theodi/ndl-core-corpus huggingface dataset:
wrans/answers2025-07-24 conversation_220
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-07-24)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-07-24 conversation_220

Sarah Owen:To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport, what steps her Department is taking to help tackle racism in sport. \p Stephanie Peacock: The Government’s stance is unequivocal: racism has absolutely no place in our society, and no place in sport and activity. We are committed to stamping it out, from the elite level to the grassroots, ensuring that sport truly is for everyone, regardless of their background, or ethnicity.

The Government is working closely with the sector, particularly its Arm’s Length Bodies Sport England and UK Sport, and the national governing bodies, to tackle racism and discrimination in sport.

The online abuse directed at many athletes is appalling and deeply wrong. We stand with them in condemning it and demanding safer online experiences for everyone.
wrans/answers2025-07-24 conversation_221
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-07-24)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-07-24 conversation_221

Jim Shannon:To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport, if she will take steps to increase locations for paddle boarding across the UK. \p Stephanie Peacock: The Government is committed to ensuring that everyone has access to and benefits from quality sport and physical activity opportunities, including paddle boarding.

Sport is a devolved policy area in Northern Ireland for which the Department for Communities is responsible.

In England, the Government provides the majority of support for grassroots sport through Sport England, which annually invests over £250 million in Exchequer and Lottery funding. This includes long term investment to ​P​addle UK, the National Governing Body for ​p​addle sports, which receives up to £1​0.​2 million for five years to invest in community initiatives.

Our rivers, lakes, canals, and seas play a vital role in helping people across the country to get physically active, while enjoying the benefits of being outside in nature. The Government will continue to work collectively to improve access to clean water in order to allow more people to enjoy the benefits of water sports and water-based recreational activities, including paddle boarding.
wrans/answers2025-07-24 conversation_222
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-07-24)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-07-24 conversation_222

Melanie Ward:To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport, what guidance her Department has issued to (a) UK charities and (b) the Charity Commission to ensure that charities do not invest in illegal settlements in occupied territory which are a violation of the Fourth Geneva Convention. \p Stephanie Peacock: The Department for Culture, Media and Sport has not issued such guidance to charities or to the Charity Commission for England and Wales. The Government and Charity Commission for England and Wales expect charities to act lawfully, in line with the charity’s purpose, and in the charity’s best interest.

Any concerns about a charity’s activities should be referred to the charity in the first instance. If their response is unsatisfactory or there is a belief that the charity is acting unlawfully or engaged in misconduct or mismanagement, concerns can be raised with the Charity Commission. The Charity Commission takes such concerns seriously, prioritising resources and taking appropriate and proportionate action. As a civil regulator, the Charity Commission refers all potential criminal matters to the relevant law enforcement body for investigation.

The Charity Commission provides a range of guidance to help charity trustees understand their legal duties and requirements, as well as how to make decisions in the best interests of their charity.
wrans/answers2025-07-24 conversation_223
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-07-24)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-07-24 conversation_223

Mr Andrew Snowden:To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport, what steps the government is taking to reduce gambling harm in Lancashire. \p Stephanie Peacock: Those experiencing gambling-related harm in England can access specialist treatment through specialist NHS Gambling Clinics available in every region of the country, including the Northern Gambling Service. There is also a range of support through the National Gambling Support Network.

The Government has introduced a statutory levy on gambling operators to improve and expand the research, prevention and treatment of gambling harms. The levy will raise around £100 million in funding to deliver priority projects and services across research, prevention and treatment, which together we hope will reduce gambling-related harms across Great Britain. The statutory gambling levy is now in force, and funding will start flowing later this year.
wrans/answers2025-07-24 conversation_224
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-07-24)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-07-24 conversation_224

Mr Louie French:To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport, what assessment she has made of the potential merits of (a) a National Lido Strategy and (b) a National Lido Fund. \p Stephanie Peacock: T​he Government has made no assessment ​on the potential merits of a National Lido Strategy or a National Lido Fund. The Government is committed to ensuring that everyone has access to and benefits from quality sport and physical activity opportunities.

Sports facilities, such as swimming pools and lidos, provide important community hubs for people of all ages to be active and connect people to the places in which they live.

The ongoing responsibility of providing access to public leisure facilities lies at local authority level, and the Government continues to encourage local authorities to invest in leisure facilities. We are committed to supporting Local Government, recognising the significant financial challenges faced by the sector and by ensuring that funding goes to the places that need it most through the Local Government Finance Settlement.

