theodi/ndl-core-corpus huggingface dataset:
wrans/answers2025-07-03 conversation_177
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-07-03)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-07-03 conversation_177

Mr Will Forster:To ask the Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government, how many and what proportion of new homes are (a) under construction and (b) have been completed since 4 July 2025. \p Matthew Pennycook: The 4 July 2025 is tomorrow.
wrans/answers2025-07-03 conversation_178
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-07-03)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-07-03 conversation_178

Marsha De Cordova:To ask the Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government, when her Department plans to open the technical consultation on the M4(2) requirement in building regulations. \p Alex Norris: Housing is one of this government’s top priorities, everyone deserves to live in a decent home that is suitable for them and meets their needs.

The government will shortly set out its policies on accessible new build housing, reinforcing our commitment to ensuring everyone has access to a safe, suitable home.
wrans/answers2025-07-03 conversation_179
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-07-03)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-07-03 conversation_179

Dr Scott Arthur:To ask the Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government, what steps she is taking to ensure that Green Freeports have the (a) authority and (b) mechanisms to hold businesses accountable in relation to their commitments on (i) fair work and (ii) achieving net zero. \p Alex Norris: As detailed in guidance, Green Freeports are required to implement robust tax site management strategies that ensure investments align with the overarching vision and policy objectives.

Green Freeports must ensure that their partners deliver on the commitments set out in the approved business case. To support this, tax site landholders are expected to enter into formal legal agreements with the Green Freeport operating company to enforce compliance including fair work practices and net zero commitments. The governments reserve the right to sanction Green Freeports where these commitments are not upheld.
wrans/answers2025-07-03 conversation_180
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-07-03)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-07-03 conversation_180

Kevin Hollinrake:To ask the Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government, what steps the Islamophobia Working Group is taking to consult with stakeholders in (a) private and (b) public. \p Alex Norris: I refer the hon. Member to the answer to Question UIN 61355 on 24 June 2025.
wrans/answers2025-07-03 conversation_181
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-07-03)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-07-03 conversation_181

Kevin Hollinrake:To ask the Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government, whether building regulations apply to the construction of embassies. \p Alex Norris: The Building Regulations 2010 apply to all buildings in England, with specific exemptions given in Schedule 2. Embassies are expected to respect local laws, including the Building Regulations. Building Regulations may apply when somebody is putting up a new building, making material changes to a building, extending an existing building or altering building services.
wrans/answers2025-07-03 conversation_182
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-07-03)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-07-03 conversation_182

Kevin Hollinrake:To ask the Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government, pursuant to the Answer of 30 May 2025 to Question 53573 on Oxford Growth Commission: Public Appointments, if she will publish the Chair's declaration of interests. \p Alex Norris: As set out in the answer to Question UIN 53573 on 28 May 2025, direct ministerial appointments such as the Chair of the OGC are not regulated public appointments and do not fall within the remit of the Governance Code on Public Appointments.

Interests are considered as part of due diligence checks before appointments are made, and the Department is satisfied the usual public law principles applicable to all ministerial decision-making are met by this appointment.
wrans/answers2025-07-03 conversation_183
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-07-03)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-07-03 conversation_183

Kevin Hollinrake:To ask the Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government, whether civil servants in her Department relocated outside of London will have their pay reduced, and whether civil servants employed in new locations outside London will lose their existing London weighting. \p Alex Norris: MHCLG has separate National pay ranges and London pay ranges. MHCLG has an established policy and salary change calculation that applies when colleagues transfer from the London to the National pay range or vice versa, this includes individuals being placed on the same relative position on their new pay range as they held on their old pay range, i.e. if the colleague was on the minimum of the London pay range they would move to the minimum of the National pay range.
wrans/answers2025-07-03 conversation_184
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-07-03)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-07-03 conversation_184

Kevin Hollinrake:To ask the Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government, if she will list each official diary event and meeting she undertook on 10 April 2025. \p Alex Norris: The Government publishes details of ministers’ meetings with external organisations on a quarterly basis.
wrans/answers2025-07-03 conversation_185
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-07-03)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-07-03 conversation_185

Kevin Hollinrake:To ask the Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government, pursuant to the Answer of 11 June 2025 to Question 54295 on Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government: Taxis, how much of the £41,439 was spent on Ministerial travel. \p Alex Norris: Of the total figure of £41,439 spent on taxis in the period specified, £3058 of the £41,439 related to Ministerial travel
wrans/answers2025-07-03 conversation_186
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-07-03)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-07-03 conversation_186

Olly Glover:To ask the Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government, what steps she is taking with Cabinet colleagues to increase funding for parks and green spaces. \p Alex Norris: The government is firmly committed to creating better access to parks and green spaces for all sections of society. They are an essential part of local social infrastructure which supports more connected, stronger communities.

