theodi/ndl-core-corpus huggingface dataset:
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Uma Kumaran:To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, with reference to his Department's news story entitled UK Chair statement: Ministerial Roundtable on Sudan, published on 20 February 2025, whether he plans to convene a follow-up meeting. \p Mr Hamish Falconer: We do not plan to re-convene another Development Minister meeting in the immediate future. The Foreign Secretary recently hosted the London Sudan Conference in April alongside France, Germany, the Africa Union and EU which brought together senior figures from the international community to discuss the conflict in Sudan. UK Ministers remain engaged on the crisis with the Minister for Development visiting Chad in May which included a focus on Sudan.
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Callum Anderson:To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what criteria is being used to allocate development finance support to the (a) manufacturing, (b) agricultural and (c) energy sectors in Africa. \p Mr Hamish Falconer: Our allocation of development finance to the highlighted sectors is currently informed by a mixture of criteria ranging from local priorities to alignment with overall Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) objectives. We will publish our Africa Approach later this year, outlining a transformed partnership that engages with African countries as equals and will inform future allocations. We will publish the FCDO's final 2025/26 Official Development Assistance programme allocations in the Annual Report & Accounts in July, and finalise budgets for the rest of the Spending Review period later this year.
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Martin Rhodes:To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what discussions he has had with his Israeli counterpart on the impact of the conflict in Gaza on older people living in Gaza. \p Mr Hamish Falconer: Vandalised groups such as the elderly are disproportionately impacted by long standing conflicts and recent escalations of violence in the Middle East including the war in Gaza. We continue to call for a lift on the aid blockade in Gaza, and for all parties to re-engage in ceasefire negotiations to get the hostages out and to secure a permanent end to the conflict, leading to a two-state solution and a lasting peace.
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Rachael Maskell:To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what assessment he has made of the potential impact of reductions in aid spending on the global influence of (a) China and (b) other countries. \p Stephen Doughty: To fund a necessary increase in defence spending, the Government has taken the decision in the current fiscal and economic circumstances to reduce our Official Development Assistance (ODA) budget.

This was not an ideological decision, but a hardheaded one, recognising that resources devoted to diplomacy, development and defence have had to evolve over time to reflect the global context.

The UK Government is fully committed to the UK playing a significant role on development; it is both in our national interest and in the interest of our partners.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-06-23)

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Sir Andrew Mitchell:To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what steps he is taking to help support (a) free and (b) fair presidential elections in the Ivory Coast in October 2025. \p Mr Hamish Falconer: The UK is committed to promoting good governance and democracy in Côte d'Ivoire, including transparent and inclusive elections.

On 25-28 May, the Minister for Africa visited Côte d'Ivoire, and discussed with the President and his government the importance of open civic space, democratic debate, and strong electoral institutions.

Our Embassy in Abidjan is engaging with relevant state institutions and all political parties, emphasising the importance of peaceful and fair elections, whilst coordinating their efforts with international partners.
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Sir Andrew Mitchell:To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what diplomatic steps he is taking to help support a wide selection of candidates being available to eligible voters in the Ivory Coast for elections in October 2025. \p Mr Hamish Falconer: Matters of electoral practices are a matter for the Government of Côte d'Ivoire. Candidates for the presidential election are selected by political parties and must comply with provisions set out in Côte d'Ivoire's constitution and related laws.

The UK, along with likeminded partners, is monitoring the electoral developments in Côte d'Ivoire closely, through regular engagement with government officials, civil society actors and opposition figures. Beyond this, the UK has, through diplomatic engagements, consistently emphasised the importance of elections being free and fair as well as the need for voters to be presented with meaningful choice.