We will continue to engage with Swim England, ukactive, and other key stakeholders to explore how we can work towards securing a vibrant future for swimming pools and lidos, enabling them to continue delivering their full potential for public health, economic growth, and the wellbeing of our communities. Last month, the Culture Secretary announced that following the Spending Review, at least £400 million is going to be invested into new and upgraded grassroots sport facilities in communities right across the UK, supporting the Government's Plan for Change. We will work closely with sporting bodies and local leaders to establish what each community needs and then set out further plans.
wrans/answers2025-06-09 conversation_1
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-06-09)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-06-09 conversation_1

Mr Andrew Snowden:To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, whether he plans to purchase new Typhoon aircraft following the Strategic Defence Review. \p Maria Eagle: The Strategic Defence Review does not recommend reductions in fast jets for the RAF, but it confirms the Government's commitment to GCAP and to upgrade Typhoons. It also says more F-35s could comprise a mix of F-35A and B models according to military requirements. The Government is committed to upgrading Typhoons and driving exports of Typhoons abroad.
wrans/answers2025-06-09 conversation_2
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-06-09)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-06-09 conversation_2

Ben Obese-Jecty:To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, where the Cyber and Electromagnetic Command will be (a) headquartered and (b) otherwise located. \p Luke Pollard: On Monday, 2 June 2025, the Strategic Defence Review confirmed the establishment of a new Cyber and Electromagnetic Command, within Strategic Command.

Currently, the UK Strategic Command Transformation team is working on the detailed design for the Cyber and Electromagnetic Command, which is due to reach Initial Operating Capability by the end of 2025. The locations of the Cyber and Electromagnetic Command and other units that fall under this will be confirmed in due course, subject to these design considerations.
wrans/answers2025-06-09 conversation_3
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-06-09)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-06-09 conversation_3

Mr Andrew Snowden:To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, how much funding his Department has allocated to support Cadet Forces in each of the (a) last and (b) next five years. \p Al Carns: The Ministry of Defence allocates funding to the cadets through a number of different channels and therefore the cost of delivering and supporting Cadet activity falls across a wide range of business areas, agencies, and organisations. However, the latest estimate of the cost of the Cadet Forces, based on financial year 2023-24 was in the region over £210 million.

This Government is absolutely committed to supporting the Cadet Forces across the UK and the Strategic Defence Review has recommended expanding in-school and community-based Cadet Forces across the country by 30% by 2030, with an ambition to reach 250,000 in the longer term.

We are proud that we will continue to invest a significant amount each year in these excellent youth organisations. We know that if just 1% of cadets change their life outcomes each year – so that they take part in education or training or gain employment – the annual cost of the Cadet Forces is fully covered.
wrans/answers2025-06-09 conversation_4
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-06-09)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-06-09 conversation_4

Ben Obese-Jecty:To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, what NATO operations UK armed forces are participating in. \p Luke Pollard: In line with the government’s NATO First policy, UK armed forces are deployed in support of a wide range of NATO operations, including:

Around 1,000 personnel are provided into NATO’s Command Structure, including the post of the Deputy Supreme Allied Commander Europe (DSACEUR) and the Maritime Component Commander in Northwood.

The UK is also the framework nation for NATO’s Forward Land Force in Estonia under Operation CABRIT and is a major workforce contributor to NATO’s Security Assistance and Training for Ukraine (NSATU) initiative.

The UK supports a wide range of activities which help maintain NATO’s technological edge, including hosting the European headquarters of the Defence Innovation Accelerator for the North Atlantic (DIANA) programme.
wrans/answers2025-06-09 conversation_5
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-06-09)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-06-09 conversation_5

Mike Wood:To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, with reference to the press release entitled UK secures future of vital Diego Garcia Military Base to protect national security, published on 22 May 2025, if he will publish the Government Actuary's Department assessment of the net present value of the payments. \p Luke Pollard: I hope the hon. Gentleman will understand that it is not normal practise for government departments to release details of financial calculations commissioned from the Government Actuary's Department.
wrans/answers2025-06-09 conversation_6
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-06-09)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-06-09 conversation_6

Mr Mark Francois:To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, what assessment he has made of the potential impact of the planned £6 billion of new efficiencies this Parliament on existing defence (a) programmes and (b) capabilities. \p Luke Pollard: We will deliver nearly £6 billion of new savings over the course of this Parliament through efficiency and productivity savings, civilian workforce changes, structural simplification and contractual efficiencies. As we are focusing on delivering savings through increased efficiency and productivity, we expect to minimise any capability impacts.