Whilst responsibility for funding, managing and maintaining urban parks lies mainly with local authorities, the government is committed to supporting Local Authorities in developing best practice to manage parks and green spaces.

The new £1.5 billon Plan for Neighbourhoods will deliver up to £20 million of funding and support over the next decade into 75 communities across the UK, this will include creating and improving green spaces and community gardens.
wrans/answers2025-07-03 conversation_187
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-07-03)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-07-03 conversation_187

Sonia Kumar:To ask the Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government, what plans her Department has taken to help tackle land banking. \p Matthew Pennycook: I refer the hon. Member to the answer given to Question UIN 60243 on 24 June 2025.
wrans/answers2025-07-03 conversation_188
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-07-03)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-07-03 conversation_188

Sonia Kumar:To ask the Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government, what discussions has she had with brick manufacturers on meeting the demand for new homes. \p Matthew Pennycook: I refer the hon. Member to the answer given to Question UIN 60503 on 25 June 2025.
wrans/answers2025-07-03 conversation_189
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-07-03)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-07-03 conversation_189

Marsha De Cordova:To ask the Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government, what recent discussions she has had with Homes England on building accessible homes. \p Matthew Pennycook: Grant funding allocated through the Affordable Homes Programme 2021-26, which is delivered by Homes England outside of London, can be used for supported housing, including specialist housing.

The government will shortly set out its policies on accessible new build housing, reinforcing our commitment to ensuring everyone has access to a safe, suitable home.
wrans/answers2025-07-03 conversation_190
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-07-03)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-07-03 conversation_190

Carla Lockhart:To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, what steps her Department is taking to monitor the compliance of visa conditions in Upper Bann constituency. \p Dame Angela Eagle: The Home Office takes the monitoring of visa compliance seriously and has a range of measures in place to ensure individuals adhere to the conditions of their stay in the UK. Immigration Enforcement (IE) has dedicated regional teams based across the UK, including in Northern Ireland, who are responsible for identifying and taking appropriate enforcement action against those who breach immigration rules.

These teams use a combination of intelligence-led operations, data analysis, and compliance visits to monitor adherence to visa conditions. Where non-compliance is identified, action may include curtailment of leave, removal from the UK, or prosecution where appropriate.
wrans/answers2025-07-03 conversation_191
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-07-03)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-07-03 conversation_191

Carla Lockhart:To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, if she will list her Department's integration schemes available for asylum seekers in Upper Bann constituency. \p Dame Angela Eagle: There are no integration schemes for asylum seekers as integration support is only available once refugee status is granted. As Integration is an area of devolved competence, integration support available to refugees in Northern Ireland is determined by the Northern Ireland Assembly.
wrans/answers2025-07-03 conversation_192
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-07-03)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-07-03 conversation_192

James MacCleary:To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, which countries she is negotiating with on the use of eGates; and what the status of those negotiations are. \p Seema Malhotra: I refer the Hon Member to the answer I gave him on 16 June to Question 54204.
wrans/answers2025-07-03 conversation_193
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-07-03)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-07-03 conversation_193

Carla Lockhart:To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, how many asylum seekers have been housed in Upper Bann constituency in the last five years. \p Dame Angela Eagle: The Home Office publishes data on a quarterly basis on the number of asylum seekers in supported accommodation, broken down by local authority and located within Asy_D11 tab at: Immigration system statistics data tables - GOV.UK.
wrans/answers2025-07-03 conversation_194
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-07-03)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-07-03 conversation_194

Lee Anderson:To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, whether she has made an assessment of the potential merits of notifying residents when asylum seekers are housed in their vicinity. \p Dame Angela Eagle: I refer the Hon Member to the answer I gave on 23 June to Question 59362.
wrans/answers2025-07-03 conversation_195
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-07-03)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-07-03 conversation_195

Mr Andrew Snowden:To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, whether the (a) selling and (b) renting of user profiles to gig economy platforms is a criminal offence. \p Dame Angela Eagle: If such actions are done to facilitate illegal working, yes.
wrans/answers2025-07-03 conversation_196
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-07-03)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-07-03 conversation_196

Lisa Smart:To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, whether she plans to introduce a (a) fast-track and (b) expedited process for applications to the Displaced Talent Mobility Scheme for people seeking refuge from (i) war zones and (ii) crisis situations. \p Seema Malhotra: The Immigration White Paper, published on 12 May, announced a review of the UK’s existing refugee resettlement and sponsorship schemes. This will ensure that there is a framework which will allow businesses, universities and communities to sponsor refugees to live, work and study in the UK. Further details will be set out in due course.
wrans/answers2025-07-03 conversation_197
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-07-03)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-07-03 conversation_197