These issues were raised by the Minister for Africa, during his recent visit to Côte d'Ivoire on 25-28 May, where he discussed with the President and his government the importance of open civic space, democratic debate, and strong electoral institutions.
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Sir Andrew Mitchell:To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what assessment he has made of the potential implications for his policies of the recent decision by the Zimbabwean government to pay compensation to farmers whose land was confiscated. \p Mr Hamish Falconer: We welcome Zimbabwe's recent payments to farmers whose land was confiscated. We understand that 379 farmers covered by the 2020 Global Compensation Deed, which includes some British nationals, have been compensated. There have also been initial payments to farmers covered by Bilateral Investment Protection & Promotion Agreements, such as Germany, Dutch and Swiss nationals. This is in line with commitments made by the Government of Zimbabwe in the Structured Dialogue on Arrears Clearance.
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Anneliese Dodds:To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, whether he has made recent representations to his counterpart in South Sudan on the provision of aid supplies to remote regions in advance of disruption resultant from weather conditions. \p Mr Hamish Falconer: The UK remains committed to supporting the humanitarian response in South Sudan, allocating £137 million to support the people of South Sudan in financial year 2024/2025. Recently published Integrated Food Security Phase Classification (IPC) figures showed over half of the population will experience high levels of acute food insecurity IPC Phase 3 or above between April and July 2025. As with the severe flooding seen in 2024, the UK is working closely with partners to ensure the pre-positioning of aid supplies ahead of the rainy season, ensuring that these supplies are able to reach the most vulnerable. These partners report that they have made strong progress against our shared preparation goals.
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Anneliese Dodds:To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what assessment he has made of the potential impact of the South Sudanese government’s use of Fogbow to deliver food supplies in remote areas on (a) UK and (b) other humanitarian aid delivery. \p Mr Hamish Falconer: The UK is gravely concerned about the humanitarian situation in South Sudan and is following developments carefully, including Fogbow operations. While the UK welcomes government-led action that responds to needs among all affected people residing in hard-to-reach areas, the UK view is that effective humanitarian action upholds humanitarian principles of neutrality, humanity, impartiality and independence, and ensures that in conflicts, military assets and escorts are only used to deliver aid as a last resort. Consistent adherence to these operating principles among humanitarian actors is key to maintain and enhance humanitarian access, build trust, and protect civilians including humanitarian personnel. Aid operations to the contrary could increase risks for civilians and other international and national humanitarian aid organisations.
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Anneliese Dodds:To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what assessment he has made of the potential implications for his policies of trends in the level of recruitment of children into (a) the military and (b) paramilitary groups in (i) Sudan and (ii) South Sudan. \p Mr Hamish Falconer: As a signatory to the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child, the UK is committed to supporting, promoting, and defending the UN Children and Armed Conflict mandate. The UN Secretary General's annual report on Children in Armed Conflict released earlier this month highlights the deteriorating situation globally, with a dramatic escalation in the number of violations in Sudan. We continue to work with partners, including through the UN Security Council, to call on the warring parties in Sudan to fully implement the Jeddah Declaration, which includes a commitment to refrain from recruiting and using children in hostilities.

