theodi/ndl-core-corpus huggingface dataset:
wrans/answers2025-11-18 conversation_501
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-11-18)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-11-18 conversation_501

James Wild:To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, pursuant to the Answer of 26 June 2025 to Question 61220 on Ministry of Defence: Public Expenditure, how many lines of activity in his Department were considered as part of the zero based review. \p Luke Pollard: At Spending Review 2025, the Government conducted the first zero-based review (ZBR) of department budgets in 18 years, with every line of spending scrutinised to ensure value for money.
wrans/answers2025-11-18 conversation_502
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-11-18)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-11-18 conversation_502

Blake Stephenson:To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, with reference to his Department's press release entitled New Defence Growth Deals Created to Boost Local Economies Under Major Sector Plan, published 7 September 2025, when he expects to announce further Defence Growth Deals. \p Luke Pollard: The Ministry of Defence is working at pace to develop the five Defence Growth Deals in Plymouth, South Yorkshire, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland. Should economic and fiscal conditions allow, the Government will consider launching more Defence Growth Deals across the UK in the next Parliament.
wrans/answers2025-11-18 conversation_503
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-11-18)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-11-18 conversation_503

Ben Obese-Jecty:To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, what discussions has he held with the European Commissioner for Defence and Space on the potential merits of enhanced UK-EU cooperation under Security Action for Europe. \p Luke Pollard: The UK is committed to a broad and constructive relationship with the EU. We are working to implement the package agreed at the UK-EU Summit and build on our landmark Security and Defence Partnership – which includes taking forward discussions on a bilateral participation agreement for enhanced cooperation under the EU’s Security Action For Europe (SAFE) instrument. As part of these efforts, the Defence Secretary continues to work constructively with all of our European allies, including with the European Commissioner for Defence and Space, to enhance Europe's defence industrial capacity and production and to deliver the critical capabilities to support Ukraine.

We will not pre-empt the outcome of discussions with our European partners, this Government has been clear that we would only agree to a deal if we were satisfied it provided value to the UK and UK industry.
wrans/answers2025-11-18 conversation_504
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-11-18)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-11-18 conversation_504

Clive Lewis:To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, how much the Government has received from foreign military sales of F-35s. \p Luke Pollard: Partner Nations within the F-35 programme who contribute to F-35 development can recoup elements of those development costs from foreign military sales of the F-35.

To date this has resulted in $94.83 million in recoupment costs for the Department.
wrans/answers2025-11-18 conversation_505
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-11-18)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-11-18 conversation_505

Alex Easton:To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, with reference to the loss of Chinook ZD576 on the Mull of Kintyre in 1994, for what reason the Full Authority Digital Engine Control system of the RAF Chinook fleet at that time was (a) accepted off-contract without verification of the Safety Critical Software and (b) without a Certificate of Design and Performance; and whether the his Department's Independent Safety Assurance Authority raised any concerns regarding its implementation. \p Louise Sandher-Jones: Our deepest sympathies remain with the bereaved families of this tragic accident. I refer the hon. Member to The Mull of Kintyre Review published in 2011, specifically pages 17-18, which covers this aspect of the detailed inquiries into the tragic loss of Chinook ZD 576.
wrans/answers2025-11-18 conversation_506
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-11-18)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-11-18 conversation_506

Will Stone:To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, how many complaints have been made by (a) junior soldiers and (b) their parents or guardians about unacceptable sexual behaviour at the Army Foundation College between 1 January 2018 and 30 November 2024. \p Louise Sandher-Jones: The information is not held in the format requested.

However, 159 sexual misconduct allegations were recorded on the Joint Personnel Administration (JPA) system against personnel serving at Army Foundation College (Harrogate) (AFC(H)) between 1 January 2018 and 30 November 2024. 108 of these allegations predated the Unacceptable Sexual Behaviour (USB) policy which came into effect on 19 November 2022. It is important to note that these figures include all Army personnel located at AFC(H), regardless of whether they are staff or Junior Soldiers.

AFC(H) reports every instance of unacceptable sexual behaviour under its Zero Tolerance Policy and actively encourages recruits to report concerns from day one. Serious incidents are reported to the civilian police. On arrival at AFC(H) the recruits receive day-one training in Army Values and Standards emphasizing Zero Tolerance and mandatory discharge for certain transgressions. Ofsted inspections in 2021 and 2024 praised how recruits confidently report unacceptable behaviours by peers and staff, knowing complaints will be handled seriously and swiftly. Ofsted noted that emotional and psychological safety, inclusion, and teamwork are firmly embedded in College life.