Lisa Smart:To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, what (a) advice and (b) support her Department provides to UK citizens who wish to assist relatives in Gaza in seeking asylum in the United Kingdom. \p Seema Malhotra: I refer the Hon Member to the answer I gave on 13 March to Question 35970.
wrans/answers2025-07-03 conversation_198
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-07-03)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-07-03 conversation_198

Lisa Smart:To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, when she plans to respond to the correspondence of 23 May 2025 from the hon. Member for Hazel Grove on evacuation from Gaza. \p Seema Malhotra: The Minister for Migration and Citizenship replied on 1 July.
wrans/answers2025-07-03 conversation_199
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-07-03)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-07-03 conversation_199

Shivani Raja:To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, what metrics are used by her Department to assess whether asylum accommodation contracts represent value for money. \p Dame Angela Eagle: The Home Office monitors the AASC suppliers’ performance against a range of Key Performance Indicators ensuring performance is driven to deliver maximum value for money for the taxpayer.
wrans/answers2025-07-03 conversation_200
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-07-03)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-07-03 conversation_200

Alex Sobel:To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, pursuant to the Answer of 9 June 2025 to Question 58258 on Asylum: Syria, if she will make an assessment of the potential merits of granting Syrian asylum seekers in the UK the right to work throughout the period in which all asylum interviews and decisions relating to Syrian nationals are paused. \p Dame Angela Eagle: Asylum seekers who have had their claim outstanding for 12 months or more, through no fault of their own, can apply for permission to work. Those permitted to work are restricted to jobs on the Immigration Salary List. This policy applies to Syrian nationals whose asylum claims have been temporarily paused while we await reliable and objective information to enable an accurate assessment of the risk they may face upon return to Syria.

The pause on Syrian asylum claims is under constant review and as soon as there is a clear basis upon which to make decisions, we will resume the processing of them.
wrans/answers2025-07-03 conversation_201
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-07-03)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-07-03 conversation_201

Maya Ellis:To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, what assessment she has made of the potential implications for her policies of trends in levels of rural crime in Ribble Valley constituency; and what steps she is taking with Cabinet colleagues to support (a) local police forces and (b) rural communities in tackling rural crime. \p Dame Diana Johnson: Rural crime can have devastating consequences for countryside communities and the agricultural sector. That is why this Government is committed to reducing crime in rural areas.

Under our Safer Streets Mission reforms, rural communities will be safeguarded, with tougher measures to clamp down on anti-social behaviour, strengthened neighbourhood policing and stronger measures to prevent theft of farm equipment and fly-tipping.

The Government is committed to strong neighbourhood policing for everyone in England and Wales, wherever they live. On 10 April, the Prime Minister outlined further details about our Neighbourhood Policing Guarantee, including that by July, every community, including rural communities, will have named and contactable officers dedicated to addressing local issues.

This financial year we will be providing the first Home Office funding since 2023 for the National Rural Crime Unit (NRCU), as well as continuing funding for the National Wildlife Crime Unit (NWCU). The funding boost of over £800,000 in total will help the units tackle those crimes that predominantly affect our rural communities.

This will allow these specialist units to continue their work in tackling rural and wildlife crime which can pose unique challenges for policing given the scale and isolation of rural areas.

The National Police Chiefs’ Council Wildlife and Rural Crime Strategy 2022-2025 provides a framework through which policing, and its partners can work together to tackle the most prevalent threats and emerging issues which predominantly affect rural communities NPCC-Wildlife-Rural-Crime-Strategy-2022-2025.pdf (nwcu.police.uk). We are working closely with the NPCC and Defra to deliver the next iteration of their strategy, to ensure the Government’s Safer Streets Mission benefits every community no matter where they live, including rural communities.
wrans/answers2025-07-03 conversation_202
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-07-03)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-07-03 conversation_202

Greg Smith:To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, with reference to her Oral Statement of 19 May 2025 on National Security Act 2023: Charges, Official Report, columns 759-771, when she will take legislative steps to allow proscription of (a) the Iranian Revolutionary Guard Corps and (b) other state threats. \p Dan Jarvis: The Government keeps the list of proscribed organisations under constant review, as we seek to protect the UK from the threats that we face. However, as a matter of longstanding policy we do not comment on whether or not an organisation is being considered for proscription.

