theodi/ndl-core-corpus huggingface dataset:
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-06-12)

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Anna Gelderd:To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, whether he plans to introduce any (a) fiscal and (b) policy incentives to support longer-term leasing arrangements between (i) landowners and (ii) tenant farmers. \p Daniel Zeichner: The Department recognises the benefits that longer-term tenancy agreements can provide for both tenants and landlords. The joint Defra-Industry Farm Tenancy Forum is working on guidance and best practice to encourage more landlords and tenants to enter into longer-term agreements. Alongside this we continually look at how fiscal and policy interventions across the Department may impact on landlord decisions to offer longer-term agreements. In addition, we are in the process of appointing a Commissioner for the Tenant Farming Sector to help embed fair practice across the sector.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-06-12)

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Stuart Anderson:To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, when he plans to respond to the correspondence of 5 December 2024 from the hon. Member for South Shropshire, inviting him to meet farmers in his constituency. \p Daniel Zeichner: Thank you for your invitation. Ministers regularly engage and visit farmers across England and have met with farming organisations and representatives nearly every week since coming into Government, and I hope to visit farmers in your constituency soon.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-06-12)

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Charlie Dewhirst:To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, what changes have been made to the style guide for answering written Parliamentary Questions since July 2024; and if he will publish that style guide. \p Daniel Zeichner: As is normal, changes are made to take into account individual ministerial preferences. Defra continues to follow the guidance set out by the Cabinet Office on GOV.UK.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-06-12)

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Mr Andrew Snowden:To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, pursuant to the Answer of 3 June 2025 to Question 54446 on Environmental Land Management Schemes: Lancashire, when his Department plans to publish detailed (a) eligibility criteria and (b) payment rates for the reformed Sustainable Farming Incentive offer following the 2025 spending review. \p Daniel Zeichner: We expect to publish more information about the reformed Sustainable Farming Incentive offer in summer 2025.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-06-12)

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Edward Morello:To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, what assessment he has made of the potential merits of targeted subsidies for small businesses in rural constituencies. \p Daniel Zeichner: This Government recognises that rural areas offer significant potential for growth and are central to our economy. Over half a million business are registered in rural areas, with SMEs accounting for 99% of registered rural enterprises.

The Department for Business and Trade provides a range of existing offers that rural SMEs may wish to access. This includes support via the Business Support Service, Gov.uk, the network of 41 local Growth Hubs across England, and the Help to Grow: Management scheme to help improve leadership and management capabilities.

Later this year the Government will publish the SME Strategy Paper. This will set out the Government’s intentions on supporting small businesses across key areas, including thriving high streets, making it easier to secure finance, accessing overseas and domestic markets, encouraging entrepreneurship and building business capabilities, and providing a strong business environment. This will complement the Government’s forthcoming Industrial and Trade Strategies

On targeted subsidies, Defra funds capital projects for small businesses and community infrastructure in rural areas through the Rural England Prosperity Fund (REPF). The fund will have provided up to £143 million of funding to eligible local authorities between April 2023 and March 2026.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-06-12)

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Mr Peter Bedford:To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, whether he has made an assessment of the operational effectiveness of the Environment Agency. \p Emma Hardy: The Environment Agency’s (EA) principal aim is to protect or enhance the environment and contribute to sustainable development. I am grateful for all the work the EA does to keep people safe during environmental and flooding emergencies to minimise serious and lasting damage to the environment and the communities it serves.

The department works closely with the EA at every level to assess its performance and delivery and provide constructive challenge and support.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-06-12)

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Josh Newbury:To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, what proportion of vehicles rented by his Department are electric vehicles. \p Daniel Zeichner: The below table shows the number and proportion of lease cars that are electric vehicles. Please note that:

- Lease cars relate to the Department for the Environment, Food, and Rural Affairs, Environment Agency, Animal & Plant Health Agency, Rural Payments Agency, Natural England, Marine Management Organisation, and Yorkshire Dales National Park only.

- These figures do not include hire cars.