Alongside the Defence Investment Plan later this year, the Ministry of Defence (MOD) will publish a Defence Reform and Efficiency Plan, which will provide further detail on the range of reforms across the MOD which will deliver these efficiencies.
wrans/answers2025-06-09 conversation_7
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-06-09)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-06-09 conversation_7

James Cartlidge:To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, with reference to Article 11, Clause 1 of the UK/Mauritius: Agreement concerning the Chagos Archipelago including Diego Garcia [CS Mauritius No.1/2025], what the annual sum paid to Mauritius is in cash terms. \p Luke Pollard: The schedule of payments is set out in the finance exchange of letters that was published alongside the treaty. The estimated average annual payment value is £101 million over the initial 99-year period of the treaty. This has been calculated using the standard formula set out in the Green Book that the government uses for all long-term projects. These calculations have been agreed by the Government Actuary’s Department. The full details are in the Explanatory Memorandum laid alongside the Treaty.
wrans/answers2025-06-09 conversation_8
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-06-09)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-06-09 conversation_8

Liz Saville Roberts:To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, whether any of the six munitions and energetics factories announced in the Strategic Defence Review will be built in Wales. \p Luke Pollard: Wales already contributes to munitions development, and we hope businesses based in Wales will continue to do so as we build our always on defence munitions strategy. We will set out that detail in due course, but our overall munitions investment will help support jobs and growth across every nation of the UK. We already have important facilities across the UK, supporting thousands of jobs. This new investment will be used to build at least six munitions and energetics factories across the UK, creating hundreds of skilled jobs and supporting the Government's Plan for Change by driving growth in every region and nation of the UK.
wrans/answers2025-06-09 conversation_9
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-06-09)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-06-09 conversation_9

Blake Stephenson:To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, pursuant to the Answer of 12 May 2025 to Question 49573 on Armed Forces: Labour Turnover, what steps he is taking to increase the armed forces inflow. \p Luke Pollard: The current Government inherited a crisis in recruitment and retention from the last administration. We have made a series of announcements to improve Armed Forces recruitment and retention.

Since July 2024 we have taken decisive measures to redress the recruitment and retention crisis, with policies including one of the largest pay increases in the last 20 years for existing personnel, slashing the time it takes to access medical records from weeks to hours and restructuring the Army’s recruitment organisation. These activities and their impacts will inform the development of the Armed Forces Recruitment Service which is being implemented to further improve the speed with which highly motivated and capable people can join our Armed Forces. The results are clear: year on year inflow is up 19%, outflow is down 7%, the Navy’s yearly recruiting target has been exceeded, the RAF’s applications are up 34% compared to early 2024, and the Army is seeing a seven-year high in applications.

To support retention of Armed Forces personnel, the Armed Forces pay increase represents a significant investment in our people, and we have gone further in announcing a £30,000 financial incentive to a cohort of tri-Service Air Engineers as well as an £8,000 retention payment for a cohort of Army personnel. We have protected the integrity of the Continuity of Education Allowance, repurchased the Service Family Accommodation estate from Annington Homes and extended Wraparound Childcare to families serving overseas which will potentially save up to £3,400 annually for Service families.
wrans/answers2025-06-09 conversation_10
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-06-09)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-06-09 conversation_10

Mr Mark Francois:To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, with reference to paragraph 3(e) of Annex 1 of the document entitled UK/Mauritius: Agreement concerning the Chagos Archipelago including Diego Garcia (CS Mauritius No.1/2025), what steps his Department is planning to ensure the departure of any security force from the Chagos Archipelago whose continued presence is not agreed under paragraph 3(d). \p Luke Pollard: The Treaty clearly states a strict prohibition on foreign security forces operating in the Chagos Archipelago without UK consent. If a security force is operating in the Chagos Archipelago without the joint agreement of the UK and Mauritius, we will cooperate as necessary, to prevent or otherwise bring to an end such activity.
wrans/answers2025-06-09 conversation_11
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-06-09)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-06-09 conversation_11

Mr Mark Francois:To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, with reference to Article 6 of the document entitled UK/Mauritius: Agreement concerning the Chagos Archipelago including Diego Garcia (CS Mauritius No.1/2025), what steps he will take to ensure the resettlement programme does not impact the security of operations at Naval Support Facility Diego Garcia. \p Luke Pollard: Under the treaty, Mauritius will have the ability to conduct resettlement on any island in the Chagos Archipelago other than Diego Garcia. The UK has no intention of constraining resettlement activity, but has negotiated an effective veto over any activity that presents a clear and direct threat to the base on Diego Garcia.
wrans/answers2025-06-09 conversation_12
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-06-09)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-06-09 conversation_12

Ben Obese-Jecty:To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, how many personnel have been recruited through the Cyber Direct Entry Scheme. \p Luke Pollard: Employment offers are currently being made to the Cyber Direct Entry Scheme. Successful candidates are scheduled to commence training in June and July, more information will be provided in due course.
wrans/answers2025-06-09 conversation_13
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-06-09)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-06-09 conversation_13