In March 2024, after interviewing 61.5% of female Junior Soldiers, Ofsted found that "female recruits rarely experience instances of sexual harassment or bullying. If they do, they know how to report it and know that staff will deal with it swiftly."
wrans/answers2025-11-18 conversation_507
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-11-18)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-11-18 conversation_507

Darren Paffey:To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, what assessment his Department has made of the adequacy of measures to ensure that cases of (a) rape and (b) other serious offences committed in the UK by service personnel are tried in civilian courts. \p Louise Sandher-Jones: When deciding whether to prosecute, in the civilian Criminal Justice System or the Service Justice System, an offence committed in the UK by Service persons, prosecutors take into account the victim’s preference. These decisions are made by independent prosecutors on a case-by-case basis under protocols provided for under sections 320A to C of the Armed Forces Act 2006.

The report published by His Majesty’s Crown Prosecution Service Inspectorate on 28 November 2024 “found good compliance with the protocols in place to govern where cases should be heard. All the cases we examined were in the correct jurisdiction and there was proper consideration of victims’ views when deciding on jurisdiction.”

A victim of a rape offence dealt with in the Service Justice System (SJS) will see their case come to trial quicker than in the Criminal Justice System (CJS) in England and Wales and are less likely to withdraw from proceedings.

Although the processes used across the two systems are not the same, investigations into adult rape-flagged offences in 2024 by civilian police take longer (326 days vs.147 days in the SJS for rape offences), with 59% of victims withdrawing during that time (vs. 24% in the SJS).
wrans/answers2025-11-18 conversation_508
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-11-18)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-11-18 conversation_508

Ben Obese-Jecty:To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, with reference to page 65 of the Defence Industrial Strategy: Making Defence an Engine for Growth, published on 8 September 2025, CP 1388, what his planned timetable is for aligning the UK Defence Innovation Rapid Innovation Unit with the US Defence Innovation Unit. \p Luke Pollard: UK Defence Innovation (UKDI) launched in July 2025. Focus has now shifted to implementing, transitioning, and operationalising UKDI to ensure it is fully operational by July 2026. This work will include building on UKDI’s strong existing relationship with the US DIU and ensuring a partnership between the two organisations to share lessons and deliver capabilities that are of mutual defence benefit.
wrans/answers2025-11-18 conversation_509
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-11-18)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-11-18 conversation_509

Mr Tanmanjeet Singh Dhesi:To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, if he will list the private sector organisations given advance sight of the Strategic Defence Review prior to its publication. \p Luke Pollard: As the hon. Member will be aware, the Secretary of State for Defence has been determined to reset the relationship between Parliament and the Ministry of Defence, increasing transparency and openness. The Department sought to reflect this determination for the publication of the Strategic Defence Review (SDR), and to build on the approach made for previous defence reviews.

On the day of the launch, we offered embargoed copies of the SDR to key stakeholders, including the House of Commons Defence Committee, certain industry representatives and others. This was done in good faith, reflecting the contribution by stakeholders to the first-of-its-kind review.

The list of industry representatives that read the SDR in this manner is below:

Group 1

MBDA

Thales

Leidos

Rolls-Royce

Airbus Defence & Space

BAE Systems

Leonardo

Babcock

Lockheed Martin

ADS

Boeing Defence UK

techUK

QinetiQ

MakeUK

Group 2

Adarga Ltd

Lockheed Martin

ADS

Make UK

Airbus

MDBA

Anduril

Microsoft

Asia Group

Mitre

Atlas-Elektronik

Newton Europe

Babcock

Nortal

BAE Systems

Northrup Grumman

Boeing

Palantir

Callen-Lenz

QinetiQ

Capewell

Raytheon

CGI

Rheinmetall

Chemring

Rolls Royce

Decision Analysis Services

SAAB

DXC

Serco

Elbit Systems

Society of Maritime Institutes

Fujitsu

Spirit Aerosystems

General Dynamics

TechUK

Ginkgo Bioworks

Tetra Tech

Hanwha

Thales

Helsing AI

The MTC

HVM Catapult

UK DSC

L3 Harris

Ultra Maritime

Leidos

Leonardo
wrans/answers2025-11-18 conversation_510
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-11-18)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-11-18 conversation_510

Joe Morris:To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, if he will publish the number of service family accommodation by (a) region, (b) local authority, and (c) Westminster constituency. \p Luke Pollard: Documents reflecting the number of Service Family Accommodation by region, local authority, and Westminster constituency are attached.

Data has been sourced from Northgate and is accurate as at 1 November 2025.

SFA numbers by UK regions (pdf, 79.3KB)

SFA numbers by Local Authority (pdf, 119.1KB)

SFA numbers by Constituency (pdf, 135.7KB)
wrans/answers2025-11-18 conversation_511
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-11-18)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-11-18 conversation_511

Neil Duncan-Jordan:To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, how many homes in the Poole constituency will be (a) modernised and (b) upgraded under the Defence Housing Strategy. \p Luke Pollard: At this stage, we are unable to confirm how many Defence Homes will be improved within the Poole constituency.

