theodi/ndl-core-corpus huggingface dataset:
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Kevin Hollinrake:To ask the Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government, if she will publish her Department's report Population size and local authority performance: final research report”, written in 2006. \p Jim McMahon: The Government has no plans to publish the report Population size and local authority performance: final research report (2006) as it is already in the public domain.
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Kevin Hollinrake:To ask the Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government, whether she will make it her policy to introduce combined mayoral authorities only in areas where they have been approved through a local referendum. \p Jim McMahon: There is an existing statutory process for establishing combined authorities, including the requirement for a public consultation. Government is currently carrying out such public consultations in the areas in the Devolution Priority Programme. The results of these consultations will inform decisions on whether the statutory tests have been met to proceed with the necessary secondary legislation to establish the combined authorities. The consultations are not a referendum, and these are not a requirement for devolution.
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Martin Wrigley:To ask the Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government, pursuant to the Answer of 7 March 2025 to Question 34688 on Parking: Private Sector, if she will list (a) the names of organisations from the private parking industry with whom (i) ministers and (ii) officials from her Department have held meetings since 5 July 2024, and (b) the dates on which each of those meetings took place. \p Alex Norris: As per my 19 March answer, I have not yet held any meetings with the private parking industry, these are to take place shortly. However, my officials have regular meetings with the industry stakeholders. The organisations and meeting dates that took place since the 5 of July 2024 are listed below:
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Kevin Hollinrake:To ask the Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government, with reference to the Plan for Neighbourhoods: prospectus, published on 4 March 2025, which of the 75 areas are (a) rural and (b) urban. \p Alex Norris: The Plan for Neighbourhoods was launched on 4 March. The 75 places across England, Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland were chosen via a selection methodology that has been published in the Plan for Neighbourhoods prospectus. Eligible places had to have a built-up area, according to the Office for National Statistics, with a population size of between 20,000 and 100,000, including places like Keighley, Spalding and Orkney.

All 75 places across the UK that were originally selected to receive Long-Term Plan for Towns by the previous Conservative administration will receive the Plan for Neighbourhoods package. We are making good on those unfunded commitments, giving each of the 75 places the certainty that they will receive up to £20 million of funding and support over the next decade.
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Kevin Hollinrake:To ask the Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government, pursuant to the Answer of 3 March 2025 to Question 33868 on Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government: Procurement, and with reference to the Procurement Policy Note 002: Social Value Model, published in February 2025, what assessment has been made of the potential impact of contract compliance requirements on (a) working conditions and (b) trade unions on regulatory costs to local government. \p Alex Norris: Procurement Policy Note 002: Taking account of Social Value in the award of contracts is not a mandatory policy for local government as stated within the scope of the procurement policy note. It is optional for local authorities to elect to apply this policy.
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Kevin Hollinrake:To ask the Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government, how much (a) capital and (b) resource funding was allocated to the Community Ownership Fund in (i) 2024-25 and (ii) 2025-26. \p Alex Norris: Under this government, we allocated over £33m in capital funding and almost £3m in resource funding to 85 projects in Round 4 Window 1 of the Community Ownership Fund (COF). This represents the largest ever window of COF to date, both in terms of funding awarded and number of projects.

On 23 December 2024, we announced that COF is now closed and that there will be no further application windows. We took this difficult decision due to the challenging inheritance left by the previous government.

Monies will continue to be paid to successful projects from previous windows in line with the conditions set out in their Grant Funding Agreement (GFA).
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Kevin Hollinrake:To ask the Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government, pursuant to the Answer of 7 March 2025 to Question 34283 on Freeports: Trade Unions, whether freeport boards members are subject to a similar fiduciary duty. \p Alex Norris: Freeport boards have a clear and specific remit for delivering the public policy objectives of the Freeports Programme and the resultant responsibilities of individual board members (both full members and observers) are defined in articles of association, where the Freeport is incorporated, or terms of reference for the board, where it is not.
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Dame Caroline Dinenage:To ask the Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government, what assessment she has made of the potential impact of (a) local government reorganisation and (b) housing targets on (i) air quality, (ii) parks per capita, (iii) household waste volume, (iv) recycling rates, (v) greenhouse gas emissions and (vi) annual energy consumption in Gosport. \p Jim McMahon: In regard to local government reorganisation, on the 5 February I invited unitary proposals from all two-tier councils and neighbouring unitaries including those councils in Hampshire, the Isle of Wight, Portsmouth and Southampton. It will be for local councils to consider the delivery of public services and potential impacts as they develop their proposals for reorganisation.