Description

Volume

Electric Vehicles

Proportion

Lease Cars

3,051

1,971

65%
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-06-12)

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Neil O'Brien:To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, how many staff in the (a) Environment Agency and (b) Rural Payments Agency have job titles which include the words (i) equality, (ii) diversity, (iii) inclusion, (iv) gender, (v) LGBT and (vi) race. \p Daniel Zeichner: This information is not held centrally.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-06-12)

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Neil Duncan-Jordan:To ask the Secretary of State for Justice, what estimate her Department has made of the amount spent on providing (a) football, (b) pool, (c) table-tennis, (d) gym, (e) running, (f) yoga, (g) chess and (h) other sporting activities in prisons in the last year. \p Sir Nicholas Dakin: H M Prison and Probation Service recognises the importance physical activity plays in the overall well-being of prisoners and the effect sport, exercise and movement can have on supporting other programmes designed to reduce offending behaviour.

Data on the amount spent in providing the activities specified are not held centrally, and could not be obtained without incurring disproportionate cost.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-06-12)

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Harriet Cross:To ask the Secretary of State for Justice, how many people were not notified before prisoners who perpetrated crimes against them were released early under the SDS40 scheme. \p Sir Nicholas Dakin: This Government inherited prisons days from collapse. We had no choice but to take decisive action to stop our prisons overflowing and keep the public safe.

The HMPPS Victim Contact Scheme is a service for the victims of offenders who are convicted of specified violent, sexual or terrorism offences and are sentenced to twelve months or more imprisonment. The Victim Notification Scheme provides a similar service for victims of certain stalking and harassment offences. Both Schemes allow for the Probation Service to notify eligible victims of information about an offender’s sentence.

When SDS40 was introduced, for those eligible victims who opted into the Schemes, the Probation Service provided information on the SDS40 changes, including the offender’s new release date and how to access support services. Eligible victims continue to receive key information about the offender in their case, including when the offender is recalled to custody.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-06-12)

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Andy Slaughter:To ask the Secretary of State for Justice, whether she has made an assessment of the merits of a national older offender strategy to address the health needs of the ageing prison population. \p Sir Nicholas Dakin: The Independent Sentencing Review considered issues relating to older cohorts including older prisoners as part of its remit. We have accepted in principle the vast majority of the Independent Sentencing Review’s recommendations and we will work with partners and the sector as we develop our approach.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-06-12)

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Sir John Hayes:To ask the Secretary of State for Justice, if she will make it his policy to establish an independent body to administer compensation following miscarriages of justice. \p Alex Davies-Jones: Under the statutory scheme set out in section 133 of the Criminal Justice Act 1988, the Secretary of State for Justice is responsible for considering applications for compensation in cases of miscarriages of justice in England and Wales, subject to specific criteria. Where an individual meets the criteria, an Independent Assessor has discretion in determining the amount awarded, in accordance with the statute. Given this established process, as agreed by Parliament, there are currently no plans to create an independent body to administer compensation following miscarriages of justice.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-06-12)

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Steve Witherden:To ask the Secretary of State for Justice, if she will publish a timeline for the Law Commission of England and Wales’s review of the homicide law. \p Alex Davies-Jones: The Law Commission is independent of Government and responsible for the review of homicide law and sentencing for murder, including publishing their proposed timeline. The Government understands, however, that the Law Commission intends to publish a timeline for their homicide review imminently.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-06-12)

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Mr Peter Bedford:To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office, whether he has made an assessment of the potential merits of abolishing the Home Office. \p Ms Abena Oppong-Asare: There are no plans of this kind.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-06-12)

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Mr Richard Holden:To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office, with reference to his Department's publication entitled CS EDI Expenditure Review Data, published on 29 May 2025, which external organisations provided consultancy to advice by third party providers in 2023-24. \p Georgia Gould: The Civil Service Equality, Diversity and Inclusion Expenditure Review, which was commissioned by the previous administration, asked for consultancy expenditure. It did not collect specific information regarding consultancy providers.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-06-12)

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Jim Shannon:To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office, what steps his Department is taking to reduce the (a) number and (b) cost of arms length bodies; and what discussions he has had with his counterparts in (a) Northern Ireland, (b) Wales and (c) Scotland on this issue. \p Georgia Gould: The government is conducting a full line-by-line Spending Review which will cover the costs of proposed and existing ALBs to ensure value for money is being delivered for the taxpayer.