Despite the introduction of a South Sudanese Government action plan on Children in Armed Conflict, all six grave violations against children continue to be carried out: recruitment and use of children; killing and maiming; rape and sexual violence; abduction and attacks on schools and hospitals; and denial of humanitarian access. The UK supported the 8 May renewal of the UN Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS), which will enable it to continue its critical mandate, including protecting civilians and human rights monitoring.
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Anneliese Dodds:To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what recent discussions he has had with his Ugandan counterpart on the safety of civilians in South Sudan. \p Mr Hamish Falconer: The UK Government has consistently called for an immediate ceasefire, the release of political detainees, and the protection of civilians in our engagement with the Government of South Sudan and other regional partners. On 3 April, the Minister for Africa met with President Museveni and discussed our shared concerns about the escalating tensions in South Sudan. On 8 May, the UK voted in favour of the extension of the mandate of the UN Mission in South Sudan, preserving its key role in the protection of civilians. On 4 June, our Ambassador to South Sudan attended an Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD) convened conference to discuss South Sudan, stressing the urgent need for regional partners, including Uganda, to engage with the Government of South Sudan at the highest level, and supported the recommendation for an IGAD Heads of State visit to South Sudan.
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Lee Anderson:To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what diplomatic steps he is taking to help prevent anti-Christian (a) violence and (b) persecution in Nigeria. \p Mr Hamish Falconer: The UK regularly advocates for the protection of all vulnerable communities, including religious minorities at the UN, and other multilateral fora. Freedom of Religion and Belief (FoRB) is regularly raised with the Nigerian Government during bilateral discussions. For example, the Minister for Africa discussed FoRB and intercommunal violence, including the impact of competition over diminishing resources, with the Nigerian Foreign Minister on 30 May. UK programming addresses the systemic causes of intercommunal violence in Nigeria through locally led peace-building efforts. Our support aims to reduce intercommunal tensions by improving national resource management in northern Nigeria, alongside access to security and justice across Nigeria.
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Sir Andrew Mitchell:To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what steps the Government is taking to support the decision of the Government of Zimbabwe to secure a service level agreement with the IMF. \p Mr Hamish Falconer: A Staff-Monitored Programme with the International Monetary Fund (IMF) is an important step for Zimbabwe to take in order to make progress towards a Staff-Level Agreement and clearing its foreign debt arrears. The UK is an active participant in the Structured Dialogue on Arrears Clearance, a multilateral platform for Zimbabwe to discuss arrears with its creditors and other development partners. Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) officials participated in a roundtable side event on Zimbabwe's arrears at both the IMF/World Bank Spring Meetings in April and the African Development Bank Annual Meetings in May. The FCDO is also regularly in contact with the IMF to discuss Zimbabwe's economic reforms, both at headquarters and in-country.
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Sir Andrew Mitchell:To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, whether his Department supports the return of Zimbabwe to full membership of the Commonwealth. \p Mr Hamish Falconer: The Government has always been clear that we want to see Zimbabwe return to the Commonwealth when the time is right. We recognise there has been progress, but further steps are needed on democracy, governance and human rights. Decisions on Commonwealth membership are for all member states. The UK has expressed support for a further Commonwealth assessment mission.
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Priti Patel:To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, pursuant to the Answer of 10 June 2025 to Question 56764 on British Indian Ocean Territory: Marine Protected Areas, if he will list the dates and organisations that have held meetings with officials since July 2024. \p Stephen Doughty: On various occasions Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office officials have met with the Chagos Conservation Trust, the Zoological Society of London and the BIOT Administration's Chief Scientific Adviser as part of stakeholder engagement. The most recent dates include meetings on 10 October and 9 December 2024, 12 February, 14 March, 21 March, 15 April, and 17 April 2025. We do not intend to provide a running commentary.
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Wendy Morton:To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, pursuant to the Answer of 6 May 2025 to Question 48939 on Land Mines, what assessment he has made of the adequacy of funding provision for de-mining for achieving the UK’s objectives in this policy area following the completion of the Spending Review. \p Stephen Doughty: The Foreign Commonwealth and Development Office's final 2025/26 Official Development Assistance (ODA) programme allocations will be published in the Annual Report & Accounts in July. Over the coming months, we will work through detailed decisions on how the ODA budget will be used in future years, informed by internal and external consultation and impact assessments, ahead of publishing indicative multi-year allocations in the autumn. We will be taking a rigorous approach to ensure all ODA delivers value for money.
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Wendy Morton:To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, pursuant to the Answer of 17 February to Question 28555 on Nutrition for Growth Summit, whether it his Department’s policy to spend £1.5 billion on nutrition objectives by 2030, in the context of the Spending Review 2025. \p Stephen Doughty: The Spending Review 2025 confirmed the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office's (FCDO) Official Development Assistance (ODA) budget from 2026/27 onwards. Over the coming months, the Department will undertake detailed planning to determine how this budget will be allocated. The FCDO is reviewing how these allocations will support existing and future commitments, with a continued focus on ensuring all ODA spending delivers value for money and advances the UK's development priorities.