The invitations were clear that proposals should be supported by robust evidence and analysis and include an explanation of the outcomes it is expected to achieve. As set out in the published criteria, proposals should be for a sensible geography which will help to increase housing supply and meet local needs.

The government is clear all local planning authorities should continue work on local plans and get them in place as soon as possible. While the implications of local government reorganisation will be considered in light of the specific circumstances of any given area, local plans should still be progressed as they will act as the foundation for any new plans as required.

To inform this, local planning authorities are expected to use the government's revised standard method to assess housing needs. This is a starting point used by councils to inform the preparation of their local development plans.

The revised National Planning Policy Framework should be taken into account by local planning authorities when preparing their local plans. The Framework sets out strong policies to improve air quality, reduce greenhouse gas emissions and promote low-carbon energy use. It also provides strong protections for existing open space, including playing fields and formal play spaces. The revised National Planning Policy Framework should be read in conjunction with the government’s planning policy for waste.
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Joe Robertson:To ask the Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government, whether her Department has adopted trade union representation requirements in procurement processes since July 2024. \p Alex Norris: I refer the hon. Member to the answer given to Question UIN 33868 on 3 March 2025.
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Kevin Hollinrake:To ask the Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government, what estimate she has made of the change in business rates from the valuation of a retail, hospitality and leisure hereditament moving from a Rateable Value of £499,999 to £500,001 from April 2026. \p Jim McMahon: The Valuation Office Agency are currently completing the valuation process for the 2026 business rates list. As part of the usual process, the government will announce the multipliers at the Budget, having regard to the evidence of the valuation.

When the new multipliers are set at Budget 2025, the Treasury intends to publish analysis of the effects of the new multiplier arrangements.
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Ms Polly Billington:To ask the Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government, whether she has had discussions with the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs on the potential implications of the development of the Land Use Framework for the Planning and Infrastructure Bill. \p Matthew Pennycook: The Secretary of State has regular discussions with the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs on a range of issues. Ministers in the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government (MHCLG) and the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (DEFRA) will continue to work together to consider the interactions between the forthcoming Land Use Framework and the Planning and Infrastructure Bill.
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Ms Polly Billington:To ask the Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government, whether she has had discussions with the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs on the potential implications of the development of the Land Use Framework for the National Planning Policy Framework. \p Matthew Pennycook: The Secretary of State has regular discussions with the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs on a range of issues. Ministers in the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government (MHCLG) and the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (DEFRA) will continue to work together to consider the interactions between the forthcoming Land Use Framework and the National Planning Policy Framework.
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Kevin Hollinrake:To ask the Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government, with reference to the English Devolution White Paper, published on 16 December 2024, if she will make it her policy to allow a representative from foundation strategic authorities that will not have a Mayor to have a seat on the Council of Nations and Regions. \p Jim McMahon: As set out in its Terms of Reference, membership of the Council of the Nations and Regions consists of the Prime Minister, Deputy Prime Minister, Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster, First Ministers of Scotland and Wales, the First Minister and deputy First Minister of Northern Ireland, the Mayor of London, the Mayors of Combined Authorities, and the Mayors of Combined County Authorities. The English Devolution White Paper sets out that a representative at the Council of Nations and Regions is reserved for those areas with a Mayoral or Established Mayoral Strategic Authority. The government will consider proposals for future devolution agreements against the criteria set out in the White Paper, and new mayors established through this process will be eligible to attend the Council of the Nations and Regions.
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Kevin Hollinrake:To ask the Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government, pursuant to the Answer of 7 March 2025 to Question 34287 on Unitary Councils, what criteria she plans to use to decide whether to request a formal review by the Local Government Boundary Commission England, following the receipt of restructuring proposals by local authorities of the unitary wards and boundaries in a proposed new unitary council. \p Jim McMahon: As previously set out, my department is liaising closely with the Local Government Boundary Commission for England so that they are involved at the appropriate time to ensure fair electoral arrangements across the area of any new unitary local authorities.

