delivery of Royal Navy Collective Training from unit to Joint Battle Staff level through an enhanced Live-Virtual-Constructive simulation approach that incorporates the use of virtual training environments.

The British Army has detailed plans to supplement live training with virtual training environments as part of a balanced and evidence-based approach. This is part of an integrated approach through its Collective Training Transformation Programme (CTTP).

The RAF uses blended live and virtual training as a matter of routine. The RAF’s Gladiator Distributed Synthetic Training Capability is already delivering for Air personnel and its potential to help integrate across the war-fighting domains is now being pursued.

The benefits of the appropriate usage of virtual training environments to supplement live training are clear although the blend varies on a case-by-case basis.
wrans/answers2025-09-08 conversation_443
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-09-08)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-09-08 conversation_443

Adam Jogee:To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, what recent steps he has taken to ensure that the work of the National Army Museum is accessible to communities in (a) Newcastle-under-Lyme and (b) Staffordshire. \p Al Carns: I will answer the hon. Member's Question on behalf of my right hon. Friend, the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport as the National Army Museum (NAM) which is located in Chelsea, London is sponsored by the Ministry of Defence. The NAM works tirelessly to ensure the stories of soldiers and their service in the British Army throughout the centuries, here and around the world, are accessible to all, including the communities in Newcastle-under Lyme and Staffordshire.

To ensure the story of the British Army is accessible to as many as possible, the entry to and exhibits within the museum are free. It also has a large variety of free digital resources from dedicated pages for different Regiments on its website including those with Staffordshire connections, social media channels which communicate stories and research to global audiences and extensive online collections of information, objects, archives, and artwork in which work is being conducted for it to be further expanded.

The NAM also provides support to a network of Regimental and Corps museums around the country, including the Staffordshire Regiment Museum in Lichfield.
wrans/answers2025-09-08 conversation_444
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-09-08)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-09-08 conversation_444

Ben Obese-Jecty:To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, what training is provided to space warfighters in order to (a) monitor objects in orbit, (b) detect anomalies and (c) track potential threats. \p Louise Sandher-Jones: This Government recognises the importance of a long-term holistic approach to education and workforce development. UK Space Command are working closely across Government, and with industry and leading academic centres around the country to ensure a joined-up approach to addressing skills gaps in the UK space sector.

Space Operators start with a Foundation Space Operations Course to prepare for their role. At No 1 Space Operations Squadron, our operators receive training to monitor and manage activities in space, including tracking objects and sharing important information. At No 2 Space Warning Squadron, they train to detect and respond to potential missile threats. Once qualified, our personnel continue with advanced training in areas like space weather, satellite communications, and tracking objects in space, often working with international partners and experts.

The UK Space Academy, part of UK Space Command, provides education and training on Space, offered to international partners and allies, cross-government civil servants, military personnel, and industry.
wrans/answers2025-09-08 conversation_445
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-09-08)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-09-08 conversation_445

Edward Morello:To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, what recent assessment he has made of the potential impact of drone technology on domestic defence capabilities. \p Luke Pollard: The Strategic Defence Review considered all aspects of Defence, including the capabilities required by UK Defence to meet the challenges, threats, and opportunities of the twenty-first century.

Both autonomous and uncrewed technologies features in both Current and Planned Force Testing events, to ensure we capture the impact of changing technology on our force design. The mix of weapons systems required to defeat different target sets has also been the subject of Force Variation Testing. The results of these assessments are militarily sensitive, so are not releasable.

The Defence Investment Plan will be published in the Autumn, to take onboard the Review's vision and recommendations and turn them into a delivery plan. We will ensure this plan considers the capabilities we need to deliver a more lethal Integrated Force, alongside infrastructure and people. The plan will ensure Defence has the flexibility to seize new technological opportunities and maximise the benefits of defence spending to grow the UK economy.
wrans/answers2025-09-08 conversation_446
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-09-08)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-09-08 conversation_446

Ben Obese-Jecty:To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, what assessment he has made of the potential merits of adopting the US Marines’ littoral regiment concept for naval infantry as outlined in their Force Design 2030. \p Louise Sandher-Jones: The Ministry of Defence keeps allied force design developments under review but has no plans to adopt the US Marine Corps Littoral Regiment construct which is designed to support archipelagic warfare and distributed operations in the Indo-Pacific.