Currently, planning is at relatively high level across the whole estate which tells us that around nine out of ten Defence homes will need to be modernised or upgraded under the implementation of the Strategy over 10 years, in a carefully planned renewal programme.
wrans/answers2025-11-18 conversation_512
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-11-18)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-11-18 conversation_512

Lee Pitcher:To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, whether there are plans to build new service family accommodation in the constituency of Doncaster East and the Isle of Axholme. \p Luke Pollard: The Defence Housing Strategy sets out a vision for the future renewal of the Service family estate, backed by a 10-year programme of investment. Until the Strategy implementation plan is finalised, we are unable to confirm any future plans for new Service Family Accommodation in your constituency of Doncaster East and the Isle of Axholme.
wrans/answers2025-11-18 conversation_513
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-11-18)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-11-18 conversation_513

Ben Obese-Jecty:To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, who the members of the Defence Growth Board are. \p Luke Pollard: The members of the Defence Growth Board include the Secretary of State for Defence, Chancellor of the Exchequer, Secretary of State for Business.
wrans/answers2025-11-18 conversation_514
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-11-18)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-11-18 conversation_514

Ben Obese-Jecty:To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, with reference to page 23 of the Defence Industrial Strategy: Making Defence an Engine for Growth, published on 8 September 2025, CP 1388, what progress he has made on determining which banks will form part of the defence industrial base. \p Luke Pollard: Banks and other financial services companies, whose capital and expertise we need to invest and grow the defence sector, are being engaged in the development of the Defence Finance and Investment Strategy through the Defence Investors Advisory Group.

This engagement informs both Government, industry and the investor community on what types of opportunity are appropriate, and how barriers to investment in defence can be removed while making the sector more attractive for private investment. This includes venture capital, private equity, banks and pension funds. This will deliver growth and strengthen the UK defence industrial base. The Defence Finance and Investment Strategy will set this out and is due to be published in early 2026.
wrans/answers2025-11-18 conversation_515
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-11-18)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-11-18 conversation_515

Ben Obese-Jecty:To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, when the next meeting is of the Defence growth board; and how regularly does it meet. \p Luke Pollard: The Defence Growth Board last met on 3 November 2025, and the next meeting will be after the Budget.
wrans/answers2025-11-18 conversation_516
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-11-18)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-11-18 conversation_516

Blake Stephenson:To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, if he will make an estimate of the cost to the public purse of (a) consultations and (b) reviews conducted by his Department since 4 July 2024. \p Luke Pollard: This information is not held centrally and therefore it has not been possible to provide the answer within the allotted time frame. I will write to the hon. Member with an update in due course and will place a copy of my letter in the Library of the House.
wrans/answers2025-11-18 conversation_517
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-11-18)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-11-18 conversation_517

John Lamont:To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, what steps he is taking to ensure that national security is prioritised in discussions on the future of the Eskdalemuir Seismological Array. \p Luke Pollard: The Ministry of Defence (MOD) is committed to safeguarding the Eskdalemuir Seismic Array, recognising its critical role in national and global security.

MOD officials regularly engage with the Department of Energy Security and Net Zero (DESNZ) and the Scottish Government to ensure that the Array’s capabilities are not affected by future wind energy deployment in the 50km zone of interest.

As a member of the DESNZ-chaired Eskdalemuir Working Group, the MOD continues to advocate for the protection of the Array, with all stakeholders aligned on its importance and the need for its safeguarding.
wrans/answers2025-11-18 conversation_518
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-11-18)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-11-18 conversation_518

John Lamont:To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, what (a) discussions and (b) meetings officials in his Department have had with the Eskdalemuir Working Group on the Eskdalemuir Seismological Array. \p Luke Pollard: The Eskdalemuir Working Group (EWG) members include the Ministry of Defence (MOD), the Scottish Government, and representatives from local planning authorities and the wind industry.

The EWG meets regularly, with the last meeting taking place on 3 September 2025.
wrans/answers2025-11-18 conversation_519
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-11-18)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-11-18 conversation_519

John Lamont:To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, what (a) discussions and (b) meetings officials in his Department have had with Xi Engineering on the Eskdalemuir Seismological Array. \p Luke Pollard: The Ministry of Defence (MOD) engages with Xi Engineering through the Eskdalemuir Working Group (EWG), chaired by the Department of Energy Security and Net Zero, which includes the MOD, Scottish Government, local planning authorities and the wind industry.
wrans/answers2025-11-18 conversation_520
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-11-18)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-11-18 conversation_520

Will Stone:To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, pursuant to the Answer of 14 November 2023 to Question HL288 on Army: Recruitment, what were the conclusions of the evaluation of bespoke terms of service for under-18s. \p Louise Sandher-Jones: The Soldier terms of service will continue to apply to all personnel, including for those under-18. The Army takes its duty of care for all personnel, particularly those under 18, extremely seriously, ensuring they are treated with special consideration. We keep terms of service under continuous review to ensure best practice and to deliver operational effectiveness.