At the 2025 Nutrition for Growth Summit, the UK reaffirmed its commitment to integrating nutrition objectives and investments across sectors including health, agriculture, humanitarian response, and climate to improve nutrition outcomes. Decisions on specific funding levels, including those relating to nutrition, will be made as part of the broader resource allocation process.
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Luke Murphy:To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what steps his Department has taken to support water, sanitation and hygiene programmes through Overseas Development Assistance. \p Stephen Doughty: Our portfolio includes the Water, Sanitation and Hygiene (WASH) Systems for Health programme, which supports governments in eight countries to strengthen the systems needed to provide climate-resilient and inclusive WASH services. To help governments and others use data to inform decision-making we support the international monitoring mechanism which tracks WASH progress against global targets. We also continue to support progress through our political and diplomatic levers, including engagement with the G7, G20 and UN processes.

Following the Spending Review, internal allocations will be determined over the summer which will outline Official Development Assistance allocations from 2026/27 to 2028/29.
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Wendy Morton:To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, with reference to the Spending Review 2025, published on 11 June 2025, how much funding has been allocated to the Tackling Deadly Diseases in Africa Programme in this spending review period. \p Stephen Doughty: The Tackling Deadly Diseases in Africa 2 programme is a five year programme which is saving lives and reducing the impact of disease outbreaks on populations in Africa. Now in its third year of implementation, the programme is strengthening regional health security capacity and leadership to prevent, detect and respond to health emergencies, protecting populations around the world, including the UK. We have signed a 3-year agreement to support the Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention and the World Health Organisation's Joint Emergency Action. We have offered significant support to the response to mpox in Africa through the World Health Organisation, the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies, and the United Nations Children's Fund Burundi. The programme is also supporting outbreaks of cholera across Africa.

The Prime Minister has set out a new strategic vision for government spending on defence and security and Official Development Assistance (ODA). Detailed decisions on how the ODA budget announced in the Spending Review will be used will be worked through based on various factors including impact assessments.
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Wendy Morton:To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, pursuant to the Answer of 10 April 2025 to Question 42468 on Development Aid: Cost Effectiveness, what impact assessments his Department undertook as part of the Spending Review; and if he will publish his Department's criteria for determining (a) the levels of ODA funding for the (i) 2025-26 and (ii) 2026-27 financial years and (b) whether those levels constitute value for money. \p Stephen Doughty: The Prime Minister has set out a new strategic vision for government spending on defence and security, and Official Development Assistance (ODA). Equality impact assessments are an essential part of how we make decisions on ODA allocations. Detailed decisions on how the ODA budget will be used are being worked through based on various factors including impact assessments.

Our initial 2025/26 ODA allocations aim to maximise the Foreign Commonwealth and Development Office's flexibility ahead of setting final ODA allocations, while meeting legally binding commitments and existing live contracts and agreements and allowing crucial new work to continue through an exemptions process. They will play an important role in laying the foundations for the pivot in our approach to development and sharpening of our priorities to help smooth the transition to 0.3 per cent.

As part of the Spending Review for 2026/27 onwards, HMT set out the fiscal parameters for ODA over the Spending Review (SR) period. The Foreign Secretary led an evidence-based process to inform the Treasury's ODA allocations across departments for the SR period. Planned programming was assessed against effectiveness, delivery against our sharpened priorities, and coherence across government.
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Wendy Morton:To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, with reference to the Spending Review 2025, published on 11 June 2025, how much funding will be available to support the UK’s global health security objectives in this spending review period; and what programmes this will be spent on. \p Stephen Doughty: We will publish Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office's (FCDO) final 2025/26 Official Development Assistance (ODA) programme allocations in the Annual Report & Accounts in July. Over the coming months, we will work through detailed decisions on how the ODA budget will be used in future years, informed by internal and external consultation and impact assessments, ahead of publishing indicative multi-year allocations in the autumn. We continue to work across Government and with our international partners to strengthen health security. The UK's role in helping secure the recent adoption of the Pandemic Agreement is a good example of that collective effort.
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Priti Patel:To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, pursuant to the Answer of 5 June 2025 to Question 54745 on Chagos Island: Sovereignty, if he will make it his policy to extend the 21-day scrutiny period. \p Stephen Doughty: I refer the Rt Hon member to the reply to her PQs 54745 and 47650.