Perran Moon:To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, what assessment he has made of potential merits of increasing domestic critical mineral capacity for UK defence supply chains. \p Maria Eagle: The recent Strategic Defence Review recognised the UK's dependence on "intricate global supply chains to meet the UK's demand for critical minerals", (SDR 25 Page 32). Although Defence capabilities are dependent on a wide range of critical minerals Defence is a small consumer of these materials. As such, the MOD works closely with DBT and UK Industry partners to consider the potential for "on-shore" sourcing of critical minerals and with DBT, FCDO and NATO to consider resilient supply of these materials from overseas partners. The MOD recognises the potential of recycling and recovery of critical minerals from defence equipment to reduce dependency on imported critical minerals.
wrans/answers2025-06-09 conversation_14
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-06-09)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-06-09 conversation_14

Ben Obese-Jecty:To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, if he will make an assessment of the adequacy of the scope of the National Nuclear Strategic Plan for Skills published on 15 May 2024, in the context of trends in the level of global security. \p Maria Eagle: Renewing and maintaining the nuclear deterrent is truly a national endeavour, providing highly skilled jobs across the United Kingdom. The National Nuclear Strategic Plan for Skills is vital to that endeavour. Delivery of the plan is underway, cultivating economic growth and providing greater opportunity and access to careers in the defence nuclear sector nationwide, with the defence nuclear workforce set to increase from around 47,000 to 65,000 by 2030. The plan will be reviewed and refreshed, following publication of the Strategic Defence Review.
wrans/answers2025-06-09 conversation_15
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-06-09)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-06-09 conversation_15

Dr Neil Shastri-Hurst:To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, what steps he is taking to ensure that NHS (a) information systems and (b) clinical protocols are interoperable with those used by (i) Defence Medical Services, (ii) Programme Cortisone and (iii) other defence initiatives. \p Al Carns: Programme CORTISONE will provide the Defence Medical Services (DMS) with an up-to-date electronic healthcare information management system. One of the programme’s objectives is to enable greater interoperability with NHS information systems and the electronic transfer of medical records between the NHS and DMS. This capability is in development and expected to be implemented in the next one-two years.

The DMS and the NHS both follow National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) in the clinical care and the management of patients. All our professionally qualified medical and dental staff are registered with the National Governing Bodies and adhere to the same national standards as all other NHS healthcare professionals. Defence Healthcare Regulations are aligned to those of the Care Quality Commission (CQC), who are commissioned by the Defence Medical Services Regulator to ensure standards align with the NHS.

Military doctors, nurses and Allied Health Professionals are permanently based in NHS trusts across England, Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland. Working in the NHS enables DMS personnel to maintain the skills they require to support military operations across the globe, whilst also providing essential support to our NHS and the general public as a whole.

DMS is working collaboratively on a number of projects with the NHS. The joint collaboration at Catterick Integrated Care Centre (CICC) is the first of its kind between the MOD and NHS. CICC will provide a unique integrated care centre, providing medical services for military personnel based at Catterick Garrison and primary and community NHS services for members of the public and military families.
wrans/answers2025-06-09 conversation_16
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-06-09)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-06-09 conversation_16

Mr Andrew Snowden:To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, what steps he is taking to encourage young people to sign up to cadet forces in (a) Fylde and (b) Lancashire. \p Al Carns: I refer the hon. Member to the answer I gave him on 4 June 2025 to Question 55115.

https://questions-statements.parliament.uk/written-questions/detail/2025-05-30/55115
wrans/answers2025-06-09 conversation_17
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-06-09)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-06-09 conversation_17

Dr Caroline Johnson:To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, how many full time equivalent dentists are employed by (a) his Department, (b) the armed forces, (c) the Royal Air Force, (d) the British Army and (e) the Royal Navy. \p Al Carns: I am withholding the information as its disclosure would, or would be likely to prejudice the capability, effectiveness or security of the Armed Forces.
wrans/answers2025-06-09 conversation_18
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-06-09)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-06-09 conversation_18

Ben Obese-Jecty:To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, what assessment his Department made of the capability of the Pakistani Air Force’s Chinese-made J10C fighter plane in the context of the incident between a Pakistani Air Force J10C and Indian Air Force Rafale jets on 7 May 2025. \p Luke Pollard: Defence Intelligence and the wider UK national security machinery continually monitors and assess international developments in military technology, including Fighter Aircraft, and notably in this case the exported variants, of military technology, that are sold to countries other than where they are designed and built. The recent media articles concerning alleged aerial exchanges between Pakistani and Indian fighter jets are concerning and we recognise China’s ongoing development and proliferation of its military technology.
wrans/answers2025-06-09 conversation_19
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-06-09)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-06-09 conversation_19

Manuela Perteghella:To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, if he will publish an annual report on cyber resilience. \p Luke Pollard: The Ministry of Defence has a strong cyber security governance function that reports annually to the Defence Board, Defence Executive Committee and the Defence Audit, Risk and Assurance Committee on the Department’s cyber security risk position.