The Army ensures under-18s are supported and safeguarded through additional measures, including:
wrans/answers2025-11-18 conversation_521
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-11-18)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-11-18 conversation_521

Neil O'Brien:To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, how many employment tribunal claims have been lodged against his Department by (a) unfair dismissal and (b) claims under the Equality Act 2010 in each of the last five years. \p Louise Sandher-Jones: The below tables show the number of Employment Tribunal claims recorded under the categories of (a) unfair dismissal and (b) claims under the Equality Act 2010 for each financial year from 2020-21 to 2025-26.

It is important to note that some cases are recorded with one claim category, such as unfair dismissal, while others are recorded with multiple claim categories, such as constructive dismissal and failure to make reasonable adjustments which is why claims under the Equality Act 2010 have increased.

Figures fewer than 3 have been replaced with [c] to limit inadvertent disclosure of personal data.

Number of Claims

Financial Year

Unfair Dismissal

Under the Equality Act 2010

2020-2021

[c]

4

2021-2022

10

14

2022-2023

7

23

2023-2024

9

27

2024-2025

9

27

2025-2026

18

39

Defence must be an environment in which everyone feels supported, valued, and confident to give their best, regardless of their backgrounds. There are a number of live intiiatives in the Department I am overseeing, designed to encourage individuals to feel safe and able to raise concerns about inappropriate behaviour and result in 100% action where it is proven, demonstrating Defence takes such concerns seriously.

In addition to the MOD Raising our Standards programme, a civilian HR Casework Improvements Project is reviewing the end-to-end delivery of HR casework. It launched a new universal casework model in February 2025 which overhauled HR systems, policies and procedures to ensure they are more supportive and fair, independent and transparent, with efficiencies reducing timescales; all ultimately improving the employee experience. Further more, in response to feedback on our current Raising a Concern (Whistleblowing) Policy and Procedure, Defence has committed to a comprehensive, ministerial-led review of Whistleblowing in Defence. The final report and recommendations from this Review are to be published and laid before Parliament in April 2026.
wrans/answers2025-11-18 conversation_522
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-11-18)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-11-18 conversation_522

James MacCleary:To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, what information his Department holds on the average time taken to complete call-outs for urgent repairs to single living accommodation for military personnel since 11 October 2025. \p Luke Pollard: Nine in 10 military homes (over 40,000 houses) will be modernised or upgraded to new, higher standards, with 14,000 homes rebuilt or substantially refurbished, funded by the Government’s record uplift in Defence spending and the Strategic Defence Review’s £1.5 billion extra investment into military housing in this parliament.

The table below shows data held by the Ministry of Defence on the number of call-outs for urgent repairs to Single Living Accommodation for military personnel and the average time taken to complete these call-outs since 11 October 2025, split by region.

Region

The number of call-outs for urgent repairs

The average time taken to complete call-outs

SE

1,284

15 hours 57.6 mins

SNI

158

32 hours

CEN

xx-xxxx-xxxx

28hrs

SW

920

29hrs 36 mins
wrans/answers2025-11-18 conversation_523
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-11-18)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-11-18 conversation_523

Mr Richard Holden:To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, how much (a) their Department and (b) its arm’s length bodies have spent on (i) installing electric vehicle charging facilities and (ii) purchasing electric vehicles since 4 July 2024; and what estimate their Department has made of the difference in capital cost between (A) the electric vehicles purchased by their Department and (B) comparable (1) petrol and (2) diesel models. \p Luke Pollard: Information on the amount spent on installing electric vehicle facilities on Ministry of Defence sites since 4 July 2024 is not held centrally and could be provided only at disproportionate cost.

Since 4 July 2024, the Department and its arm’s length bodies have spent £52,435 (VAT ex) on the purchase of electric vehicles.

The Department has not made an estimate of the difference in capital cost between the electric vehicles purchased and comparable petrol or diesel models.
wrans/answers2025-11-18 conversation_524
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-11-18)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-11-18 conversation_524

Mike Wood:To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, pursuant to the Answer of 15 September 2025 to Question 75028 on France: Military Alliances, what his Department's policy on the procurement of (a) low-yield and (b) air-launched nuclear weapons to use on the battlefield. \p Luke Pollard: As set out in the Strategic Defence Review. The UK will continue to rely on continuous at-sea deterrence delivered by our four Vanguard Class submarines, equipped with Trident II D5 missiles, armed with UK sovereign nuclear warheads. The UK’s replacement warhead programme will deliver the A21/Mk7 warhead to replace the in service Mk4A. The SDR also sets out our ambition to join NATO’s nuclear mission using US sovereign weaponry.
wrans/answers2025-11-18 conversation_525
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-11-18)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-11-18 conversation_525

Mike Wood:To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, with reference to the Cabinet Office Freedom of Information Act response with reference FOI2025/12575, published on 5 September 2025. whether Ministerial flights on the (a) Envoy IV, (b) Voyager are carbon-offset. \p Luke Pollard: The Royal Air Force (RAF) report emissions for all domestic and overseas Ministerial flights under the UK, EU and CH Emissions Trading Scheme for the Envoy and Voyager aircraft that are above the 1000T CO2 threshold, to purchase and surrender carbon credits for those flights. The RAF are exempt under the Carbon Offsetting Reduction Scheme (CORSIA) for additional carbon offsetting as they are below the annual 10,000T CO2 emissions threshold.