The UK has a strong record of responding robustly to state threats, including through implementation of the National Security Act 2023, which makes the UK a harder target for those states which seek to conduct hostile acts. In March, we announced that the whole of the Iranian state - including the IRGC and MOIS - will be placed on the Enhanced Tier of the Foreign Influence Registration Scheme which will go live on 1 July.

As the Home Secretary set out in her Oral Statement on 19 May 2025, we are committed to taking forward Jonathan Hall KC’s recommendations in his review of State Threats legislation, including the creation of a new State Threats Proscription-like Tool. We will bring forward legislation as soon as Parliamentary time allows.
wrans/answers2025-07-03 conversation_203
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-07-03)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-07-03 conversation_203

Ben Obese-Jecty:To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, with reference to the oral contribution by the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs in response to the question from the hon. Member for Bicester and Woodstock on 28 October 2024, Official Report, column 550, what her planned timeline is for (a) completing and (b) publishing the state threats review. \p Dan Jarvis: The government is committed to responding to state threat activity in all its forms and we regularly review the tools and powers available to us.

That is why the Home Secretary commissioned the Independent Reviewer of Terrorism and State Threats Legislation, Jonathan Hall KC, to undertake a review to identify whether there are parts of our existing terrorism legislation which could usefully be emulated in the state threats context.

Following the publication of Mr Hall’s report on 19 May 2025, the Home Secretary committed to taking forward Mr Hall’s recommendations, including the creation of a new State Threats Proscription-like Tool. We will bring forward legislation as soon as Parliamentary time allows
wrans/answers2025-07-03 conversation_204
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-07-03)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-07-03 conversation_204

Susan Murray:To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, what criteria and evidential thresholds her Department applied in reaching the decision to proscribe Palestine Action under the Terrorism Act 2000; and whether a formal assessment was undertaken to evaluate whether the group meets the legal definition of being concerned in terrorism. \p Dan Jarvis: I refer the Hon Member to my statement in the House on 2 July when moving the relevant proscription order.
wrans/answers2025-07-03 conversation_205
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-07-03)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-07-03 conversation_205

Dave Doogan:To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, if he will meet with the families involved in the Chinook Justice Campaign. \p Al Carns: The Mull of Kintyre crash was a tragic accident and my thoughts and sympathies remain with the families, friends and colleagues of all those who died. We have received a pre-action protocol letter from the Chinook Justice Campaign and are considering our response. It would therefore be inappropriate to comment further.
wrans/answers2025-07-03 conversation_206
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-07-03)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-07-03 conversation_206

Ben Obese-Jecty:To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, when the British Army’s new Recce-Strike approach will come into effect. \p Luke Pollard: In line with the outcome of the Strategic Defence Review, the Army will become ten times more lethal – Recce-Strike is a key element of this transformation, and sees a significant shift in how the Army prepares for and conducts warfare.

Fighting by Recce-Strike at every level is one element of how the British Army will fight and operate differently to achieve domain advantage over adversaries. Army’s Project ASGARD will enhance the Army’s ability to find (‘recce’) and destroy (‘strike’) enemy targets, and through Project WAVELL, the Army is adapting its structures, which combined with our modernisation programme, will align our capabilities to revise our approach set out in the Land Operating Concept.
wrans/answers2025-07-03 conversation_207
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-07-03)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-07-03 conversation_207

Ben Obese-Jecty:To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, pursuant to the Answer of 26 June 2025 to Question 61042 on Armed Forces: Firearms, when analysis into optimum levels of lethality in small teams will be (a) completed and (b) published. \p Maria Eagle: Whilst I can confirm that a study into this area is being undertaken, I cannot provide any further details due to reasons of operational security and commercial sensitivity. As such, there are no current plans to publish the study upon completion.
wrans/answers2025-07-03 conversation_208
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-07-03)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-07-03 conversation_208

James Naish:To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, what discussions he has had with NATO counterparts on the potential impact of changes to US strategic priorities on Euro-Atlantic security; and what steps he is taking with his counterparts in European NATO countries to increase joint defence (a) planning and (b) capabilities. \p Luke Pollard: Last week’s NATO Summit saw Allies reaffirm their ironclad commitment to collective defence and Euro-Atlantic Security. At the Summit, Allies committed to investing 5% of GDP annually on defence and security, composed of 3.5% core defence spending and 1.5% security and resilience spending, by 2035. This historic commitment on defence investment, underpinned by the recent agreement of ambitious new Capability Targets, demonstrates the collective and firm commitment of Allies to building and equipping a stronger, fairer and more lethal NATO to meet the threats we face.
wrans/answers2025-07-03 conversation_209
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-07-03)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-07-03 conversation_209