The Department also provides an annual return to the Cabinet Office using the Cyber Assessment Framework (CAF), developed by the National Cyber Security Centre (NCSC). The Department does not routinely release an annual report on cyber resilience into the public domain due to National Security reasons.
wrans/answers2025-06-09 conversation_20
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-06-09)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-06-09 conversation_20

Rachael Maskell:To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, whether his Department has (a) passed and (b) sold surveillance data of Gaza to Israel since (i) 7 October 2023, (ii) 5 July 2024 and (iii) 2 September 2024. \p Luke Pollard: The UK controls what information is passed to Israeli authorities. Surveillance information of Gaza is passed to the relevant Israeli authorities only where it relates to hostage rescue and where we are satisfied that it will be used in accordance with International Humanitarian Law.

I am unable to comment further on detailed intelligence matters.
wrans/answers2025-06-09 conversation_21
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-06-09)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-06-09 conversation_21

Jim Shannon:To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, what steps his Department is taking to help protect UK submarine cables from potential foreign threats. \p Luke Pollard: Subsea cables are critical to UK telecommunications digital infrastructure, and the Government are committed to maintaining and enhancing their security. This is a whole-of-Government effort including the Ministry of Defence, the Department for Science, Innovation and Technology and the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero, alongside industry and international partners.

The Strategic Defence Review 2025 underscores the UK's commitment to safeguarding its critical underwater infrastructure; the review designates the Royal Navy to take a leading role in protecting undersea infrastructure.

RFA Proteus, the UK’s first Multi-Role Ocean Surveillance Ship, is now operational and its leading-edge technology can monitor underwater infrastructure in areas of UK sovereign interest
wrans/answers2025-06-09 conversation_22
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-06-09)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-06-09 conversation_22

James Cartlidge:To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, whether he plans to donate Warrior Infantry Fighting vehicles to Ukraine. \p Luke Pollard: Warrior Infantry Fighting Vehicles (IFV) are key platforms for the British Army to meet Defence Commitments.

Although small numbers are scheduled for disposal, these will have been selected in line with serviceability and suitability for role. As such, without substantial investment, they are not likely to offer significant capability to Ukraine and providing such small numbers would only increase the diversity of Ukraine's armoured vehicle fleet - increasing their logistic and training burdens.

The UK will continue to work with Ukraine to identify how best to help them to resist Russian aggression.
wrans/answers2025-06-09 conversation_23
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-06-09)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-06-09 conversation_23

Ben Obese-Jecty:To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, on what date each batch of the Royal Air Force’s F-35B Lightning II aircraft were (a) ordered, (b) delivered and (c) scheduled to be delivered. \p Maria Eagle: The F-35 programme procures aircraft through annual contracts. The first UK F-35B order was placed in 2009 and delivered in 2012. Between 2009 and 2025, the Ministry of Defence has ordered 48 F-35B aircraft, 38 of which have now been delivered. We are unable to disclose detailed delivery profiles due to commercial sensitivities.
wrans/answers2025-06-09 conversation_24
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-06-09)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-06-09 conversation_24

Ben Obese-Jecty:To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, when all RAF Typhoon FGR4 pilots will be equipped with BAE Systems’ helmet mounted symbology system. \p Maria Eagle: RAF Typhoon FGR4 pilots are currently equipped with the Striker I helmet, which incorporates the BAE Systems' helmet-mounted symbology system.
wrans/answers2025-06-09 conversation_25
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-06-09)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-06-09 conversation_25

James Cartlidge:To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, what estimate he has made of the amount of funding required to certify relevant F-35 variants as dual capable aircraft. \p Maria Eagle: We will be examining ways in which the UK could enhance support to NATO's nuclear mission. There are many options for how we might do this, and no decisions have been made. We will announce decisions on the UK's future combat air requirement in due course as part of the Defence Investment Plan.
wrans/answers2025-06-09 conversation_26
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-06-09)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-06-09 conversation_26

Ben Obese-Jecty:To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, what estimate he has made of when the upgrade of the RAF Typhoon FGR4’s radar to CAPTOR-E will be completed. \p Maria Eagle: The European Common Radar System Mk2 programme is forecast to achieve an initial operating capability on the Typhoon aircraft fleet by the end of the decade.
wrans/answers2025-06-09 conversation_27
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-06-09)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-06-09 conversation_27

Ben Obese-Jecty:To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, pursuant to the Answer of 27 May 2025 to Question 52922 on Warships: Decommissioning, how much the Romanian Government paid for HMS Pembroke; and what the structure of the payments is. \p Maria Eagle: HMS Pembroke was sold to the Romanian Navy in September 2023, and is currently being prepared for transfer, which is expected to take place by the end of July 2025.