All Ministerial flights comply with the Department for Transport (DfT) Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) Mandate which requires fuel suppliers to provide ready blended fuel at 2% SAF to 98% Jet A-1 fuel. The RAF is committed to reducing its carbon footprint through the Air Mobility Fuel Efficiencies and Emissions Reduction Programme, the Defence Aviation Net Zero Strategy and compliance with the UK DfT SAF Mandate.
wrans/answers2025-11-18 conversation_526
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-11-18)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-11-18 conversation_526

Helen Morgan:To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, how many complaints regarding (a) damp and (b) mould have been recorded in (i) single living accommodation and (ii) service family accommodation (A) at RAF Shawbury, (B) in North Shropshire constituency and (C) in Shropshire in each year since 2015. \p Luke Pollard: Nine in 10 military homes (over 40,000 houses) will be modernised or upgraded to new, higher standards, with 14,000 homes rebuilt or substantially refurbished, funded by the Government’s record uplift in Defence spending and the Strategic Defence Review’s £1.5 billion extra investment into military housing in this parliament.

The table below provides a breakdown of the number of complaints regarding damp and mould broken down by year from 2018.

The accuracy and reliability of data held before 2018 cannot be assured.

For RAF Shawbury and North Shropshire

Year

Damp

Mould

2018 (Fm 1 Apr)

1

3

2019

5

11

2020

6

11

2021

12

10

2022

0

3

2023

3

11

2024

7

8

2025

2

11

For Shropshire:

Year

Damp

Mould

2018 (fm 1 Apr)

22

95

2019

35

104

2020

34

82

2021

51

145

2022

12

103

2023

21

106

2024

59

147

2025

23

73

Service Family Accommodation (SFA)

The Ministry of Defence does not hold data for SFA in the format requested.

In order to answer this Parliamentary Questions, MOD’s Industry Partner would be required to review every stage 1 complaint, which could only be completed at a disproportionate cost.
wrans/answers2025-11-18 conversation_527
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-11-18)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-11-18 conversation_527

Helen Morgan:To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, how many complaints regarding (a) gas, (b) electrical and (c) water issues have been recorded in (i) single living accommodation and (ii) service family accommodation (A) at RAF Shawbury, (B) in North Shropshire constituency and (C) in Shropshire in each year since 2015. \p Luke Pollard: Nine in 10 military homes (over 40,000 houses) will be modernised or upgraded to new, higher standards, with 14,000 homes rebuilt or substantially refurbished, funded by the Government’s record uplift in Defence spending and the Strategic Defence Review’s £1.5 billion extra investment into military housing in this parliament.

The table below provides a breakdown of the number of complaints regarding gas, electric and water issues broken down by year from 2018.

The accuracy and reliability of data held before 2018 cannot be assured.

Single Living Accommodation

For RAF Shawbury and North Shropshire

Year

Gas

Electrical

Water

2018 (fm 1 Apr)

28

26

116

2019

18

19

133

2020

7

43

130

2021

15

29

132

2022

4

39

289

2023

10

31

344

2024

5

25

232

2025

1

30

217

For Shropshire:

Year

Gas

Electrical

Water

2018 (fm 1 Apr)

135

269

827

2019

84

282

958

2020

118

295

1014

2021

55

249

1096

2022

50

232

1848

2023

46

229

xx-xxxx-xxxx

2024

56

353

1121

2025

30

257

888

Service Family Accommodation

For Service Family Accommodation the Ministry of Defence (MOD) does not hold data in the format requested.

In order to answer this Parliamentary Question, MOD’s Industry Partner would need to review every Stage 1 complaint, which could only be completed at a disproportionate cost.
wrans/answers2025-11-18 conversation_528
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-11-18)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-11-18 conversation_528

David Reed:To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, what assessment he has made of the potential impact of the Security and Defence Partnership between the UK and EU on the defence sector. \p Luke Pollard: The UK is committed to a broad and constructive relationship with the EU. We are working to implement the package agreed at the UK-EU Summit and build on our landmark Security and Defence Partnership – which includes taking forward discussions on a bilateral participation agreement for cooperation under the EU’s Security Action For Europe (SAFE) instrument. As part of these efforts, the Ministry of Defence continues to work closely across the whole of Government, including the His Majesty’s Treasury, the Department of Business and Trade and the Cabinet Office, and in cooperation with industry partners and all our European allies, to inform our approach to enhancing Europe's defence industrial capacity and production and deliver critical capabilities required to support Ukraine.