On 6 April, the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster announced a full review of all UK government arm’s length bodies to drive efficiency and reduce bureaucracy and duplication as part of Prime Minister’s Plan for Change.The review is ongoing. I have not held any ministerial discussions with my devolved counterparts about this review.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-06-12)

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Mr Richard Holden:To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office, whether his Department provides (a) lectures, (b) reading lists and (c) other training on critical race theory for its staff. \p Georgia Gould: The Cabinet Office centrally does not provide any lectures, reading lists or other training on Critical Race Theory for staff.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-06-12)

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Kevin Hollinrake:To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office, pursuant to the Answer of 15 May 2025 to Question 51120 on Admiralty House, what is the council tax liability for each of the unoccupied Admiralty House Ministerial residences in 2025-26. \p Georgia Gould: Admiralty House residences are valued in Council Tax Band H.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-06-12)

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Mr Mark Francois:To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, how many (a) industry bodies, (b) defence industry companies, (c) media organisations, (d) trade associations, (e) think tanks and (f) other non-Government (i) bodies and (ii) people were given access to the Strategic Defence Review 2025 before 9.00am 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.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-06-12)

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Ben Obese-Jecty:To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, what estimate he has made of the timetable for procuring F-35As. \p Maria Eagle: Following the publication of the Strategic Defence Review, Defence is considering its future Combat Air mix, and the procurement options required to meet future threats and achieve our NATO obligations. This analysis will be conducted as part of the Defence Investment Plan, which will conclude in the autumn.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-06-12)

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Dr Luke Evans:To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, what proportion of the 2.5% increase in Defence spending is accounted for by payments under the UK-Mauritius treaty on the Chagos Islands. \p Luke Pollard: The costs of the Chagos Archipelago Treaty will be met from within the FCDO and MOD budgets set out at the spending review. The NATO qualifying status of these costs will be considered in the usual way.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-06-12)

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Liz Saville Roberts:To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, what discussions he has had with the Welsh Government on the Strategic Defence Review. \p Luke Pollard: The Welsh Government was invited to respond to the public consultation through a letter from Lord Robertson. I have also held a call with the Cabinet Secretary for Transport and North Wales to brief the Welsh Government on the content of the Strategic Defence Review (SDR) and its significance for Wales. We will continue engagement with Welsh Government Colleagues on a range of Ministry of Defence matters including the SDR.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-06-12)

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Sarah Bool:To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, whether financial incentives for service personnel on overseas deployments were considered during the the Strategic Defence Review. \p Luke Pollard: Financial Incentives (FI) are offered by cohort and rank rather than geography of Service. As such there is not a singular FI for those serving overseas, but a number of Service personnel overseas are receiving a FI. Service personnel receive an allowance package to mitigate disadvantage of relocation and differing costs of living. Furthermore, Service personnel living in Service Families Accommodation overseas pay a smaller accommodation fee then those living in the UK. The Strategic Defence Review also explored the importance of pay and measures to improve retention, including recommending the Ministry of Defence prioritise delivering its 'flexible working' initiative, and providing support towards home ownership. Also announced as part of the Review was over £1.5 billion additional funding to fix forces family housing.

As a new Government, we have already improved the childcare offer for those Service personnel which was announced in November 2024.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-06-12)

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Dr Luke Evans:To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, pursuant to the Answer of 2 June 2025 to Question 54377 on Veterans: Housing, if he will (a) make an assessment of the adequacy of trends in levels of Op FORTITUDE caseload and (b) review levels of (i) supply and (ii) demand for single occupancy housing for veterans. \p Al Carns: We remain fully committed to ensuring the right support is in place for veterans, including housing support. As of June 2025, Op FORTITUDE has received a cumulative total of over 3,500 referrals and supported over 900 veterans into housing. The Government has committed £500,000 to supporting Op FORTITUDE's operation this financial year.