The Ministry of Defence does not routinely disclose the financial details or payment structures of bilateral defence sales, including the transfer of HMS Pembroke to the Romanian Government, due to commercial and operational sensitivities.
wrans/answers2025-06-09 conversation_28
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-06-09)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-06-09 conversation_28

Ben Obese-Jecty:To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, how many innovation hubs are there across Front Line Commands. \p Maria Eagle: There are currently innovation teams/hubs across all of the Commands: Air, Navy, Army, UK Strategic Command, and Space Command. The launch of UK Defence Innovation (UKDI) will cohere these hubs under a new operating model which will consolidate, cohere and simplify the current Ministry of Defence structures for innovation.
wrans/answers2025-06-09 conversation_29
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-06-09)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-06-09 conversation_29

Helen Maguire:To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, how much (a) plutonium has been exported to the United States and (b) highly enriched uranium has been imported from the United States under The Agreement between the UK and the USA for Cooperation in the Uses of Atomic Energy for Mutual Defence Purposes 1958 (as amended). \p Maria Eagle: The 1958 Mutual Defense Agreement between the United Kingdom and the United States underpins defence nuclear co-operation and has been, and continues to be, of considerable mutual benefit to both nations.

I am withholding the information requested as release of the quantities of nuclear materials transferred under the 1958 Mutual Defence agreement between the UK and USA would prejudice national security and international relations.
wrans/answers2025-06-09 conversation_30
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-06-09)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-06-09 conversation_30

Tom Morrison:To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, whether the Government has provided any funding for the UAV Tactical Systems joint venture between Thales UK and Elbit. \p Maria Eagle: The Ministry of Defence has not provided any funding direct to UAV Tactical Systems Limited - it is a sub-contractor to Thales.
wrans/answers2025-06-09 conversation_31
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-06-09)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-06-09 conversation_31

Mr Mark Francois:To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, with reference to Article 2 of the UK-Mauritius Agreement concerning the Chagos Archipelago including Diego Garcia, published on 22 May 2025, whether he plans to put in place (a) further provisions and (b) enforcement mechanisms to ensure that Mauritius cannot impose restrictions on the right to operate the Diego Garcia base following the sovereignty transfer. \p Luke Pollard: The United Kingdom will have full control and responsibility for the defence and security of Diego Garcia. Mauritius has a legally binding obligation under the treaty to not undermine, prejudice or otherwise interfere with the long-term, secure and effective operation of the base. Any future issues that may arise throughout the duration of the treaty shall be resolved through the Joint Commission, as described in Annex 3.
wrans/answers2025-06-09 conversation_32
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-06-09)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-06-09 conversation_32

Ben Obese-Jecty:To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, what (a) questions Ukrainian personnel are asked and (b) checks on their criminal past are conducted by the UK (i) military and (ii) civilian enforcement agencies when they arrive in the UK to undergo military training as part of Operation Interflex. \p Luke Pollard: The Declared Overt Polling Team (DOPT) ask questions to understand the backgrounds of Ukrainian personnel, including levels of education, where they are from, whether they experienced war crimes, lived under occupation and any military experience. The question sets are agreed by the Ukrainian General Staff and the data is owned by the Ukrainian state.

As with the majority of NATO Member and Partner Forces visiting or training in the UK, Ukrainian personnel entering the UK are administered per the provisions in the Visiting Forces Act 1952 and the Partnership for Peace Status of Forces Agreement, as agreed by UK and Ukrainian Ministries of Defence. As part of these arrangements, criminal checks are not conducted.
wrans/answers2025-06-09 conversation_33
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-06-09)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-06-09 conversation_33

David Smith:To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, what steps his Department is taking to tackle the accrual of debt to their pension by divorcing service personnel due to the application of the current actuarial rules on Pension Sharing Orders. \p Al Carns: The legislative basis for Pension Sharing Orders (PSOs) was borne out of the Welfare Reform and Pension Act 1999, which contained provision for the making of PSOs for couples divorcing after 1 December 2000. The legislation is owned by the Department for Work and Pensions and, where a PSO is awarded in respect of a serving or former member of the Armed Forces, the relevant pension scheme is obliged to comply with the provisions of the Act. The rules on PSO’s are applied to all public sector pension schemes in the same manner as stipulated by the primary legislation.
wrans/answers2025-06-09 conversation_34
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-06-09)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-06-09 conversation_34