The Royal Marines and UK Commando Forces are already being transformed through the Littoral Strike/Commando Force programme which is tailored to UK and NATO requirements.
wrans/answers2025-09-08 conversation_447
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-09-08)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-09-08 conversation_447

Ben Obese-Jecty:To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, what is the planned in-service date of the Astraea A21 warhead. \p Luke Pollard: As the hon. gentleman would understand, the expected out-of-service date for our current Mk4A nuclear warhead and the expected in-service date for Astraea are being withheld as release would prejudice national security.
wrans/answers2025-09-08 conversation_448
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-09-08)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-09-08 conversation_448

Ben Obese-Jecty:To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, what Military Aid to Civil Authorities taskings have 2 Counter-Uncrewed Aerial Systems wing conducted since 2022. \p Louise Sandher-Jones: 2 C-UAS Wing have supported 13 Military Aid to Civil Authority requests from 2022 to 2 September 2025.

2 C-UAS provide counter-drone security to high-level Royal and Political engagements, major public events, and can respond to suspected drone incursions across the UK.
wrans/answers2025-09-08 conversation_449
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-09-08)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-09-08 conversation_449

James Cartlidge:To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, with reference to page 68 of the Strategic Defence Review, published on 2 June 2025, what assessment he has made of the potential impact of supplementing live training with virtual training environments on the (a) British Army, (b) Royal Navy and (c) Royal Air Force. \p Louise Sandher-Jones: All of the Single Services view the potential impact of supplementing live training with virtual training environments positively.

Mixed use of the live environment and simulation should not be thought of as an ‘either/or’ situation, but rather as identifying the optimal blend between them to achieve optimal training outcomes; on rare occasions this will be 100% live, sometimes 100% simulation based - but in most cases it will be a combination of both.

The British Army is committed to enhancing its training capabilities by harnessing the strengths of both live and virtual training. By adopting an innovative and transformative approach, it aims to achieve an optimal blend of training methods that will meet all its objectives. This forward-thinking vision is outlined in the Land Environment Training and Education Simulation Sub-Strategy, which focuses on seamlessly integrating Live, Virtual, and Constructive (LVC) environments by the middle of the next decade.

The Royal Navy has consistently supplemented live training with the use of virtual training environments, underpinned by research over the last 15 years, which has assisted in improving training capacity and quality.

The Royal Air Force has used synthetic training capabilities for operator training for over 30 years.
wrans/answers2025-09-08 conversation_450
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-09-08)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-09-08 conversation_450

Ben Obese-Jecty:To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, what progress the Defence Equipment and Support Space delivery team has made on researching alternatives to global positioning systems. \p Luke Pollard: The Ministry of Defence continues to use GPS, but to ensure resilience we will continue to investigate alternatives.

The Defence Equipment and Support (DE&S) Space Delivery Team continue to progress the research into alternative Global Positioning Systems. Initial investigative activity on Alternative Position, Navigation and Timing technologies has concluded, identifying a range of potential solutions for Defence use in the future.

The DE&S Space Delivery Team will further investigate the potential solutions, working closely with wider Government organisations that include the Department for Science, Innovation and Technology and the Defence Science and Technology Laboratory.
wrans/answers2025-09-08 conversation_451
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-09-08)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-09-08 conversation_451

Ben Obese-Jecty:To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, which sovereign missile systems are able to be installed on F-35B. \p Luke Pollard: The Advanced Short Range Air-to-Air Missile (ASRAAM), Meteor and SPEAR 3 are the sovereign missiles that can be installed on the F-35B. ASRAAM is fully cleared and in service for use on the F-35B whilst both Meteor and SPEAR 3 are undergoing integration via the F-35 Joint Program Office.
wrans/answers2025-09-08 conversation_452
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-09-08)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-09-08 conversation_452

Ben Obese-Jecty:To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, what assessment he has made of the requirement of a high/low weapons mix to deliver high-end effectors to meet the challenge of (a) anti access, (b) area denial and (c) very long range threat systems. \p Luke Pollard: The Strategic Defence Review considered all aspects of Defence, including the capabilities required by UK Defence to meet the challenges, threats, and opportunities of the twenty-first century.