The process set out in the Local Government and Public Involvement in Health Act 2007 allows the Secretary of State to seek the advice of the LGBCE on any matter relating to a proposal that has been submitted in response to an invitation. No criteria have been set for seeking advice, which will depend on the proposals received, as appropriate at the time.
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Ben Obese-Jecty:To ask the Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government, how many of the new homes her Department has committed to delivering over the course of this Parliament have been (a) planned, (b) started and (c) completed. \p Matthew Pennycook: The government publishes quarterly data on planning applications and housing starts and completions.

The latest data on planning application statistics can be found on gov.uk here.

Data on housing starts and completions can be found on gov.uk here. The main measure of housing supply is net additional dwellings, the latest data on which can be found on gov.uk here.
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Sarah Champion:To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, what assessment she has made of the potential impact of the collision between the Solong and Stena Immaculate on plastic pellet pollution. \p Mike Kane: Plastic pollution, suspected to be from the original collision of the SOLONG, was discovered on Sunday 16th March. The MCA and local authorities have begun retrieval through deployment of personnel on beaches, vessels and surveillance aircraft. There is a slight risk to marine and bird life from ingesting this pollution. There is no evidence of further pollution from the collision and the area remains under regular surveillance.
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James MacCleary:To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, what assessment her Department has made of the potential impact of Gatwick Airport expansion on the (a) capacity and (b) reliability of the rail network serving that airport; and what steps she is taking to mitigate potential disruption to (i) passengers and (ii) local communities. \p Mike Kane: In her letter of 27 February 2025, my Right Honourable Friend, the Secretary of State for Transport indicated that she was minded to approve the proposed development of the Gatwick Airport Northern Runway Project based on the principles of the requirements set out by the Examining Authority in its report. It is now for the applicant to respond. Both the letter and the report are published on The Planning Inspectorate’s website - https://national-infrastructure-consenting.planninginspectorate.gov.uk/projects/TR020005 .

The effects of the proposed development on the rail network, its users and local communities will be taken into account in the final decision, though my Right Honourable friend will note both Network Rail and rail operators were consulted as part of the application and have not objected to the proposals. However as this remains a live planning application with the Department, I cannot comment further on those issues at the current time.
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Edward Morello:To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, what steps the Motor Insurance Taskforce is taking to help reduce the cost of motor insurance. \p Lilian Greenwood: The cross-Government motor insurance taskforce was launched in October. It is comprised of ministers from relevant government departments and the Financial Conduct Authority and Competition and Markets Authority. The taskforce is supported by a separate stakeholder panel of industry experts representing the insurance, motor, and consumer sector.

The taskforce has a strategic remit to set the direction for UK Government policy, identifying short- and long-term actions for departments that may contribute to stabilising or reducing premiums, while maintaining appropriate levels of cover. It will look at the increased insurance costs on consumers and the insurance industry, including how this impacts different demographics, geographies, and communities.

The Department will provide updates on the motor insurance taskforce’s work and announce a date for the next meeting in due course.
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Mrs Elsie Blundell:To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, what steps she plans to take to help increase awareness of careers in the maritime sector. \p Mike Kane: The Department continues to support industry to improve the awareness of careers in the maritime sector though the implementation of the Ratings Review and the Cadet Review, both of which were undertaken by the Maritime Skills Commission. The Cadet Review is being delivered through the Cadet Training & Modernisation programme and promoting seafaring career pathways is an important part of that work. A new maritime strategy is in development, which will include a focus on maritime careers.