While we will not give a running commentary on talks, this Government has been clear that we would only agree to a deal if we were satisfied it provided value to the UK and UK industry.
wrans/answers2025-11-18 conversation_529
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-11-18)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-11-18 conversation_529

Helen Morgan:To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, how many reports of (a) pests and (b) rodent infestations have been recorded in (i) single living accommodation and (ii) service family accommodation (A) at RAF Shawbury, (B) in North Shropshire constituency and (C) in Shropshire in each year since 2015. \p Luke Pollard: Nine in 10 military homes (over 40,000 houses) will be modernised or upgraded to new, higher standards, with 14,000 homes rebuilt or substantially refurbished, funded by the Government’s record uplift in Defence spending and the Strategic Defence Review’s £1.5 billion extra investment into military housing in this parliament.

The number of reports of pest and rodent infestations in Single Living Accommodation and Service Family Accommodation year on year from April 2022 can be found in the tables below:

Single Living Accommodation

From April 2018

2019

2020

2021

2022

2023

2024

2025

RAF Shawbury

Pests

20

16

21

16

11

23

21

15

Rodent Infestations

7

11

9

6

3

3

8

13

North Shropshire

Pests

20

16

21

16

11

23

21

15

Rodent Infestations

7

11

9

6

3

3

8

13

Shropshire

Pests

65

75

63

66

94

80

84

72

Rodent Infestations

30

45

36

56

12

8

65

54

The accuracy and reliability of data held before 2018 cannot be assured.

Service Family Accommodation

From 1 April 2022

2023

2024

2025 (up to 12 November 25)

RAF Shawbury

Pests

16

24

15

18

Rodent Infestations

4

8

8

8

North Shropshire constituency

Pests

13

23

12

15

Rodent Infestations

4

8

8

8

Shropshire

Pests

56

81

57

69

Rodent Infestations

15

30

39

22

Data prior to the in-service date of the current Future Defence Infrastructure (FDIS) Contracts (1 April 2022) is not held.
wrans/answers2025-11-18 conversation_530
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-11-18)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-11-18 conversation_530

David Reed:To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, what assessment he has made of the potential impact of the United Kingdom not securing access to the first tranche of Security Action for Europe projects on the economy. \p Luke Pollard: The Brexit deal signed by the last Government did not include UK participation in Security Action For Europe (SAFE). Thanks to the Prime Minister’s EU reset we are now able to explore participation.

The UK is committed to a broad and constructive relationship with the EU. We are working to implement the package agreed at the UK-EU Summit and build on our landmark Security and Defence Partnership – which includes taking forward discussions on a bilateral participation agreement for cooperation under the EU’s Security Action For Europe instrument. As part of these efforts, the Ministry of Defence continues to work closely across the whole of Government, including the His Majesty’s Treasury, the Department of Business and Trade and the Cabinet Office, and in cooperation with industry partners and all our European allies, to inform our approach to enhancing Europe's defence industrial capacity and production and deliver critical capabilities required to support Ukraine.

While we will not give a running commentary on talks, this Government has been clear that we would only agree to a deal if we were satisfied it provided value to the UK and UK industry.
wrans/answers2025-11-18 conversation_531
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-11-18)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-11-18 conversation_531

James MacCleary:To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, how many veterans have been identified by his Department as at risk of homelessness since 11 October 2025. \p Louise Sandher-Jones: This Government remains resolute in our commitment to provide housing support to veterans who need it.

There are a number of measures and metrics used to capture veteran homelessness; however, it is important to note that none of these will capture every single case and with the transient nature of homelessness, the overall picture of veteran homelessness and rough sleeping is not complete.

However, the Ministry for Housing, Communities and Local Government does capture and report the number of households presenting to Local Authorities who are either experiencing or at risk of homelessness. The most recent annual data release is for 2023-24 and shows that there were 2,270 veteran households at risk of or experiencing homelessness in England. This is 0.7% of all households in England and is steady with the previous year.

The Ministry of Defence operates the Veterans Welfare Service (VWS), a free service to assist veterans and their families across a wide range of issues. During October 2025, VWS records have identified two instances where homelessness has been captured on an individual’s file as they transition from serving to veteran. Both individuals have been assigned a MOD Veterans Services Case Manager and are being supported.