Blake Stephenson:To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, with reference to the press release entitled UK to deliver pioneering battlefield system and bolster cyber warfare capabilities under Strategic Defence Review, published on 29 May 2025, how the starting salary for the Cyber Direct Entry programme compares with starting salaries in (a) cyber security roles in the private sector and (b) international cyber security roles. \p Luke Pollard: There is no exact private sector equivalent for Cyber Operators in the Armed Forces, and private sector cyber salaries vary significantly. Cyber Direct Entrants are offered a starting salary exceeding £40,000, with the opportunity to earn up to an additional £25,000 through skills pay. This compensation package is complemented by the broader Armed Forces benefits package.
wrans/answers2025-07-03 conversation_210
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-07-03)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-07-03 conversation_210

Blake Stephenson:To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, with reference to his Department’s press release Largest ever UK defence AI trial conducted across land, sea and air, published on 25 May 2025, whether he has made an assessment of the cyber security risks of increased reliance on AI in defence. \p Luke Pollard: The process of understanding threat informs the functioning of our entire enterprise, from intelligence and military operations through to what technologies we adopt and why. AI naturally features as one of the many technologies that the Ministry of Defence (MOD) monitors for both opportunity and risk. The MOD takes all aspects of cyber security very seriously, and our AI, Security, and Policy teams are working closely to ensure the impact of AI on our work delivers opportunities while not adversely impacting cyber security. We have a long history of incorporating new technologies into military capability and are leveraging our long-established legal, safety and regulatory regimes as we incorporate AI into military capability.
wrans/answers2025-07-03 conversation_211
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-07-03)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-07-03 conversation_211

Blake Stephenson:To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, whether the UK will need permission from Mauritius to alter operations at Diego Garcia under the terms of the UK-Mauritius agreement on the British Indian Ocean Territory. \p Luke Pollard: No permission is required as a result of the treaty. Annex 1, paragraph 1(b)(i) of the treaty sets out that the United Kingdom will have unrestricted ability to control the conduct and deployment of armed operations.
wrans/answers2025-07-03 conversation_212
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-07-03)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-07-03 conversation_212

Ben Obese-Jecty:To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, what assessment he has made of the level of damage inflicted on the Iranian nuclear programme following the US strikes on (a) Fordow, (b) Natanz and (c) Isfahan. \p Luke Pollard: It is long standing policy of this and the previous Government that we do not comment on intelligence matters.
wrans/answers2025-07-03 conversation_213
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-07-03)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-07-03 conversation_213

Ben Obese-Jecty:To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, whether she is taking steps to procure an icebreaker ship to complement HMS Protector for future operations in the Atlantic Bastion. \p Luke Pollard: As highlighted in the Strategic Defence Review, Atlantic Bastion is the Royal Navy’s plan to secure the North Atlantic for the UK and NATO against the persistent and growing underwater threat from a modernising Russian submarine force. While an icebreaking capability does not form part of the Atlantic Bastion plan, the UK recognises the increasing strategic importance of the Arctic and High North. As such, future icebreaker capabilities are being considered to deliver the Strategic Defence Review vision, with all capability requirements considered as part of the Defence Investment Plan, which will be completed in autumn 2025.
wrans/answers2025-07-03 conversation_214
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-07-03)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-07-03 conversation_214

Ben Obese-Jecty:To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, whether the US government is required to seek permission from the UK in order to launch offensive military action from Navy Support Facility Diego Garcia under the UK-Mauritius Treaty. \p Luke Pollard: Annex 1, paragraph 1(b)(i) of the treaty sets out that the United Kingdom will have unrestricted ability to control the conduct and deployment of armed operations. No permission is required as a result of this treaty, as US operations from Diego Garcia are governed by a separate Exchange of Notes between the UK and US.
wrans/answers2025-07-03 conversation_215
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-07-03)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-07-03 conversation_215

Priti Patel:To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, pursuant to the provisions of paragraph 2 of Annex 1 of the UK-Mauritius Treaty, whether he has agreed (a) a process with the Government of Mauritius to provide them with the required notifications and (b) a definition of the term expeditiously inform with the Government of Mauritius. \p Luke Pollard: It is standard practice for basing arrangements to include an agreement to inform a host nation about military action from their territory. Annex 1, paragraph 2 of the Chagos Archipelago treaty, once it has entered into force, will not require prior notification and will not require the UK to divulge sensitive information. The United Kingdom will inform Mauritius through normal diplomatic channels.
wrans/answers2025-07-03 conversation_216
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-07-03)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-07-03 conversation_216