Additionally, the Department continues to work with stakeholders, such as Maritime UK, on careers promotion and has supported Maritime UK’s Maritime Roadshow for Girls, which promotes STEM and maritime careers in schools. Officials are also working with Maritime UK’s Careers Taskforce, which coordinates careers outreach activity across the sector.
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Ben Maguire:To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, what recent assessment her Department has made of the potential impact of the time take for Maritime and Coastguard Agency inspections on the economic sustainability of inshore fishing businesses in rural coastal communities. \p Mike Kane: The majority of inspections the Maritime and Coastguard Agency (MCA) carries out on fishing vessels are part of a regular survey and certification cycle. These certificates have a window to allow the operator to arrange an inspection well in advance and at a convenient time to ensure the impact on their business is as low as possible.

Following the sale of a vessel compliance with the relevant code needs to be confirmed before commercial operation can commence. Whilst elements of this should not change of transfer of ownership multiple areas are related to the individual and their operation of the vessel.

Historically, vessel certificates were linked solely to the vessel, with no owner details listed, and no change of owner inspection was required. However, after incidents where previous owners removed loose gear, the Marine Accident Investigation Branch (MAIB) raised concerns and recommended changes to the Maritime and Coastguard Agency (MCA). Consequently, the change of owner inspection was introduced to ensure continued compliance. This inspection verifies that the vessel has not been modified, loose gear remains onboard, and the new operator has the necessary qualifications and familiarity with the craft. A dispensation has not been considered, as there is no evidence suggesting surveyor availability is causing delays for newly purchased vessels entering service.

The MCA undertakes more than 1200 inspections on fishing vessels annually. Our service level agreement for non-chargeable inspections on under 15m vessel is that we offer an inspection slot within 14 calendar days and in the majority of cases this is being met. Our service levels are monitored and there is no evidence of a failure to attend vessels in a timely manner which would demonstrate a need for an increase in capacity.

The MCA ensure any substantiated complaints and concerns are considered and addressed as needed.
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Jas Athwal:To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, whether she has had discussions with the Mayor of London on improving the running of the Elizabeth line. \p Simon Lightwood: Ministers and officials have regular conversations with Transport for London (TfL) on a variety of issues. However, transport in London is devolved to the Mayor and TfL has overall responsibility for the management of the Elizabeth Line which is operated by their current contractor MTR Corporation (Crossrail) Limited.
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Jas Athwal:To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, whether she has had discussions with the Mayor of London on improving accessibility on the London Underground. \p Simon Lightwood: Disabled people should be able to travel easily, confidently and with dignity. Ministers and officials have regular conversations with Transport for London on a variety of issues including accessibility of their network. Transport in London is devolved to the Mayor and TfL is responsible for managing the London Underground.
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James MacCleary:To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, what assessment she has made of trends in the level of the cost of railcards; and what steps her Department is taking to ensure rail travel remains affordable for (a) young people, (b) older passengers and (c) people on lower incomes. \p Simon Lightwood: The price of most railcards increased by £5 from 2 March 2025, except the Disabled Persons Railcard. Railcards still offer significant savings on rail fares with the average railcard holder saving up to £158 annually. In many cases, the price of railcards has not increased in a decade, during which time the cost of running the railway and the subsidy provided to the railway by the taxpayer has increased significantly. This small price increase helps to balance the funding for the railway between passengers and taxpayers.
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Mr Peter Bedford:To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, whether they have made an estimate of the potential impact of abolishing diversity, equity and inclusion roles in their Department on annual staffing costs. \p Mike Kane: The Department for Transport has not estimated the potential impact on annual staff costs in the department of abolishing Diversity, Equality and Inclusion roles.
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James Cartlidge:To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, with reference to the Answer by the Minister for Veterans and People to Question 123 at the Defence Committee on 11 March 2025, HC 572, what the 100 out-of-date medical requirements were that have been removed from the recruitment process. \p Al Carns: The latest version of Joint Service Publication (JSP) 950, Leaflet 6-7-7, which sets the medical entry standards for the Armed Forces, was published in August 2024 following an intensive review undertaken by clinical experts, Defence personnel staff and the recruiting agencies. Medical entry standards have been designed to select people in, rather than be a barrier to entry and, where evidence exists to support change, standards have been made more permissive.