As the Minister for Veterans and People, I attend the Inter-Ministerial Group on Homelessness and Rough Sleeping which brings together ministers from across Government to drive progress on the development of a cross-government strategy to get back on track to ending homelessness. This group is designed to ensure we are working across government, and in partnership with Local Authorities and Mayors, to tackle the root causes of homelessness.
wrans/answers2025-11-18 conversation_532
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-11-18)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-11-18 conversation_532

Ben Obese-Jecty:To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, how many and what percentage of flying instructor roles are currently gapped within the F-35 programme. \p Louise Sandher-Jones: 53% of flying instructor roles are currently gapped on the Lightning training Squadron, this is an improvement of some 20% since the publication of the National Audit Office report in July 2025. The shortfall is mitigated by using flying instructors from elsewhere on the Lightning Force.
wrans/answers2025-11-18 conversation_533
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-11-18)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-11-18 conversation_533

Claire Coutinho:To ask the Minister for Women and Equalities, with reference to the statutory guidance entitled Preparing your data, updated on 11 August 2025, for what reason it is her policy that an employer may exclude an employee who does not self-identify as either gender from the relevant calculations. \p Seema Malhotra: The current gender pay gap reporting guidance was drafted in order to reduce the burden on business, and be mindful of variations in their data collection processes. This part of the guidance has not been updated recently.

We regularly look at a range of considerations when it comes to gender pay gap reporting and updating existing guidance, and we will continue to do so. For example, while the reference to non-binary employees has not been recently updated, a different section of the guidance was updated on 11 August 2025 to publish the latest Behaviour Insights Guidance for employers. We recognise the Supreme Court judgment has changed the landscape in this area; and we are carefully contemplating the impact of the ruling.
wrans/answers2025-11-18 conversation_534
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-11-18)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-11-18 conversation_534

Mike Wood:To ask the Minister for Women and Equalities, pursuant to the Answer of 24 October 2025 to Question 82677 on Civil Service: Equality, whether the Office for Equality and Opportunity will provide guidance on staff diversity networks to the wider public sector. \p Olivia Bailey: The Civil Service does not have responsibility for staff networks in other public sector organisations and therefore does not issue any such guidance.
wrans/answers2025-11-18 conversation_535
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-11-18)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-11-18 conversation_535

Mike Wood:To ask the Minister for Women and Equalities, pursuant to the Answer of 10 October 2025 to Question 70488 on Common Purpose: Finance, what the (a) cost and (b) topic of that training was. \p Olivia Bailey: Common Purpose was paid £6,900.00 to provide a one-off day of team development covering the subject of ‘leadership’ for the Office of Equality and Opportunity in February 2025.
wrans/answers2025-11-18 conversation_536
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-11-18)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-11-18 conversation_536

Ruth Cadbury:To ask the Minister for Women and Equalities, what assessment she has made of the adequacy of existing powers to tackle ageism in (a) recruitment and (b) the workplace. \p Olivia Bailey: The UK has a strong history of protecting against direct and indirect discrimination. The Equality Act 2010 has protections that enable people to challenge age discrimination across a range of fields, including the provision of services, employment and recruitment processes. Where age discrimination cannot be objectively justified and is unlawful, individuals can seek redress in the courts or, where relevant, at an employment tribunal.
wrans/answers2025-11-18 conversation_537
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-11-18)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-11-18 conversation_537

Justin Madders:To ask the Minister for Women and Equalities, if she will implement the power under section 9(5)(a) of the Equality Act 2010 to make caste a protected characteristic. \p Seema Malhotra: The government is considering whether these existing remedies offer appropriate legal protection for victims of caste discrimination.
wrans/answers2025-11-18 conversation_538
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-11-18)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-11-18 conversation_538

Neil Duncan-Jordan:To ask the Secretary of State for Education, how she plans to support disabled students following the implementation of changes to Disabled Students' Allowance funding. \p Josh MacAlister: Disabled Students’ Allowance (DSA) continues to be available to help disabled students with the additional costs that they may face in higher education as a result of their disability. DSA can fund a range of support, including specialist equipment, non-medical help (human support such as specialist one-to-one study skills support or British Sign Language interpreters), and additional disability-related travel and accommodation costs.
wrans/answers2025-11-18 conversation_539
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-11-18)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-11-18 conversation_539

Martin Wrigley:To ask the Leader of the House, with reference to the Point of Order from the hon. Member for Basildon and Billericay of 29 October 2025, what recent guidance he has sent to Departments on paragraph 221 of the Guide to Parliamentary Work, published in November 2024. \p Sir Alan Campbell: The government's position regarding the relationship between the treatment of requests for information through parliamentary questions and the Freedom of Information Act 2000 - as set out in the Guide to Parliamentary Work - is unchanged.

I have written to all Members of Cabinet and spoken with Departmental Parliamentary Clerks to remind departments and Ministers about the importance of providing full and helpful responses to parliamentary questions.
wrans/answers2025-11-18 conversation_540
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-11-18)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-11-18 conversation_540

Sir John Hayes:To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland, how many (a) single sex and (b) gender neutral bathroom facilities his Department provides in its Whitehall premises. \p Hilary Benn: The Northern Ireland Office is a tenant within Erskine House in Belfast, and 1 Horse Guards Road London. This building is managed by the Government Property Agency and as a tenant, the Northern Ireland Office does not hold information regarding bathroom facilities in respect of these offices.
wrans/answers2025-11-18 conversation_541
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-11-18)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-11-18 conversation_541