We have also funded an evaluation of Op FORTITUDE and the Reducing Veteran Homelessness Programme, which has been commissioned by the Armed Forces Covenant Fund Trust.

The Government is taking steps to increase affordable housebuilding, and I refer the hon. Member to the answer I gave to Question 41721 on 3 April 2025.

Affordable Housing: Buckinghamshire (docx, 17.6KB)
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Anna Gelderd:To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, what steps his Department is taking to ensure access to specialist support through partnerships with (a) SSAFA and (b) other organisations for military families with (i) adults and (ii) children with additional needs. \p Al Carns: The Ministry of Defence acknowledges the challenges faced by Armed Forces families with dependants who have additional needs or disabilities. That is why we have committed to put the Armed Forces Covenant fully into law. Defence also continues to work with various organisations like SSAFA and Carers UK to enhance support for these families through partnerships and shared experiences. Our collaboration extends to cross-Government efforts to improve support for Service families, focusing on areas like Special Educational Needs and Disabilities.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-06-12)

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Anna Gelderd:To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, what steps his Department is taking to increase support for veterans entering civilian life in South East Cornwall constituency. \p Al Carns: This is a Government of service that will always stand up for those who serve our country, no matter which community they are based in. I am working across Government and with civil society to ensure veterans, including those in the South East Cornwall constituency, have access to the health, housing, employment and other support they need.

In England, Op RESTORE provides specialist care to veterans who have physical health problems, and Op COURAGE, a mental health specialist service helps veterans and their families. Housing support is available across the United Kingdom via Op FORTITUDE, a single referral pathway to connect veterans with help and support. Veterans can also access a range of tailored employment support, including the Career Transition Partnership, the initial point of provision for those leaving military Service in search of new job opportunities, and Op ASCEND, the employment pathway for veterans.

We recently announced VALOUR, a new commitment to establish the first-ever UK-wide approach to veteran support, to ensure easier access to essential care and support for veterans across the UK. This regional approach, based on a network of VALOUR support centres, together with regional field officers, will ensure that services are designed to meet the needs of their local communities.

Further details on VALOUR will be announced in due course and more information can be found at the following link https://www.gov.uk/guidance/valour-information-and-next-steps
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-06-12)

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Anna Gelderd:To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, what assessment he has made of the effectiveness of mentoring schemes for service personnel transitioning out of the armed forces in South East Cornwall constituency. \p Al Carns: Service personnel transitioning out of the military are entitled to support, including for two years post discharge, through the Career Transition Partnership (CTP), delivered by Reed in Partnership since 1 October 2024. Under this contract, 94.3% of Service leavers who choose to transition to a new career have achieved that goal within six months of discharge.

Service leavers benefit from individual tailored programmes of support, dedicated expert consultancy and specialist advice, and an enhanced digital platform that provides greater and more flexible access to assistance regardless of where they are serving or where they choose to relocate. The CTP work with a supply chain of expert providers to ensure a holistic approach to resettlement, including the option of mentoring for those choosing to start their own business.

Within the South East Cornwall constituency, CTP hosted a successful regional Employment Fair at Home Park in Plymouth on 14 May 2025 which attracted over 200 Service personnel and 40 local and national employers, charities, and veteran groups. This event will now be held annually.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-06-12)

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James Cartlidge:To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, whether he has authorised any changes to the proposed timetable for the delivery of the multi-role strike ship since 5 July 2024. \p Maria Eagle: The Multi Role Strike Ship (MRSS) programme is in the Concept Phase. It is funded from the Defence budget to enable the Royal Navy and Defence Equipment and Support (DE&S) to conduct detailed preparatory work with intent to deliver first of class in 2033. The Programme will submit an Outline Business Case in late 2025 and is working closely with the UK shipbuilding industry and the National Shipbuilding Office to deliver best value for money for the Navy and the Nation.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-06-12)

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Anna Gelderd:To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, what steps his Department is taking to improve the specialist support available to bereaved military families. \p Al Carns: Defence provides active and comprehensive support to the families of those Service personnel who die in Service. We take a holistic, multi-agency approach to supporting the bereaved with assistance provided through the single Services, the Defence Bereaved Families Group (DBFG) and Veterans Services.