Ben Obese-Jecty:To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, what assessment he has made of the potential impact of the incompatibility of F-35A fighters with Royal Air Force air-to-air refuelling capability on the intention to purchase F-35A fighters. \p Maria Eagle: We have longstanding reciprocal arrangements to use allies Air-to-Air refuelling support when required, just as our Voyagers also support refuelling of other allies’ jets.
wrans/answers2025-07-03 conversation_217
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-07-03)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-07-03 conversation_217

Ben Obese-Jecty:To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, what steps he is taking to recover the Royal Air Force F-35B stranded at Thiruvananthapuram civilian airport. \p Luke Pollard: We are working to repair the UK F-35B at Thiruvananthapuram International Airport as quickly as possible. Additional support is being provided by an engineering team deploying from the UK. The aircraft will be recovered once it is serviceable.

We thank the Indian Authorities for their continued support. The safe landing, logistics and continuing organisational support provided by India in responding to this situation further demonstrates the close coordination and deepening relationship that exists between the Armed Forces of the UK and India.
wrans/answers2025-07-03 conversation_218
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-07-03)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-07-03 conversation_218

Mr Mark Francois:To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, what assessment he has made of the potential impact of the refit of RFA Lyme Bay on the operational capability of the Royal Marines; and what steps he is taking to ensure the Royal Marines’ amphibious capabilities are maintained until Multi-Role Support Ships enter service. \p Maria Eagle: RFA LYME BAY is undergoing routine planned maintenance to ensure continued sustainability for operations. Royal Marines operations continue to be supported by the remainder of the amphibious fleet. These ships will continue to support amphibious capabilities until the Multi Role Strike Ship enters service in the early 2030s.
wrans/answers2025-07-03 conversation_219
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-07-03)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-07-03 conversation_219

Mr Mark Francois:To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, whether the Royal Air Force plans to (a) reconsider its procurement strategy and (b) evaluate the acquisition of the E-2D Hawkeye to replace or supplement its existing E-7 Wedgetail fleet, in the context of the US Air Force's decision to procure the E-2D Hawkeye instead of the E-7 Wedgetail for airborne early warning and control capabilities,. \p Maria Eagle: The Ministry of Defence is continuing with its procurement of E-7 Wedgetail in order to meet the national and NATO requirements for an Airborne Early Warning and Control (AEWC) capability which is interoperable with its allies.

As highlighted in the Strategic Defence Review, AEWC aircraft provide significant advantages in warfighting, such as more persistent deep strike options.
wrans/answers2025-07-03 conversation_220
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-07-03)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-07-03 conversation_220

Helen Maguire:To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, whether he plans to extend the retention bonuses for tri-service aircraft engineers. \p Al Carns: Retention payments remain under constant review and are targeted where they provide the best value for recruitment, retention and the taxpayer. For aircraft engineers specifically, we are collecting data on their efficacy and will review if necessary.

Financial incentives, including retention payments, are but one method we use to improve recruitment and retention and are not just targeted at aircraft engineers. We are always seeking ways to incentivise Service, not all of which are financial. The Strategic Defence Review also explored the importance of pay and measures to improve retention, including recommending the Ministry of Defence prioritise delivering its 'flexible working' initiative, and providing support towards home ownership. Also announced as part of the Review was over £1.5 billion additional funding to fix forces family housing.

As a new Government, we have already improved the childcare offer for Service personnel, secured the largest pay award for Service personnel in 22 years, and we are in the final stages of a landmark bill to appoint an independent Armed Forces Commissioner, giving Service personnel a strong voice that can hold the Government to account.
wrans/answers2025-07-03 conversation_221
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-07-03)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-07-03 conversation_221

Ben Obese-Jecty:To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, with reference to the policy paper entitled UK-France Joint Leaders' Declaration, published on 23 March 2023, what steps he has taken to demonstrate the sequencing of a more persistent European carrier strike group presence in the Indo-Pacific. \p Maria Eagle: The UK and France, along with Italy, have jointly sequenced aircraft carrier deployments, including coordinating the deployment of HMS Prince of Wales with France's Charles de Gaulle and Italy's Cavour, to strengthen European naval presence in the Indo-Pacific. This cooperation, part of broader initiatives like the European Carrier Group Interoperability Initiative, enhances regional security and strategic alignment.
wrans/answers2025-07-03 conversation_222
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-07-03)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-07-03 conversation_222

Mr Andrew Snowden:To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, pursuant to the Answer of 26 June 2025 to Question 61866 on Armed Forces: Buildings, if he will make an estimate of the cost of answering that Question. \p Al Carns: The estimated cost of providing a response to Question 61866 - To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, pursuant to the Answer of 20 June 2025 to Question 60125 on Armed Forces: Buildings, how many of those properties are in Fylde, would be approximately £7,800.