Sir John Hayes:To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland, how many (a) single sex and (b) gender neutral bathroom facilities his Department provides in its Whitehall premises. \p Kirsty McNeill: The Scotland Office leases space in Dover House, London from the Government Property Agency (GPA) and Queen Elizabeth House, Edinburgh from HMRC. GPA and HMRC have responsibility for the provision of bathroom facilities in their buildings.
wrans/answers2025-11-18 conversation_542
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-11-18)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-11-18 conversation_542

Mike Wood:To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office, how many complaints concerning (a) Lord-Lieutenants, (b) Vice Lord-Lieutenants and (c) Deputy Lieutenants have been received under the new Cabinet Office procedure since its introduction; and what the outcomes of those complaints have been. \p Nick Thomas-Symonds: There have been no complaints since the Cabinet Office guidance was updated on 7th October 2025.
wrans/answers2025-11-18 conversation_543
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-11-18)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-11-18 conversation_543

Alex Burghart:To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office, on what matters the Prime Minister has recused himself. \p Nick Thomas-Symonds: This Government has strengthened the Ministerial Code. Decisions relating to recusals are made with advice from the Independent Adviser on Ministerial Standards.
wrans/answers2025-11-18 conversation_544
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-11-18)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-11-18 conversation_544

Alex Burghart:To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office, what his Department's policy is on making payments to the EU for (a) participation in and (b) access to the (i) Security Action for Europe instrument and (ii) common Sanitary and Phytosanitary area. \p Nick Thomas-Symonds: The UK is committed to a broad and constructive relationship with the EU, and we are working together to implement the package agreed at the UK-EU Summit. We will only agree deals that provide value to the UK and UK industry and any contributions will be agreed as part of ongoing negotiations. Nothing has been agreed, and we will not give a running commentary on talks.
wrans/answers2025-11-18 conversation_545
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-11-18)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-11-18 conversation_545

Sir John Hayes:To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office, if he will list the titles of all the events organised by Civil Service networks in his Department since 2017. \p Anna Turley: Staff networks are collaborative volunteer networks, organised by staff themselves rather than the department. The Civil Service Network Policy was launched in September 2025 to ensure that networks can continue to support staff in a number of areas as well as ensuring that they support a productive working environment and their activities remain within the Civil Service Code. This will be adopted in full by the Cabinet Office.

Events are organised by staff themselves, not the department.

We are aware of the following events networks listed below, organised in 2024 & 2025.

LGBT+ Network

CO LGBT Network - Network Listening Circle, 13 May 2025

CO LGBT+ Network - Network Committee Meeting, 20 May 2025

CO LGBT+ Network - Network Listening Circle, 28 May 2025

Carers Network

Parent Carer drop in session, 04 December 2024

CO Carers Network: Virtual Coffee December, 17 December 2024

Parent Carer drop in session, January 2025 (no specific date provided)

CO Carers Network: Virtual Coffee, 21 January 2025

CO Carers Network: Virtual Coffee, February 2025 (no specific date provided)

Carer drop-in session, March 2025 (no specific date provided)

Parent Carer drop in session International Women's Day, March 2025 (no specific date provided)

Parent Carer drop in (caring for children with complex needs), 9 April 2025,

Carer Drop in session, 15 April 2025

CO Carers Network - Virtual Coffee, 20 May 2025

Parent Carer drop in (caring for children with complex needs), May, June. July, August, September, October and November 2025 (no specific date provided)

Carer Drop in session, 17 June 2025

Carer Drop in session, 15 July 2025

Carer Drop in session, 19 August 2025

Carer Drop in session, 16 September 2025

Carer Drop in session, 21 Oct 2025

Menopause Network

Menopause support group run monthly since 29 July 2024

Cabinet Office RACE network

Virtual Coffee breaks, 7th & 14th April 2025

Weekly Coffee breaks - Weekly on Mondays

Social Mobility network

Overcoming Barriers Social Mobility Workshop in Glasgow - An interactive workshop specifically addressing real barriers faced by real people, 1st June 2025

CO Disability network (ABLE)

ABLE drop in session, 21st May 2025

Faith and Belief Network (FAB)

Building bridges over troubled waters: the work of the Jewish Muslim Women’s Network Nisa-Nashim, Tuesday 17 December 2024

Age Network

Civil Service pensions - an understanding, 16 Oct 2025
wrans/answers2025-11-18 conversation_546
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-11-18)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-11-18 conversation_546

Mike Wood:To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office, what proportion of UK Security Vetting staff are currently based in (a) York, (b) Glasgow and (c) other locations. \p Dan Jarvis: United Kingdom Security Vetting (UKSV) is part of the Government Security Group (GSG) hosted by the Cabinet Office. The Cabinet Office is committed to growth in both York and Glasgow; to help ensure HMG retains resilience, certain existing and specialist roles are based outside of these core locations.

In line with the practice followed by successive administrations, the Government does not otherwise comment on security matters.