Carla Lockhart:To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, what steps his Department is taking to ensure the effective implementation of the Armed Forces Covenant in Northern Ireland; and whether he plans to take steps to improve access to veteran support services in the UK. \p Al Carns: The Government has committed to extending the Covenant Legal Duty to cover UK Government Departments and the Devolved Governments, including Northern Ireland. We anticipate that the Duty extension will increase awareness of the Covenant, drive further improvements for the Armed Forces community, and help mitigate and tackle disadvantage.

The Government has announced VALOUR, a new programme to establish the first ever UK-wide approach to veteran support services. A network of new regional field officers will work with local organisations to coordinate local delivery and ensure that services are designed to meet the needs of their local communities. The detailed structures and processes that will underpin VALOUR will be designed in collaboration with these local partners and others, with further details to be announced in due course.

In Northern Ireland, veterans can access holistic support from the Veterans' Welfare Service Northern Ireland which provides a range of information and practical support to both veterans and their families. This includes access to timely physiotherapy and psychological therapies to eligible veterans. Veterans in Northern Ireland who are homeless or at risk of homelessness can also access the UK Government's single housing support pathway, Op FORTITUDE.

Funding has also been made available via the Armed Forces Covenant Fund Trust to support the health and wellbeing of veterans in Northern Ireland, including via the Thrive Together programme and Defence Medical Welfare Service pilot.
wrans/answers2025-06-09 conversation_35
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-06-09)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-06-09 conversation_35

Mr Mark Francois:To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, with reference the UK/Mauritius Agreement concerning the Chagos Archipelago including Diego Garcia, published on 22 May 2025, whether he plans to take steps with the government of Mauritius to help ensure the Diego Garcia Ramsar Convention site is protected without compromising military activities. \p Luke Pollard: The Diego Garcia Ramsar Convention site is currently protected without compromising military activities. There will be no change to this once the agreement comes into force.

The agreement provides an obligation to ensure the long-term, secure and effective operation of the Base. The UK will control access to and administration of Diego Garcia, in light of this obligation, and the Exchange of Letters on International Organisations provides that United Kingdom retains responsibility for the environmental protection of the Ramsar site in accordance with the site’s Management Plan.
wrans/answers2025-06-09 conversation_36
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-06-09)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-06-09 conversation_36

Ben Obese-Jecty:To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, what assessment has he made of the potential merits of reconstituting the National Space Council. \p Maria Eagle: The Ministry of Defence along with the Department for Science, Innovation and Technology and other Departments, remains committed to ensuring that space activities are effectively coordinated across government. Ministers from across Government met on the 22 April to discuss our approach, and the Strategic Defence Review has recommended that a Cabinet sub-committee or equivalent be used to take forward our space strategy. This will be developed by Government to ensure strong Ministerial support for this vital area.
wrans/answers2025-06-09 conversation_37
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-06-09)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-06-09 conversation_37

Helen Maguire:To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, how many (a) army service personnel, (b) navy service personnel, (c) RAF service personnel and (d) veterans have had an initial assessment at a Ministry of Defence Department of Community Mental Health centre in each month since January 2025. \p Al Carns: Between 1 January 2025 and 31 March 2025 (latest data available), 757 UK Armed Forces personnel had an initial assessment at a Ministry of Defence (MOD) Department of Community Mental Health (DCMH).

The following table provides the number of UK Armed Forces personnel with an initial assessment at a MOD DCMH by service and month from 1 January 2025 – 31 March 2025

Month

Royal Navy

Army

Royal Air Force

January

53

130

39

February

74

147

48

March

76

134

64

2025

202

406

149

DCMH staff record the initial mental health assessment during a patient’s first appointment, based on presenting signs and symptoms. Patients may be assessed by the clinician as not having a mental disorder at the initial assessment; these personnel have been included in this response. Personnel have been counted once in each month that an initial assessment was recorded and only once in the total for the three-month period. Therefore, the sum of the months may be greater than the total number of personnel with an initial assessment at DCMH over the period presented.

Royal Navy includes Royal Navy and Royal Marine personnel.