I appeared before the International Relations and Defence Committee/International Agreements Committee on 17 June and will appear before the Foreign Affairs Select Committee on 23 June as part of the process of scrutiny.
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Wendy Morton:To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, with reference to the Spending Review 2025, published on 11 June 2025, how much funding has been allocated to overseas development aid programmes on neglected tropical diseases in this spending review period. \p Stephen Doughty: We will publish Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office's final 2025/26 Official Development Assistance programme allocations in the Annual Report & Accounts in July.
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Wendy Morton:To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, pursuant to the Answer of 7 April 2025 to Question 41836 on Development Aid, if he will set out his spending plans for WASH programmes, in the context of the Spending Review 2025. \p Stephen Doughty: We will publish the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office's final 2025/26 Official Development Assistance (ODA) programme allocations in the Annual Report & Accounts in July. Over the coming months, we will work through detailed decisions on how the ODA budget will be used in future years, informed by internal and external consultation and impact assessments, ahead of publishing indicative multi-year allocations in the autumn. In the meantime, our existing Water, Sanitation and Hygiene programmes will continue.
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Wendy Morton:To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what assessment he has made of the potential impact of changes in ODA following the Spending Review on the UK’s efforts to tackle antimicrobial resistance globally. \p Stephen Doughty: We will publish the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office's final 2025/26 Official Development Assistance (ODA) programme allocations in the Annual Report & Accounts in July. Over the coming months, we will work through detailed decisions on how the ODA budget will be used in future years, informed by internal and external consultation and impact assessments, ahead of publishing indicative multi-year allocations in the autumn. We continue to work across Government and with our international partners to tackle antimicrobial resistance (AMR) through our programming and diplomatic engagement.
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Mr Gregory Campbell:To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what discussions he has held with his US counterpart on the appointment of a special economic envoy to Northern Ireland. \p Stephen Doughty: The Secretary of State for Northern Ireland engaged extensively with contacts in the US Administration and Congress on Northern Ireland issues, including during his visit to Washington in March 2025. The role of US Special Envoy is currently unfilled.
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Andrew Rosindell:To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what representations he has made to the Hong Kong authorities on the reported prosecution of Kwok Yin-sang, the father of a British National (Overseas) passport holder in exile Anna Kwok, in connection with her pro-democracy advocacy abroad. \p Catherine West: The UK is closely monitoring the prosecution of Kwok Yin-sang, father of Anna Kwok. China's imposition of the National Security Law has significantly eroded the rights and freedoms of Hong Kongers, a situation that has worsened with the enactment of the Safeguarding National Security Ordinance. We call on Beijing to repeal the National Security Law, including its extraterritorial reach.
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Monica Harding:To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what diplomatic steps he has taken to help reduce the (a) import and (b) processing of illicitly mined Sudanese gold by third countries. \p Mr Hamish Falconer: The trade of illicit gold funds conflict, undermines the rule of law, and perpetuates human rights abuses. The UK Government engages with the gold industry as well as the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development to support responsible sourcing and rigorous due diligence standards to enhance resilience to illicit gold and identify malign actors in the supply chain. Since the outbreak of the Sudan conflict, the UK has frozen the assets of nine commercial entities linked to the Sudanese Armed Forces and Rapid Support Forces. Two of these sanctions target gold mining companies linked to the warring parties. In 2023, the UK also sanctioned three Russian-linked gold mining entities operating in Sudan. These sanctions were designed to disrupt the financial networks fuelling the war, press the parties to engage in a sustained and meaningful peace process, allow humanitarian access and to commit to a permanent cessation of hostilities. Although we do not speculate on future designations, our sanctions policy is continually under review. Furthermore, in our international engagement, we emphasise with all countries the need to refrain from actions that prolong the crisis, including those that may financially benefit the warring parties.
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Andrew Rosindell:To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, whether his Department plans to send election monitors to monitor the presidential election in the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus in October 2025. \p Stephen Doughty: In line with the rest of the international community except Turkey, the UK does not recognise the so-called "Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus".

The Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office has no plans to send election monitors to monitor the "election" taking place in the so-called "Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus" in October 2025.
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James Naish:To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, whether he has had discussions with the Secretary of State for the Home Department on the potential merits of extending British National (Overseas) nationality status to BN(O) visa holders' dependents residing in the United Kingdom. \p Catherine West: Those with BN(O) status and their eligible family members can come to the UK to live, study and work in virtually any capacity, on a pathway to citizenship. The UK committed in the Joint Declaration that no person would acquire British Dependent Territories citizen (BDTC) status (the precursor to BN(O) status) on or after 1 July 1997. Therefore, there are no plans to change this mechanism.
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Bradley Thomas:To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, whether he plans to expand the cadet forces in state schools with limited provision. \p Al Carns: We want every young person to have the opportunity to enjoy the many benefits that can be gained from the cadet experience. The joint Ministry of Defence and Department for Education Cadet Expansion Programme (CEP) has already increased the number of cadet units in schools to over 500, with the focus on improving provision in state schools. Prior to CEP, 75% of school cadet units were in independent schools; now around 60% are in the state sector.

We are exploring how we can increase the size and the offer of the Cadet Forces, both in schools and the community, and have been engaging widely to consider how best to deliver this growth. This work is aligned with the recent Strategic Defence Review which recommends expanding the Cadet Forces by 30% by 2030.
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Ben Obese-Jecty:To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, what the full scope of Project Cairns is; and what the (a) specific technical requirements and (b) core characteristics of the project are as laid out to the defence industry. \p Maria Eagle: Project CAIRNS is not a project of record at this time, however, it will seek to replace the L7A2 General Purpose Machine Gun (GPMG) upon reaching its Out of Service Date. The Project envisages replacing the GPMG’s roles across both Light and Medium Machine Gun areas. The current GPMG remains a world leading, highly effective and lethal machine gun, operated across Defence.
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Mr Mark Francois:To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, whether any journalists have been invited to (a) attend and (b) observe activities relating to the Ajax armoured vehicle programme since 1 February 2025. \p Maria Eagle: Journalists are routinely present at events where Ajax is demonstrated and/or discussed. Ajax is currently in the manufacturing and fielding platforms to the Army phase of the programme.
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Bradley Thomas:To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, what assessment he has made of the potential impact of charging VAT on independent school fees on cadet force partnerships between state and independent schools. \p Al Carns: Both independent schools and state schools with established Combined Cadet Force contingents continue to play an important role in supporting junior partners. There are currently 45 ‘junior partnerships’ where independent schools are supporting state schools to set up and run their cadet units.

Changes to VAT on independent school fees came into effect in January 2025, midway through the school academic year. There is no current evidence of impact.

Given the fantastic benefits which can be gained from the cadet experience the Government wants more young people to be able to become cadets. The recently published Strategic Defence Review recommended an expansion of Cadet Forces across the country by 30% by 2030.
wrans/answers2025-06-23 conversation_141
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-06-23)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-06-23 conversation_141

James Cartlidge:To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, with reference to Article 10, Clause 1 of the UK/Mauritius: Agreement concerning the Chagos Archipelago including Diego Garcia [CS Mauritius No.1/2025], if he will estimate the cost of employing Mauritian nationals to be employed as contractors on the Base. \p Luke Pollard: As set out in the 1966 UK-US Exchange of Notes, including the 1976 amendment, the Government of the United States shall bear the cost of developing, operating and maintaining the facility. Mauritian nationals who are employed as contractors in existing roles will not result in any additional costs to the UK or US.
wrans/answers2025-06-23 conversation_142
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-06-23)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-06-23 conversation_142

James Cartlidge:To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, what steps he is taking to encourage service personnel to submit responses to the Armed Forces Sexual Harassment Survey. \p Al Carns: The Armed Forces Sexual Harassment Survey 2025 was launched on 20 May 2025. It remains open for six weeks, closing on 1 July 2025.

A comprehensive internal communications plan proactively encourages all Regular and Reserve Service personnel to take part. It has been designed to ensure a wide range of responses across the Armed Forces. The communications plan uses a phased approach: marking the launch, mid-way point, and one week to go. An agile approach is used to ensure communication can be adapted to ensure Defence achieves a broad range of responses.
wrans/answers2025-06-23 conversation_143
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-06-23)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-06-23 conversation_143

Mr Andrew Snowden:To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, if he will make an assessment of the potential merits of amending the Armed Forces Compensation Scheme to include chronic primary pain as a compensable condition. \p Al Carns: Under the Armed Forces Compensation Scheme, pain and suffering are already included in awards for all conditions, the aim being a holistic approach to compensation.