Defence has recently undertaken several initiatives to improve this support including working to ensure that the bereaved community are clearly recognised and referenced as distinctly separate to any other cohort, through changes to official communication and language.

Additionally, the Purple Book (a guide that supports those responsible for handling the affairs and arrangements following a Service persons death) has recently undergone a full review following stakeholder engagement and consultation with representatives of bereaved families, to ensure its content was appropriate, accurate and informative; this was subsequently endorsed by the DBFG.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-06-12)

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Mark Pritchard:To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, if he will allow members of His Majesty's armed forces to access salary sacrifice schemes for car (a) leasing and (b) purchases. \p Al Carns: The Ministry of Defence (MOD) has no plans to introduce salary sacrifice schemes for members of the Armed Forces. However, the MOD continually reviews the overall offer to Service personnel with the aim of making it as attractive as possible, supporting maximum levels of recruitment and retention within available resources.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-06-12)

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James Cartlidge:To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, with reference to Annex 1, Clause 3, of the UK/Mauritius: Agreement concerning the Chagos Archipelago including Diego Garcia [CS Mauritius No.1/2025], whether any States, excluding the United States of America, will operate alongside the UK on the Diego Garcia military base. \p Luke Pollard: Annex 1, paragraph 1 of the Treaty confirms that the United Kingdom will have unrestricted ability to control the deployment of any military, civilian and contract personnel to Diego Garcia. Annex 1, paragraph 3 of the Treaty states that for the Chagos Archipelago beyond Diego Garcia, states operating with the UK and US will also have unrestricted rights, save for overflight or undersea access which require prior notification to Mauritius. We will overall retain the ability to collaborate with our allies through the base on Diego Garcia.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-06-12)

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James Cartlidge:To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, with reference to Annex 1, Clause 3, of the UK/Mauritius: Agreement concerning the Chagos Archipelago including Diego Garcia [CS Mauritius No.1/2025], for what reason Mauritius requires notification of (a) maintenance and (b) upgrades to UK equipment on the base. \p Luke Pollard: As stated in Annex 1, paragraph 1 of the Treaty, the United Kingdom will have unrestricted ability to authorise the installation, operation, and repair of new and existing systems on Diego Garcia, without the need to give notification. In respect of the Chagos Archipelago beyond Diego Garcia, Annex 1, paragraph 3 states that the UK shall have rights of access to maintain and upgrade equipment after notification to Mauritius. There is no requirement to seek permission in either scenario.

With the robust security provisions negotiated under this agreement, the UK maintains full operational control of the military base on Diego Garcia.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-06-12)

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Ben Obese-Jecty:To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, if he will make an assessment of the potential impact of the global posture review undertaken by the US government on (a) the UK's defence policy, (b) NATO deployments and (c) use of RAF bases by USAFE in the UK. \p Luke Pollard: The US Administration is currently undertaking its Global Posture Review. Decisions on the deployment and posture of US forces are for the US Administration. We welcome the continued presence of United States forces in the UK, their engagement with the local communities in which they are based and the role they play in contributing to European defence, security and deterrence.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-06-12)

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Kirsteen Sullivan:To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, whether his Department plans to ensure the effective (a) cataloguing and (b) use of the holdings of the Russian Military Studies Centre in national security considerations. \p Luke Pollard: The holdings in the Russian Military Studies Centre are an under-utilised resource. These holdings are currently being catalogued with their future provision, and access to them, subject to review.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-06-12)