Each standard was considered in light of existing and/or emerging medical evidence and assessed against the likelihood of the associated medical risk of a five-year engagement. This work resulted in 100 changes to JSP 950 Leaflet 6-7-7 and revised medical entry standards for conditions including respiratory, neurological and musculoskeletal disorders.

I will place a copy of JSP950 Leaflet 6-7-7 (August 2024) in the Library of the House.
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Mark Pritchard:To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, what steps he is taking to protect UK defence personnel at RAF Akrotiri from regional ballistic missile attacks. \p Luke Pollard: The UK takes the security of all our overseas bases seriously and takes appropriate measures for their protection.

The UK employs a broad approach to deterring and defeating air and missile threats. We pursue counter-proliferation and military activities to counter threats before an attack is ever launched. However, if those approaches fail, we can employ a range of active and passive defence measures to intercept the threat and increase our resilience. This process remains continually under review.

We are committed to enhancing our capabilities and modernising our air and missile defence approach to ensure our Armed Forces, including those in places such as RAF Akrotiri, have the capabilities they need to meet current and future threats. As part of this commitment, a Strategic Defence Review is being conducted with missile defence capabilities forming an important part of our inputs to this review.
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David Chadwick:To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, what support is available for members of the armed forces who have served in Northern Ireland. \p Al Carns: This Government recognises the important contribution and sacrifice of those who served in Northern Ireland to keep us safe, and that of the families who enabled them to do so.

Veterans who served in Northern Ireland are eligible for a range of support, wherever they reside in the United Kingdom: veterans can access tailored employment support via the Career Transition Partnership, which supports those leaving military service in search of new job opportunities, and Op ASCEND, a new employment pathway for veterans operating across the United Kingdom.

Veterans who are resident in England can access specialist care for physical and mental health conditions via Op RESTORE and Op COURAGE respectively. Alternative provision is available in Scotland and Wales, as responsibility for health is devolved. For those who may be homeless or at risk of homelessness, housing guidance and support is available across the country via Op FORTITUDE, a single referral pathway to connect veterans with help and support.

For veterans resident in Northern Ireland, the Veterans’ Welfare Service Northern Ireland is a specialist statutory welfare service for veterans and their families. The service provides information and practical support, including physiotherapy and psychological therapies for eligible veterans. The Northern Ireland Veterans’ Commissioner and 11 Veterans’ Champions advocate for veterans’ needs and support veterans in the local community.

Where historic investigations impact on veterans who served during Op BANNER, I have committed that the Ministry of Defence will continue to provide welfare and legal support to those affected.
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Edward Morello:To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, what plans his Department has to improve the recruitment and retention of Army Reservists. \p Al Carns: I refer the hon. Member to the answer given on 19 March 2025 to Question 33164 to the hon. Member for Paisley and Renfrewshire North (Alison Taylor).

Reserve Forces: Labour Turnover (docx, 29.1KB)
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Edward Morello:To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, what steps his Department is taking to ensure that (a) the Army Reserve Centre in Dorchester and (b) other Army Reserve Centres have adequate (i) resources and (ii) infrastructure to support (A) recruitment and (B) training. \p Al Carns: The Department recognises the invaluable contributions made by the Army Reserves to Defence. Ensuring they have adequate support remains both a priority of mine, and the Ministry of Defence, demonstrated by the fact I have commissioned an internal review in Defence to ensure that we are making the most of the unique contribution our Reserve Forces offer.