Following the expansion of NHS veterans’ services, DCMH no longer provide psychiatric assessment of veterans; however, personnel who have been assessed and diagnosed with a mental health need are able to access DCMH for up to six months after discharge to provide continuity of care during the transition period until appropriate handover to other services can be completed as required. Op COURAGE provides a complete mental healthcare pathway for service leavers in England, with similar services in other parts of the UK.
wrans/answers2025-06-09 conversation_38
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-06-09)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-06-09 conversation_38

Mark Pritchard:To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, if he will end his Department's pension payments to any former defence personnel who have served in any branch of the UK armed forces and who have fought alongside (a) Russian Federation military personnel and (b) Russian proxies in (i) Ukraine, (ii) North Africa and (iii) Sub-Saharan Africa. \p Al Carns: The Armed Forces Pension Schemes allow for the forfeit of an individual’s pension entitlements where certain conditions are met. The conditions largely concern circumstances where the member has been convicted of a serious criminal offence. This power provides assurance that those who commit grave and serious crimes, connected with their service, that bring His Majesty’s Armed Forces into disrepute or cause grave injury to the interests of defence or the State, do not receive public funds in the form of an Armed Forces pension. Pension forfeiture is rare and requires consideration by the Secretary of State or the Defence Council.

The Ministry of Defence cannot comment on individual cases but further information on the general conditions under which forfeiture may be applied and the procedure to be followed when enacting forfeiture can be found at:

https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/media/65ef14e35b6524100bf21ad6/Armed_Forces_Pension_Schemes_Pension_Forfeiture_Policy.pdf.
wrans/answers2025-06-09 conversation_39
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-06-09)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-06-09 conversation_39

Ben Obese-Jecty:To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, what assessment he has made of the potential merits of upgrading the radar on the FGR4 Typhoon. \p Maria Eagle: Delivery of enhanced Radar capability to Typhoon by the end of the decade will provide a significant enhancement in capability for the RAF, will sustain around 1300 high quality engineering jobs over the next ten years across the UK and will retain many of the skills and expertise required for the Global Combat Air Programme within UK industry.
wrans/answers2025-06-09 conversation_40
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-06-09)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-06-09 conversation_40

Wera Hobhouse:To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, what estimate his Department has made of the number of potential development sites for onshore wind which fall within the vicinity of the Eskdalemuir Seismological Array (ESA) in Scotland. \p Maria Eagle: The Ministry of Defence (MOD) is a statutory consultee in the UK planning systems to safeguard operational defence sites. As such, the MOD is consulted on all wind farm planning applications within 50km of the Eskdalemuir Seismological Array.

The MOD cannot predict or estimate the number of wind farm applications that it may be consulted on.

The MOD routinely responds to representations and will raise objections to any development that may adversely impact Defence activities.
wrans/answers2025-06-09 conversation_41
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-06-09)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-06-09 conversation_41

Graeme Downie:To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, whether he plans to meet with the South African Minister for Defence and Military Veterans. \p Al Carns: We are actively engaged in enhancing bilateral defence ties with South Africa. The Defence Secretary looks forward to meeting his South African counterpart when the opportunity arises.
wrans/answers2025-06-09 conversation_42
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-06-09)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-06-09 conversation_42

Mr Mark Francois:To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, with reference to paragraph 1(b)(viii) of Annex 1 of the document entitled UK/Mauritius: Agreement concerning the Chagos Archipelago including Diego Garcia (CS Mauritius No.1/2025), what security protocols his Department will establish for (a) non-United Kingdom and (b) non-United States vessels accessing Diego Garcia as defined in Article 19 of the Agreement. \p Luke Pollard: This provision enables the United Kingdom to permit and control access to Diego Garcia by partner states. No further security protocols are required.
wrans/answers2025-06-09 conversation_43
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-06-09)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-06-09 conversation_43

Brian Leishman:To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, when he plans to respond to Question 52090 tabled by the honourable Member for Alloa and Grangemouth on 13 May 2025. \p Maria Eagle: I am unable to release this information due to operational security.
wrans/answers2025-06-09 conversation_44
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-06-09)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-06-09 conversation_44

Mr Mark Francois:To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, with reference to paragraph 1(a) of Annex 1 of the document entitled UK/Mauritius: Agreement concerning the Chagos Archipelago including Diego Garcia (CS Mauritius No.1/2025), whether the Agreement permits (a) access, (b) basing, and (c) overflight rights for (i) United Kingdom and (ii) United States forces in the (i) territory, (ii) waters and (iii) airspace of the Government of Mauritius outside of Diego Garcia as defined in Article 19 of the Agreement. \p Luke Pollard: In respect of the Chagos Archipelago beyond Diego Garcia, vessels and aircraft of the United Kingdom and the United States of America shall have unrestricted rights of overflight, navigation and undersea access.