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Mr Gregory Campbell:To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, whether the source of the reported drone activity near (a) RAF Lakenheath, (b) RAF Mildenhall and (c) RAF Feltwell in November 2024 has been determined. \p Luke Pollard: The Ministry of Defence Police is leading the investigation into drone activity in November 2024 over RAF sites on behalf of the Ministry of Defence and we continue to work in partnership with our allies and the appropriate civilian authorities. We are unable to release information relating to the ongoing criminal investigation or operational security matters.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-06-12)

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Sarah Bool:To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, what steps he plans to take through the Strategic Defence Review 2025 to tackle recruitment shortfalls in the armed forces; and how these will be implemented. \p Luke Pollard: The current Government inherited a crisis in recruitment and retention from the last administration.

The Strategic Defence Review (SDR) 2025 is clear that Defence must now meet the longstanding challenge of recruiting and retaining new generations with different requirements. We are committed to the vision that long-term success depends on reconnecting society with the Armed Forces and the purpose of Defence, and for recruitment the focus should be on speed, drastically shortening the period between applicants expressing interest and joining.

To achieve this, Defence will offer novel ways of entry into the Armed Forces that attract more people from a wider range of backgrounds. The Army and Navy are developing short term employment opportunities - “gap year” schemes - for young men and women across a variety of exciting roles that will upskill, provide apprenticeships, and a flavour of life in the Armed Forces.

Full plans will be announced in due course now that we have published the SDR, but we have already introduced several initiatives to improve recruitment including pay increases for new recruits and existing personnel, the scrapping of outdated medical policies, the implementation of a direct-entry cyber pathway and the setting of ambitions to make conditional offers of employment and provisional training start dates in much shorter time. All of these have achieved results; year on year there are now increased applications to the Armed Forces, increased inflow by 19% – including exceeded recruitment targets by the Royal Navy – and at the same time we have reduced outflow by 7%.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-06-12)

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Helen Maguire:To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, what the average wait time is for LGBT veterans requesting access to their service records for the purpose of Financial Recognition Scheme claims. \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 delt with.

The Ministry of Defence (MOD) cannot provide figures on how many applications under the FRS have been processed as each is subject to ongoing assessments, which are lengthy and complex. We are committed to ensuring applications are processed as efficiently and compassionately as possible and we are actively identifying opportunities to streamline and automate processes to improve speed. Priority has been given to applicants with life-limiting health conditions and those aged 80 and over, reflecting our focus on the most vulnerable veterans.

It is not yet possible to provide an average wait time for access to Service records, as each application is assessed on a case-by-case basis. However, the MOD is closely monitoring this area to ensure timely and effective support for veterans engaging with the FRS.

Since their appointment on 13 May 2025, the Independent Panel has made good progress with the first two sittings already taken place and two more scheduled for June to maintain momentum. Planning for further sittings in the coming weeks is underway. While no changes have been made to the Panel’s capacity at this stage, the MOD remains firmly committed to supporting LGBT veterans and is actively exploring options to ensure the Independent Panel remains appropriately resourced to meet the demand and sustain timely, compassionate decision-making.
wrans/answers2025-06-12 conversation_137
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-06-12)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-06-12 conversation_137

Victoria Collins:To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, whether his Department plans to hold an independent judge-led public inquiry into the 1994 RAF Chinook Helicopter crash. \p Al Carns: In 2010, the Mull of Kintyre independent judge-led review was carried out by Lord Philips and the findings were fully accepted by the Ministry of Defence. The review found that the evidence did not make it possible to reach conclusions on potential technical causes for the crash.

We have carefully considered calls for a public inquiry and we have now received legal representations from the Chinook Justice Campaign and we are considering our response to the points they have raised.
wrans/answers2025-06-12 conversation_138
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-06-12)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-06-12 conversation_138

Ben Obese-Jecty:To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, what metric he plans to use to assess success against increasing lethality ten-fold. \p Maria Eagle: Ultimately, lethality will be judged by our ability to deter, fight, and win-through innovation, integration, and readiness.

Defence already maintains internal models to track and assess combat power, including classified simulations and operational effectiveness metrics.