This is more than the Parliamentary Question disproportionate cost limit of £850.
wrans/answers2025-07-03 conversation_223
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-07-03)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-07-03 conversation_223

James Naish:To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, whether he has had discussions with his counterparts in the (a) European Commission and (b) European Defence Agency on UK-EU defence industrial cooperation. \p Maria Eagle: As part of our recent Security and Defence partnership with the EU, we have agreed to explore closer co-operation and joint investment in our defence industrial base. In the first instance, the partnership creates a basis for broad consultations on defence readiness and defence industry and also means the UK now meets the criteria for discussing participation in common procurement under SAFE.

We have set an ambition with the EU to swiftly explore possibilities for mutually beneficial cooperation under the SAFE mechanism. We will work closely with our European partners to take this, and discussion on any further areas for defence industrial cooperation, forward, in accordance with the EU’s necessary processes.
wrans/answers2025-07-03 conversation_224
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-07-03)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-07-03 conversation_224

Ben Obese-Jecty:To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, how many service personnel were discharged after failing a Compulsory Drugs Test in (a) 2023, (b) 2024 and (c) 2025 for which the latest data is available. \p Al Carns: The requested information is provided in the table below. Please note that these figures are provided for internal use and not assured to the same level as official Defence Statistics.

Year

Royal Navy

Army

Royal Air Force

2023

135

595

65

2024

142

437

55

2025

28*

212**

17***

*Latest figures for Royal Navy up to June 2025.

**Latest figures for the British Army up to June 2025. Note that Army figures include those that tested in the previous year but were discharged in the following year.

***Royal Air Force figures are up to and including 26 June 2025.
wrans/answers2025-07-03 conversation_225
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-07-03)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-07-03 conversation_225

Paul Davies:To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, what steps he is taking to increase awareness of the document entitled Armed Forces Covenant Duty Statutory Guidance, published on 8 November 2022 among (a) Departments, (b) local authorities and (c) other public bodies. \p Al Carns: We are delivering on our commitment to put the Covenant fully into law. This new Armed Forces Covenant Legal Duty will apply to all Government Departments and Devolved Governments, expanding from three policy areas at a local level, to 14 broad and vital policy areas affecting the Armed Forces community. This law will make sure that respect for our Armed Forces community is not just spoken but woven into the very fabric of our policy and service delivery decisions.

This Government remains steadfast in our commitment—not only to those who wear the uniform, but to the families who support them, and the loved ones who carry on after their loss. By placing the Covenant at the heart of Government decision-making, and through the introduction of VALOUR, we are building a system that will deliver on the promise we’ve made, and giving our people the deal they deserve.
wrans/answers2025-07-03 conversation_226
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-07-03)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-07-03 conversation_226

Ben Obese-Jecty:To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, how many locations in the Defence Estate are currently guarded by the Military Provost Guard Service. \p Luke Pollard: The Military Provost Guard Service brings a professional and permanent armed guarding presence that offers a cost-effective and mission-ready solution, while maintaining the integrity and security of Defence estates without overstretching operational forces.

While I am unable to comment on specific security arrangements, I can assure the hon. Member that we take the safety and security of our sites extremely seriously and ensure we have robust measures in place.
wrans/answers2025-07-03 conversation_227
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-07-03)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-07-03 conversation_227

Max Wilkinson:To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, whether he has made a recent assessment of the potential merits of awarding the General Service Medal to military veterans who served in Aden during the early 1960s. \p Al Carns: The award of the General Service Medal (GSM) for those who served in Aden during the early 1960s would be a matter for the independent Advisory Military Sub-Committee (AMSC) to consider, rather than the Ministry of Defence (MOD). The AMSC is a sub-committee of the Committee on the Grant of Honours, Decorations and Medals (HD Committee) at the Cabinet Office which provides advice to The Sovereign on honours and medals.

