theodi/ndl-core-corpus huggingface dataset:
wrans/answers2025-10-20 conversation_755
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-10-20)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-10-20 conversation_755

Ben Obese-Jecty:To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, with reference to page 109 of the Strategic Defence Review 2025, when the enhanced recce-strike capability via Project ASGARD will be (a) operational and (b) shared across defence. \p Luke Pollard: I refer the hon. Member to the answer I gave him on 8 September 2025, to Question 73577, which remains extant and explains the current position for the Army’s project ASGARD.

The next iteration of ASGARD, focused at Corps level operations, will be tested in Quarter 2 2026.

Army (docx, 16.3KB)
wrans/answers2025-10-20 conversation_756
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-10-20)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-10-20 conversation_756

Ben Obese-Jecty:To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, with reference to recommendation 35 of the Strategic Defence Review 2025, when he will confirm the intended number of SSN attack submarines. \p Luke Pollard: The final decision will be based on analysis of defence requirements through the Defence Investment Plan.
wrans/answers2025-10-20 conversation_757
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-10-20)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-10-20 conversation_757

Ben Obese-Jecty:To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, with reference to recommendation 29 of the Strategic Defence Review 2025, what progress he has made on establishing a protected Defence AI Investment Fund. \p Luke Pollard: Good progress has been made in establishing the AI components which will form the basis of the Defence AI Investment Fund. Working in close collaboration with other Government Departments and the Cabinet Office to ensure a joined-up approach, the scope of the Defence AI Investment Fund will be confirmed and announced as part of the Defence Investment Plan in Autumn 2025.
wrans/answers2025-10-20 conversation_758
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-10-20)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-10-20 conversation_758

Ben Obese-Jecty:To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, what assessment he has made of the potential merits of changing the UK’s F-35B Lightning II force to use the AN/APG-85 radar. \p Luke Pollard: All UK F-35 aircraft are fitted with the APG-81 radar. There is currently no plan to change to an alternative radar.
wrans/answers2025-10-20 conversation_759
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-10-20)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-10-20 conversation_759

Ben Obese-Jecty:To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, with reference to page 43 of the National Security Strategy 2025, published in June 2025, CP 1338, what progress he has made on building at least six new (a) munitions and (b) energetics factories. \p Luke Pollard: The Strategic Defence Review (SDR) committed to invest £1.5 billion in an 'always on' pipeline for munitions and to build at least six new energetics and munitions factories in the UK this parliament. The Ministry of Defence (MOD) is currently developing a plan to deliver this commitment alongside our wider Defence Industrial Strategy, delivering long-term investment to boost UK growth and generating skilled UK jobs and export opportunities. The MOD is carefully considering arrangements for 'always on' and for new energetics and munitions factories including their potential locations, and more detail will be set out in due course. Work is ongoing in respect to the new factories and further announcements will be made in due course.
wrans/answers2025-10-20 conversation_760
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-10-20)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-10-20 conversation_760

Mr Jonathan Brash:To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, whether he has considered sites in the Northeast of England for the location of the six new munitions factories. \p Luke Pollard: The Strategic Defence Review (SDR) committed to build at least six new energetics and munitions factories in the UK. The Ministry of Defence (MOD) is currently developing a plan to deliver this commitment alongside our wider Defence Industrial Strategy, delivering long-term investment to boost UK growth and generating skilled UK jobs and export opportunities. The MOD is carefully considering arrangements for those factories including their potential locations, and more detail will be set out in due course. It is currently considered to be premature to discuss specific proposals or sites until the necessary preparatory work has concluded.
wrans/answers2025-10-20 conversation_761
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-10-20)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-10-20 conversation_761

Layla Moran:To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, whether he has had recent discussions with his European allies on the potential merits of jointly developing (a) aircraft and (b) other defence platforms as an alternative to reliance on US procurement. \p Luke Pollard: The Secretary of State has had recent discussions with both US and European Allies regarding joint development and procurement of defence capabilities. The Strategic Defence Review (SDR) sets out our need for a NATO First approach and enhanced cooperation. To this end, the Secretary of State’s recent discussions with the US, the UK’s most important bilateral alliance, have explored how the UK can maximise its industrial and technological collaboration to strengthen collective security and prosperity beyond already unprecedented UK-US industrial and nuclear cooperation. To the same end, the Secretary of State’s recent discussions with European Allies, including through the E5 format, consisting of the UK, France, Germany, Poland and Italy, represent a strong collaboration within the Alliance to develop a collective industrial base and deliver NATO critical warfighting capabilities. These capabilities include Complex Weapons with France, Land systems with Germany, and the Global Combat Air Programme which includes Italy.
wrans/answers2025-10-20 conversation_762
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-10-20)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-10-20 conversation_762

Mr Andrew Snowden:To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, what assessment his Department has made of the adequacy of the performance of the Sea Ceptor system during recent naval (a) exercises and (b) deployments. \p Luke Pollard: The SEA CEPTOR system delivers Local Air Defence capability against complex air threats both now and into the future. SEA CEPTOR is already in service on the Type 23 frigates and will be installed on the Type 26 and 31 classes. All six Type 45 destroyers are adding the SEA CEPTOR system to their arsenal.