Any decisions about future investment in Reserve Centres occupied by the Army are pending the outcome of the Strategic Defence Review.
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James Cartlidge:To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, what recent progress his Department has made on launching the Families Hub. \p Al Carns: The Families Hub launched on 26 February 2025. The Hub is an online information portal for Armed Forces families and personnel, designed to help them navigate Service life. It signposts users to support, organisations, policies and guidance on issues such as childcare, health and wellbeing, housing, partner support and finance. The Hub aims to provide the Service community, particularly families, with a single, easily accessible source of relevant information so that they are better equipped to understand their options and make informed decisions on how they manage Service life as a family. The Hub can be accessed at: https://discovermybenefits.mod.gov.uk/families/
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James Cartlidge:To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, how frequently the Covenant Community Action Group meets. \p Al Carns: The Covenant Community Action Group meets quarterly and is co-Chaired by the Ministry of Defence and Forces in Mind Trust. The most recent meeting took place on 19 March 2025.
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Ben Obese-Jecty:To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, pursuant to his Answer of 18 March 2025 to Question 37774 on Armed Forces: Protective Clothing and his Answer of 11 March to Question 36209 on Armed Forces: Protective Clothing what level of protection is provided by (a) Peltor Comtac XPI and (b) Peltor General Service ear muffs. \p Maria Eagle: I refer the hon. Member to the answers I gave him on 11 March 2025, to Question 36209, and on 20 March 2025, to Question 37772.

Armed Forces: Protective Clothing (docx, 34.0KB)
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Alex Burghart:To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, with reference to his Department's press release on the award of a £1.6 billion contract to Thales in Belfast for the manufacture of lightweight-multirole missiles, published on 2 March 2025, under what circumstances the contract could be terminated. \p Maria Eagle: The contract includes provisions for termination in a range of circumstances. Releasing the detail of those provisions could potentially harm our relations with the Government of Ukraine, noting that the contract was placed on its behalf pursuant to an international agreement between the UK and Ukraine and is being funded by the Ukraine Government, with support from UK Export Finance.
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Alex Burghart:To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, with reference to his Department's press release on the award of a £1.6 billion contract to Thales in Belfast for the manufacture of lightweight-multirole missiles, published on 2 March 2025, what relative weight was given to (a) technical capability, (b) cost, (c) delivery timelines and (d) risk assessment when awarding the contract. \p Maria Eagle: I refer the hon. Member to the answer I gave him to Question 35735 on 12 March 2025.

Thales: Northern Ireland (docx, 28.4KB)
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James Cartlidge:To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, how many hours of firing time have been lost at Dreghorn Training Area due to (a) physical incursion into the range danger area by (i) members of the public and (ii) animals, (b) aerial incursion into the range danger area by drones and (c) for other reasons since 5 July 2024. \p Maria Eagle: The requested information is not held. Dreghorn Training Area is not a Ministry of Defence-owned Training Area.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-03-25)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-03-25 conversation_326

Ben Obese-Jecty:To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, what assessment he has made of the potential economic impact of constructing F-35 aircraft in the UK. \p Maria Eagle: The benefit of procuring UK F-35 aircraft from the USA is the value derived from the economies of scale. UK industry makes a significant contribution to the F-35 programme, where it is estimated that at least 15% by value of every aircraft manufactured is produced in the UK. Establishing an F-35 final assembly and check out facility to construct F-35 aircraft in the UK at this stage of the programme would drive significant costs for the UK F-35 programme.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-03-25)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-03-25 conversation_327

Ben Obese-Jecty:To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, pursuant to the Answer of 18 March 2025 to Question 37371 on F-35 Aircraft: Procurement, whether he has considered taking steps to start procuring the F-35A variant in future tranches. \p Maria Eagle: I refer the hon Member to the answer I gave him on 20 March 2025 to Question 37763.

F-35 Aircraft: Procurement (docx, 14.8KB)
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-03-25)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-03-25 conversation_328

Ben Obese-Jecty:To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, pursuant to the Answer of 18 March 2025 to Question 37374 on Warrior Vehicles, which regiments are currently (a) equipped with and (b) trained to use the Warrior Infantry Fighting Vehicles; and in which roles. \p Maria Eagle: The following regiments currently operate the Warrior Infantry Fighting Vehicle:

Regiments Operating Warrior

Role

1st Battalion, Royal Regiment of Fusiliers

Armoured Infantry

1st Battalion, the Mercian Regiment

Armoured Infantry

5th Battalion, the Rifles

Armoured Infantry

1st Battalion, the Royal Welsh

Armoured Infantry

The Royal Dragoon Guards

Armoured Cavalry

The King’s Royal Hussars

Reconnaissance

The Queen’s Royal Hussars

Reconnaissance

The Royal Tank Regiment

Reconnaissance

The Warrior IFV is a versatile capability that can be used to provide various roles.