How chronic pain could be better addressed under the Scheme is currently being considered by the Independent Medical Expert Group (IMEG) as part of their Forward Work Programme.
wrans/answers2025-06-23 conversation_144
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-06-23)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-06-23 conversation_144

Mr Andrew Snowden:To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, what the average (a) age and (b) condition ratings are for (i) all Ministry of Defence-managed residential properties and (ii) Ministry of Defence-managed residential properties in Fylde constituency. \p Al Carns: The average age of Service Family Accommodation (SFA) and Single Living Accommodation (SLA) can be found in the table below:

Ministry of Defence managed residential properties

Average Age

All SFA

64 Years

SFA in Fylde constituency

68 Years

All SLA

46 Years

SLA in Fylde constituency

40 Years

The Government's Decent Homes Standard is the current benchmark for SFA condition used by the Ministry of Defence. This standard is currently being reviewed by the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government. Subsequently, the condition ratings for SFA will be revised in line with any new recommendations.

The average condition ratings for SLA can be found in the table below:

Ministry of Defence managed residential properties

Average condition rating

All SLA

Grade 3*

SLA in Fylde constituency

Grade 3

*The information concerning the condition grading is only held for 46% of sites with SLA.

All existing SLA within Weeton Barracks were built in 1985. A condition grading inspection for Weeton Barracks is currently underway and there are three new SLA blocks currently being constructed.
wrans/answers2025-06-23 conversation_145
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-06-23)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-06-23 conversation_145

Mr Andrew Snowden:To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, how much his Department has spent on (a) maintenance and (b) refurbishment of properties it manages in Fylde constituency in the last three years. \p Al Carns: The Department has spent £22.38 million on maintenance and refurbishment of Service Family Accommodation and £1.8 million on Single Living Accommodation in the Fylde constituency, since 2022.

The figures provided do not include the core maintenance costs of the Future Defence Infrastructure Services Accommodation contract as we are unable to break the costs down by constituency.
wrans/answers2025-06-23 conversation_146
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-06-23)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-06-23 conversation_146

Mr Andrew Snowden:To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, how many Ministry of Defence managed properties there are in Fylde constituency; and what proportion of those are (a) residential, (b) commercial, and (c) operational. \p Al Carns: The Ministry of Defence manage seven sites in the Fylde constituency.

Of these, three are operational, two are residential, one is commercial and operational, and one is residential, commercial and operational.
wrans/answers2025-06-23 conversation_147
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-06-23)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-06-23 conversation_147

Gideon Amos:To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, what steps he is taking to reduce the time taken for LGBT Dismissed or Discharged Payments to be (a) processed and (b) distributed. \p Al Carns: As of 9 June 2025, the LGBT Financial Recognition Scheme (FRS) had received 1,067 applications and 44 Veterans had received payments. We have been prioritising payment to the elderly and those with serious health conditions to ensure they receive support as quickly as possible, with the first payments issued as planned within 15 weeks of the scheme going live to these prioritised groups. Some cases are more complex and require additional time due to the unique and individual circumstances involved; we envisage the scheme speeding up once the most complex cases are completed

Defence fully recognises the importance of delivering LGBT Dismissed or Discharged Payments in a timely manner and is taking specific steps to reduce the time taken for both processing and distribution. Clear guidance has been published to help applicants understand the process, and we appreciate their patience as we work to deliver this important recognition fairly and responsibly.