The qualification period for the GSM for service in Aden has previously been considered by the Committee. It was decided that there would be no retrospective issue of the GSM for service between July 1960 and April 1964 as there was insufficient evidence to justify overturning the decisions made at the time. Whilst the MOD has no plans to review this case, this does nothing to lessen our appreciation of the professionalism, courage and contribution of all those who served in Aden.
wrans/answers2025-07-03 conversation_228
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-07-03)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-07-03 conversation_228

Liam Byrne:To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, with reference to (a) page 7 and (b) recommendation 12 on page 63 of the Strategic Defence Review, published on 2 June 2025, what (i) mechanisms and (ii) training he will put in place so that the new Defence Exports Office (A) has access to appropriate legal advice and (B) is fully aware of its legal obligations. \p Maria Eagle: This Government endorses the Strategic Defence Review’s (SDR) vision and accepts all 62 recommendations. The implementation of the Review’s recommendations will form part of the main business of the Department and will be executed through a whole of UK Defence effort. Any changes required to staff training and processes will be considered as part of the implementation work

All exports promoted by the Ministry of Defence or His Majesty's Government (HMG) will continue to be done in accordance with HMG's legal obligations, where there are already robust checks and balances in place across HMG decision making processes.
wrans/answers2025-07-03 conversation_229
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-07-03)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-07-03 conversation_229

James Cartlidge:To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, if he will provide a breakdown of the £7bn announced for defence housing that will be spent on (a) Service Family Accommodation and (b) Single Living Accommodation. \p Al Carns: The Ministry of Defence is currently undertaking an extensive review of its entire Military Accommodation portfolio, including how the department will make best use of the properties that have been reacquired from Annington, and which homes and locations can most benefit from investment.

The Defence Housing Strategy, to be published later this year, will set out wider plans to improve the standard of Service family homes. The sites that will be refurbished are being worked through carefully, with the ambition to fairly make improvements across the devolved nations within the UK. It is too early to say where funding will be spent.
wrans/answers2025-07-03 conversation_230
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-07-03)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-07-03 conversation_230

Ben Obese-Jecty:To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, what the assessment criteria is for applications for the Armed Forces Independence Payment. \p Al Carns: The Armed Forces Independence Payment (AFIP) is a benefit payment for Service personnel and veterans who have been awarded an Armed Forces Compensation Scheme (AFCS) Guaranteed Income Payment (GIP) Band A - C.

An individual may claim for Personal Independence Payment (PIP) and AFIP concurrently, however an individual is not entitled to both allowances as they are classed as 'overlapping benefits'. Claimants could however claim and receive PIP in advance of any AFIP application or whilst they wait for the outcome of an AFCS decision. Any AFIP payment due will take account of any PIP already paid for the same period with any only any applicable balance paid.

Whilst AFIP is administered by the Ministry of Defence (MOD), the benefit is paid by the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP). Officials work closely to ensure that DWP benefits correctly interface with the compensation provided by the MOD.

Information on the number of individuals who have applied for AFIP is not held centrally and could be provided only at disproportionate cost. Statistics on the AFCS are published annually by the MOD on gov.uk, and information relating to AFIP can be found at page 19 at the following link:

https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/media/6694ff57ab418ab05559251a/Armed_Forces_Compensation_Scheme_statistics_6_April_2005_to_31_March_2024.pdf

There is no assessment criteria for AFIP; the eligibility criteria is to be in receipt of an AFCS Guaranteed Income Payment (GIP) band A-C.
wrans/answers2025-07-03 conversation_231
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-07-03)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-07-03 conversation_231

Nadia Whittome:To ask the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, what estimate he has made of the number and proportion of the solar panels to be installed on new homes that will be manufactured in the UK; and what steps his Department is taking to support the domestic manufacture of solar (a) panels and (b) batteries. \p Michael Shanks: Though the UK will likely require solar panel imports in the short to medium term, several firms are involved in assembling panels and manufacturing innovative solar, such as thin film. The recently published Solar Roadmap sets out actions for maximising opportunities arising from commercialisation of innovative solar technologies and upscaling production of balance of system components.

As laid out in the recent Industrial Strategy's Advanced Manufacturing Sector Plan, Batteries is a frontier sector. We will invest £452m in support of Battery Innovation to compete in a challenging global marketplace and meet domestic demand across the supply chain.
wrans/answers2025-07-03 conversation_232
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-07-03)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-07-03 conversation_232

Stephen Gethins:To ask the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, what assessment he has made of the potential impact of the adoption of a reformed national pricing mechanism for Electricity Market Arrangements on the four nations of the UK. \p Michael Shanks: No decision has been reached on whether to transition to zonal pricing or to reform our current national pricing arrangements. For either a potential reformed national or zonal market, we will ensure that any decision is based on a robust assessment of impacts across the country. The Review of Electricity Market Arrangements' scope covers Great Britain, but we have also considered any potential impacts on Northern Ireland as part of our thinking and continue to engage with officials from all Devolved Administrations on a regular basis. We will provide an update in due course.