There are no additional regiments that are trained to use the capability.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-03-25)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-03-25 conversation_329

Ben Obese-Jecty:To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, what his planned timetable is for the Challenger 2 modernisation programme. \p Maria Eagle: Through the Armour Main Battle Tank (Armour MBT) programme, 148 existing Challenger 2 platforms will be upgraded to Challenger 3 standard.

I refer the hon. Member to the answer given by my hon. Friend the Minister for the Armed Forces (Mr Pollard) on 11 October 2024 to Question 5407 to the hon. Member for East Wiltshire (Mr Kruger), which explains that the Initial Operating Capability and Full Operating Capability for the Armour MBT programme is 2027 and 2030 respectively.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-03-25)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-03-25 conversation_330

Preet Kaur Gill:To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, if he will make an assessment of the potential impact of increasing levels of defence spending on levels of (a) Government funding and (b) private sector investment in Birmingham, Edgbaston constituency. \p Maria Eagle: The Ministry of Defence (MOD) recognises the significant contribution Birmingham, Edgbaston and the wider West Midlands plays to the UK economy and to supporting our national security. While the MOD does not allocate spending to specific regions, the Government has been clear that the increase in spending on defence to 2.5% of GDP from April 2027 will support highly skilled jobs and apprenticeships across the whole of the UK.

The Defence Industrial Strategy will seek to further unlock the potential offered across the nations and regions of the UK to ensure a high growth economy. The Statement of Intent published in December 2024 also identified the “crowding-in” of private sector investment as critical to the Government’s imperatives of both national security and a high growth economy. We are continuing to explore how we can create the conditions needed for the private sector to invest more, and proactively, in Defence, consulting with a wide range of defence and financial services stakeholders.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-03-25)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-03-25 conversation_331

James Cartlidge:To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, how many hours of firing time have been lost at Imber Range 3 due to (a) physical incursion into the range danger area by members of the public, (b) physical incursion into the range danger area by animals, (c) aerial incursion into the range danger area by drones and (d) any other reason since 5 July 2024. \p Maria Eagle: The requested information is not held. The time lost due to incursions on Ministry of Defence Ranges, is not recorded.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-03-25)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-03-25 conversation_332

James Cartlidge:To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, what recent progress his Department has made on the delivery of Remus 100s to the Royal Navy. \p Maria Eagle: The Royal Navy has been operating a range of unmanned underwater vehicles (UUVs) to detect sea mines since 2005. In the past three years, we have increased our pool of Remus 100 and 300 UUVs and deployed them to globally-deployed frontline Royal Naval units to survey the seabed and detect sea mines. Uncrewed and autonomous systems are already transforming operational capability, acting as force multipliers for our sailors and a catalyst for military and commercial innovation. The Royal Navy has an ambition to accelerate, scale and develop these systems by harnessing UK industry and the thriving Science and Technology sector to produce world-leading capabilities.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-03-25)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-03-25 conversation_333

Mr Peter Bedford:To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, whether they have made an estimate of the potential impact of abolishing diversity, equity and inclusion roles in their Department on annual staffing costs. \p Al Carns: The Ministry of Defence has no current plans to make an estimate of the kind described. In a competitive age, our advantage derives from the talent and skills of our people. Attracting, recruiting, and retaining the best people drawn from the broadest diversity of thought, skills and background is mission critical to our operational effectiveness. People that think differently provide alternative solutions to complex problems and reduce the risk of groupthink and lack of challenge. The reason we seek to increase our diversity levels is to make us more effective at closing with and defeating the enemy, should we be required to do so.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-03-25)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-03-25 conversation_334