We are already seeing measurable improvements through the Army's operational deployments and exercises, where sensor-to-shooter times have decreased, and survivability has increased. These are the kinds of real-world outcomes that matter.
wrans/answers2025-06-12 conversation_139
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-06-12)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-06-12 conversation_139

Mr Richard Holden:To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, which aircraft from the RAF Command Support Aircraft Fleet are available for ministerial visits from across government; and what the call-signs are of each aircraft. \p Maria Eagle: The Ministry of Defence provides two Envoy aircraft, for Ministerial visits from across Government.

I am not prepared to release the details of the call-signs for security reasons.
wrans/answers2025-06-12 conversation_140
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-06-12)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-06-12 conversation_140

Ben Obese-Jecty:To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, when (a) SKYNET 6A and (b) SKYNET 6EC satellite communications programmes will come into service. \p Maria Eagle: The Skynet 6 Programme continues to progress to meet Defence’s satellite communication needs. The build of the Skynet 6A satellite has transitioned into the testing and validation phase. The contracted in-service date is August 2026. Negotiations for the acquisition of the Enduring Capability satellites are progressing. The in-service dates will be agreed as part of that process, which remains commercial sensitive until the competition and final negotiations conclude.
wrans/answers2025-06-12 conversation_141
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-06-12)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-06-12 conversation_141

Dr Luke Evans:To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, what information would need to be passed to Mauritius in the event of an armed attack on a third State directly emanating from the military base on Diego Garcia. \p Luke Pollard: It is standard practice for basing arrangements to include an agreement to inform a host nation about military action from their territory. Additionally, the UN Charter has a requirement to notify the UN of military action taken in self-defence. Any notification to Mauritius will take place after the event and will not require the UK to divulge sensitive information. The United Kingdom will inform Mauritius through normal diplomatic channels.
wrans/answers2025-06-12 conversation_142
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-06-12)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-06-12 conversation_142

Bell Ribeiro-Addy:To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, what estimate he has made of the number of LGBTQ+ veterans who have passed away before having their claim under the LGBT Financial Recognition Scheme decided. \p Al Carns: As of 9 June 2025, 44 Veterans have received a financial recognition through the LGBT Financial Recognition Scheme (FRS). 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 delt with.

Payments made by the FRS are not compensation payments and do not seek to compensate for any pecuniary losses or attempt to place personnel in a financial position they could have been in, had the ban not existed.

Since the Scheme was launched in December 2024, Defence’s LGBT Restorative Action Team have worked closely with external and internal Defence communications teams to deliver campaigns to drive awareness of, and encourage, eligible LGBT Veterans to make a claim. Defence continues to work with local councils, the NHS, LGBT and military charities, to better inform affected Veterans of the FRS and how to apply. Defence has also allocated £90,000 worth of grants to charities, including Fighting With Pride, to support Veterans with their FRS applications.

The LGBT Restorative Action team also continues to engage with relevant Veterans networks to ensure that eligible applicants to the FRS receive the appropriate information, support, and guidance. The Government encourages those affected by the Ban to visit the following website on gov.uk for further information, guidance, and support on how to make an application: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/veterans-of-the-lgbt-ban-financial-recognition-scheme

It is not possible for the LGBT FRS to estimate the number of applicants who may pass away before their application is decided. However, the scheme has processes in place to ensure that the award can delivered (to eligible next-of-kin) if a Veteran passes away after they have submitted their application. Additionally, the scheme prioritises applicants who are terminally ill or over 80.
wrans/answers2025-06-12 conversation_143
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-06-12)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-06-12 conversation_143

James Cartlidge:To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, with reference to Article 14, Clause 3 of the UK/Mauritius: Agreement concerning the Chagos Archipelago including Diego Garcia [CS Mauritius No.1/2025], under what circumstances a concern relating to the essential security interests of the implementation of the Agreement would be made. \p Luke Pollard: Article 14 of the Treaty sets out the role of the Joint Commission in resolving disputes. It is expected that the majority of security concerns that arise once the Agreement is in force will be resolved via the Joint Commission. As stated in Annex 1, paragraph 10, in the event that the UK has serious concerns that a proposed activity by Mauritius risked conflicting with the obligations in Article 3(2)(b), the UK may raise that concern at the political level for urgent consultations.
wrans/answers2025-06-12 conversation_144
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-06-12)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-06-12 conversation_144