Both autonomous and uncrewed technologies features in both Current and Planned Force Testing events, to ensure we capture the impact of changing technology on our force design. The mix of weapons systems required to defeat different target sets has also been the subject of Force Variation Testing. The results of these assessments are militarily sensitive, so are not releasable.

The Defence Investment Plan will be published in the Autumn, to take onboard the Review's vision and recommendations and turn them into a delivery plan. We will ensure this plan considers the capabilities we need to deliver a more lethal Integrated Force, alongside infrastructure and people. The plan will ensure Defence has the flexibility to seize new technological opportunities and maximise the benefits of defence spending to grow the UK economy.
wrans/answers2025-09-08 conversation_453
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-09-08)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-09-08 conversation_453

Ben Obese-Jecty:To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, what stages of the assembly of the Eurofighter Typhoon take place in (a) Warton, (b) Samlesbury and (c) overseas. \p Luke Pollard: For UK acquired aircraft and UK led export orders, ‘final assembly’ takes place at Warton wherein the Major Equipment components which have been manufactured at Samlesbury by BAES and also by the European Partner Companies at facilities in Germany, Italy and Spain, are ultimately assembled.
wrans/answers2025-09-08 conversation_454
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-09-08)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-09-08 conversation_454

Ben Obese-Jecty:To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, with reference to the Answer of 24 July 2025 to Question HL9397 on Typhoon Aircraft: Factories, what elements of the Typhoons ordered by Spain will be manufactured in the UK. \p Luke Pollard: It is the NATO Eurofighter and Tornado Management Agency who set the industrial sub-system production and workshare agreements across the partner nations. Through partner nation agreement, NETMA have set United Kingdom industrial workshare as 37%. Eurofighter GMBH manage its sub-system and component manufacturing orders from across the industrial base of each partner nation, in line with that workshare agreement percentage.  Some of the major components that UK leads on the manufacturing include the front and rear fuselage, windscreen and canopy, fin and rudder, engine bay doors, foreplane and a range of major avionics systems.
wrans/answers2025-09-08 conversation_455
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-09-08)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-09-08 conversation_455

James Cartlidge:To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, with reference to page 136 of the Strategic Defence Review: Making Britain Safer: secure at home, strong abroad, updated on 8 July 2025, which Front Line Commands do not currently have a board member responsible for infrastructure. \p Luke Pollard: Army and Air Command have appointed senior representatives with responsibility for infrastructure as part of their role.

Following the Strategic Defence Review and taking into account Defence Reform, the Navy is currently reviewing their position.
wrans/answers2025-09-08 conversation_456
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-09-08)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-09-08 conversation_456

James Cartlidge:To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, with reference to recommendation 50 of the Strategic Defence Review: Making Britain Safer: secure at home, strong abroad, published on 2 June 2025, if he will list the partners he plans to engage with to support the Integrated Air and Missile Defence programme. \p Luke Pollard: The Government's work to deliver the Strategic Defence Review recommendations will be set out in the Defence Investment Plan. Integrated Air and Missile Defence (IAMD) by nature involves all arms of our Armed Forces, linking with allies and industry to tackle the growing threat - the sensitivities of those relationships and our IAMD capability mean we are unable to publish a list at this time.
wrans/answers2025-09-08 conversation_457
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-09-08)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-09-08 conversation_457

James Cartlidge:To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, with reference to recommendation 12 of the Strategic Defence Review, published on 2 June 2025, when he expects the new framework for building and sustaining government-to-government relationships to be created. \p Luke Pollard: Design work for the Exports function is well underway and building momentum through several pilot government to government exports. Initial stand up is expected no later than end October 2025 with full implementation continuing over the next 12 months.