James Cartlidge:To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, whether he has placed any orders for decoy cruise missile-like weapons since 5 July 2024. \p Maria Eagle: No such procurements have been undertaken in this period, but our requirements are kept under constant review to ensure that our Armed Forces have the battle-winning capabilities they need.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-03-25)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-03-25 conversation_335

James Cartlidge:To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, when MQ-9B protector will reach (a) initial and (b) full operating capability. \p Maria Eagle: The Protector Programme expects to declare Initial Operating Capability this year. The projected date for Full Operating Capability is yet to be established.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-03-25)

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James Cartlidge:To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, how many military drones in (a) logistics, (b) strike and (c) ISR roles were purchased by his Department since 5 July 2024. \p Maria Eagle: An order for three aircraft delivering Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance UK capability was placed at the end of January 2025, through an Urgent Capability Requirement project.

Separately, as previously announced, working on behalf of the International Fund for Ukraine and the international Drone Capability Coalition, the UK has placed contracts for a significant number of drones for use by the armed forces of Ukraine.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-03-25)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-03-25 conversation_337

Andrew Rosindell:To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, what steps he plans to take to protect British businesses against the effects of grey zone attacks on undersea cable communication infrastructure between Taiwan and Europe. \p Luke Pollard: Subsea cables are critical to UK telecommunications digital infrastructure, and we are committed to maintaining and enhancing the security and resilience of that infra- structure. We continue to co-ordinate with HMG partners, particularly DSIT who own subsea cables policy, as well as security partners, the subsea cables industry and international bodies to assess and understand risks to subsea cables.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-03-25)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-03-25 conversation_338

Ben Obese-Jecty:To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, pursuant to the Answer of 17 March 2025 to Question 37373 on Ajax Vehicles: Procurement, how many operationally deployable platforms has the Armoured Cavalry Programme taken delivery of since 1 January 2025. \p Maria Eagle: As at 19 March 2025, 19 Ajax platforms have been accepted by the Ministry of Defence since 1 January 2025. Deliveries started before 2025 and a total of 91 vehicles have been accepted so far.

We would not routinely disclose figures relating to operationally deployable Ajax platforms in the interests of security and operational effectiveness.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-03-25)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-03-25 conversation_339

Shivani Raja:To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, whether he has made an estimate of the potential impact of replacing the fleet of RAF Typhoon aircraft with F-35 jets on the number of jobs in the defence industry in (a) Leicester East constituency and (b) England. \p Maria Eagle: I refer the hon. Member to the answer I gave to the hon. Member for Stockport (Navendu Mishra) on 20 March 2025 to Qustion 38677.

Typhoon Aircraft: Decommissioning (docx, 15.6KB)
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-03-25)

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James Cartlidge:To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, whether he has placed any orders for cheap loitering munitions since 5 July 2024. \p Maria Eagle: As announced on 6 March 2025, the UK has placed contracts, on behalf of the International Fund for Ukraine, to supply Altius 600m and Altius 700m loitering munitions systems to the Armed Forces of Ukraine.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-03-25)

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James Cartlidge:To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, what his target date is for delivering a medium range precision strike system. \p Maria Eagle: Current timelines for Medium Range Precision Strike (MRPS) anticipate contract award in 2027 and introduction into service in 2028; stakeholders across Defence are, however, working to accelerate this timeline. Notwithstanding, the imperative to provide this essential capability at pace must be balanced against ensuring we provide a safe and highly effective system ready for the challenges of both today and tomorrow.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-03-25)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-03-25 conversation_342

James Asser:To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, what steps he is taking to support jobs in the defence sector. \p Maria Eagle: Defence is not just the cornerstone of national security, but it is also an engine for growth.

The Defence Industrial Strategy will deliver good jobs and rewarding careers in Defence, that support communities across our nations.

I am also working with my Ministerial colleagues as part of a cross-Government effort to identify and grow the skills the UK defence sector will need for the future.