James Cartlidge:To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, with reference to Annex 1, Clause 2, of the document entitled UK/Mauritius: Agreement concerning the Chagos Archipelago including Diego Garcia (CS Mauritius No.1/2025), published on 22 May 2025, whether Mauritius will be required to confirm receipt of advanced notice of any armed attack on a third state emanating from the Base. \p Luke Pollard: As the hon. Gentleman will recall from his time as a Defence Minister, it is standard practice for basing arrangements to include an agreement to inform a host nation about military action from their territory. As any notification of an armed attack from the base will take place after the event, a confirmation of receipt is not required.
wrans/answers2025-06-12 conversation_145
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-06-12)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-06-12 conversation_145

James Cartlidge:To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, with reference to Annex 1, Clause 2, of the UK/Mauritius: Agreement concerning the Chagos Archipelago including Diego Garcia [CS Mauritius No.1/2025], whether Mauritius will be required to receive operational planning in relation to an armed attack. \p Luke Pollard: As the hon. Gentleman will recall from his time as a Defence Minister, it is standard practice for basing arrangements to include an agreement to inform a host nation about military action from their territory. Additionally, the UN Charter has a requirement to notify the UN of military action taken in self-defence. Any notification to Mauritius will take place after the event and will not require the UK to divulge sensitive information. The United Kingdom will inform Mauritius through normal diplomatic channels.
wrans/answers2025-06-12 conversation_146
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-06-12)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-06-12 conversation_146

Jayne Kirkham:To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, what progress his Department has made on issuing payments to terminally ill veterans under the LGBT Financial Recognition Scheme. \p Al Carns: The Ministry of Defence has made significant progress in issuing payments to terminally ill Veterans under the LGBT Financial Recognition Scheme. All eligible terminally ill Veterans who have applied for the Dismissed or Discharged payment have been paid.

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 delt with.
wrans/answers2025-06-12 conversation_147
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-06-12)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-06-12 conversation_147

Mr Peter Bedford:To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, what assessment he has made of the potential merits of outsourcing procurement operations to the private sector. \p Maria Eagle: The Ministry of Defence continually assesses the most effective and efficient means of delivering its procurement operations. While the Department has not published a specific standalone assessment solely focused on outsourcing procurement operations, it operates as part of the Government Commercial Function, within the broader framework of Government guidance, including the Outsourcing Playbook and the Sourcing Playbook. The playbooks set out best practices for evaluating outsourcing decisions across Government Departments.
wrans/answers2025-06-12 conversation_148
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-06-12)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-06-12 conversation_148

James Naish:To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, whether his Department has made a human rights risk assessment on the (a) diplomatic privileges and (b) surveillance capabilities at the proposed Chinese Embassy site in Royal Mint Court. \p Catherine West: National security is the first duty of Government. It has been our core priority throughout this process. We continually assess potential threats in the UK, and take protection of individuals' rights, freedoms, and safety very seriously. As part of this, the Foreign Secretary and Home Secretary submitted a letter to the Planning Inspector to make clear that for China to be permitted to build the new embassy, the UK government will need to see the implementation of suitable national security mitigations. A final decision on this case will be made in due course by Ministers in the Ministry of Housing, Communities, and Local Government. It would not be appropriate to comment on any specific issues.
wrans/answers2025-06-12 conversation_149
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-06-12)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-06-12 conversation_149

Mark Pritchard:To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, when he plans to announce the reopening of the UK’s embassy in Syria. \p Mr Hamish Falconer: We are keeping the re-establishment of a permanent presence in Damascus under review. Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office staff, including our UK Special Representative for Syria, undertake regular visits to Damascus.