To reduce processing times, we are working to streamline and automate administrative processes where possible. We are also improving coordination across Defence to retrieve supporting evidence more efficiently, ensuring applications are reviewed thoroughly but without unnecessary delays. While processing times vary depending on the complexity of cases and the evidence required, we are committed to handling applications as quickly as possible. To speed up distribution, the Department is reviewing payment systems to ensure that once applications are approved, payments are issued promptly and efficiently.
wrans/answers2025-06-23 conversation_148
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-06-23)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-06-23 conversation_148

Calum Miller:To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, whether any UK (a) military assets and (b) personnel have offered support to Israel to defend it from attacks by Iran since 12 June 2025. \p Luke Pollard: The UK has not participated in military action in the defence of Israel since 13 June 2025.
wrans/answers2025-06-23 conversation_149
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-06-23)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-06-23 conversation_149

Calum Miller:To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, whether any UK (a) military assets and (b) personnel offered support to the attacks by Israel on Iran that commenced on 12 June 2025. \p Luke Pollard: The UK did not participate in the actions of Israel on 13 June 2025.
wrans/answers2025-06-23 conversation_150
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-06-23)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-06-23 conversation_150

Dr Caroline Johnson:To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, pursuant to the Answer of 11 June 2025 to Question 58044 on Strategic Defence Review, which Parliamentarians who are not members of the Government were (a) offered and (b) took up the offer of access to the Strategic Defence Review before 5pm on 2 June 2025. \p Luke Pollard: For the launch of the Strategic Defence Review, the Government offered embargoed briefings to our people and senior defence leaders, plus certain Parliamentarians, trade unions, businesses, allies and media. This was broadly consistent with the approach for previous defence reviews. At no point did stakeholders receive any commercially sensitive information ahead of publication.
wrans/answers2025-06-23 conversation_151
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-06-23)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-06-23 conversation_151

Martin Wrigley:To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, if UK defence intelligence will analyse the reported drone attack on the vessel Conscience in international waters to determine the identity of the actors involved. \p Luke Pollard: I hope the hon. Gentleman will appreciate that the Department does not routinely disclose precise details of intelligence analysis concerning specific incidents.
wrans/answers2025-06-23 conversation_152
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-06-23)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-06-23 conversation_152

Andrew Rosindell:To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, whether his Department plans to enter into an association agreement with the EU on (a) UK participation in (i) the European Defence Agency, (ii) the European Defence Fund and (iii) Permanent Structured Cooperation and (b) other defence matters. \p Luke Pollard: As agreed in the Security and Defence Partnership, the EU and UK will regularly exchange on defence initiatives.

Implementation discussions will begin shortly, exploring the possibility of establishing an Administrative Arrangement between the UK and the European Defence Agency, as well as cooperation in individual PESCO projects. Currently participation in the European Defence Fund (EDF) is open only to industry located in European Union Member States and those members of the European Economic Area associated with the EDF (Norway).

Any UK commitment – financial or otherwise – will ensure value for taxpayers and support defence goals.
wrans/answers2025-06-23 conversation_153
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-06-23)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-06-23 conversation_153

Dr Caroline Johnson:To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, pursuant to the Answer of 11 June 2025 to Question 56305 on Strategic Defence Review, which think tanks were (a) offered and (b) took up the offer of access to the Strategic Defence Review before 5pm on 2nd June 2025. \p Luke Pollard: For the launch of the Strategic Defence Review, the Government offered embargoed briefings to our people and senior defence leaders, plus certain Parliamentarians, trade unions, businesses, allies and media. This was broadly consistent with the approach for previous defence reviews. At no point did stakeholders receive any commercially sensitive information ahead of publication.
wrans/answers2025-06-23 conversation_154
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-06-23)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-06-23 conversation_154

Mr Mark Francois:To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, with reference to paragraph 1(b)(i) of the UK-Mauritius agreement concerning the Chagos Archipelago including Diego Garcia, whether he has notified Mauritius of any impending armed attack on a third state emanating from Diego Garcia. \p Luke Pollard: The Chagos Archipelago Treaty has not entered into force, and as such standard operating protocols apply. I also refer the hon. Member to the answer I gave on 12 June 2025 to Question 57298 to the hon. Member for South Suffolk (Mr Cartlidge); the treaty, once it has entered into force, does not require prior notification and will not require the UK to divulge sensitive information.

Diego Garcia: Military Bases (docx, 16.2KB)