The Ministry of Defence does not comment on effectiveness of weapon systems but I can reassure the hon. Member that we would not install weapon systems on our Royal Navy ships if they were not effective.
wrans/answers2025-10-20 conversation_763
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-10-20)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-10-20 conversation_763

Ben Obese-Jecty:To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, with reference to page 133 of his Department's Strategic Defence Review 2025, published on 2 June 2025, what progress he has made in conducting a holistic assessment of defence infrastructure requirements. \p Luke Pollard: As part of the Defence Investment Plan Defence has cohered the totality of the Defence Lines of Development for current capabilities and future Strategic Defence Review deliverables. This includes infrastructure for which the front-line commands and delivery agents have made a holistic assessment. Those capabilities and deliverables will be prioritised against force plans.
wrans/answers2025-10-20 conversation_764
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-10-20)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-10-20 conversation_764

Ben Obese-Jecty:To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, what assessment he has made of the scale of the damage to Loch Long caused by radioactive water from the burst pipework at HMNB Clyde. \p Luke Pollard: There has been no unsafe radioactive material released into the environment of Loch Long at any stage. The Royal Navy frequently engages with regulators who report there is no significant impact on the environment or public health. Appropriate preventative measures are in place to reduce safety risk, and the events reported reflect the rigorous monitoring that is carried out to ensure that any issues are identified and dealt with.

His Majesty’s Navy Base (HMNB) Clyde complies with international best practice as recommended by the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA). Nuclear safety at these sites is independently overseen by the Defence Nuclear Safety Regulator (DNSR) and the Office for Nuclear Regulation (ONR), who have robust powers to address concerns and recommend changes where necessary. These structures ensure that nuclear safety is treated with the seriousness that it requires.
wrans/answers2025-10-20 conversation_765
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-10-20)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-10-20 conversation_765

Ben Obese-Jecty:To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, with reference to his Department's press notice entitled UK and Türkiye agree big step towards multi-billion-pound export of Typhoon fighter jets, published on 23 July 2025, what the timeline is for the Typhoon upgrade programme over the next 15 years. \p Luke Pollard: Information regarding upgrades to the Typhoon's systems and equipment will be communicated in the forthcoming Defence Investment Plan.
wrans/answers2025-10-20 conversation_766
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-10-20)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-10-20 conversation_766

Ben Obese-Jecty:To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, with reference to page 109 of the Strategic Defence Review 2025, what progress he has made on prepositioning (a) ammunition and (b) heavier equipment in appropriately dispersed storage facilities in Europe. \p Luke Pollard: The British Army has equipment prepositioned in Germany and we continually review and adjust this position according to operational commitments. As the Army continues to progress through its modernisation programme, further work will be undertaken to explore potential future opportunities for prepositioning across Europe.
wrans/answers2025-10-20 conversation_767
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-10-20)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-10-20 conversation_767

Ben Obese-Jecty:To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, how many days HMS Daring has spent (a) at sea and (b) under repair since coming into service in 2006. \p Luke Pollard: The Ministry of Defence provides Royal Navy Surface Fleet readiness data to the House of Commons Defence Committee on a six-monthly basis. The most recent release of readiness information can be found at the following website: https://committees.parliament.uk/publications/49270/documents/262458/default/

HMS Daring entered service on 31 July 2010 and has delivered effect on operations since. As with all Royal Navy vessels, during her in service period there have been periods of “planned” unavailability including DARING’s Propulsion Improvement Programme (PIP) which commenced in October 2021, completing in January 2023. Since her return to His Majesty’s Naval Base Portsmouth, HMS DARING has been re-generating and has received several capability upgrades.
wrans/answers2025-10-20 conversation_768
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-10-20)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-10-20 conversation_768

Ben Obese-Jecty:To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, with reference to page 131 of the Strategic Defence Review 2025, what progress he has made on establishing a Sponsored Reserve model. \p Louise Sandher-Jones: The Defence Medical Services (DMS) is exploring the potential for a ‘Sponsored Reserve’ model or equivalent to increase medical Reserve numbers, with more personnel held at readiness. The DMS is engaging with industry providers to inform this work and will assess the benefits of employing Sponsored Reserves to DMS and consider options for capability and specialty-based contracts.
wrans/answers2025-10-20 conversation_769
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-10-20)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-10-20 conversation_769

Ben Obese-Jecty:To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, with reference to page 88 of the Strategic Defence Review 2025, published on 8 July 2025, what progress he has made on inviting leaders of FTSE100 companies to attend defence courses. \p Luke Pollard: The Ministry of Defence, in collaboration with the Defence Academy of the United Kingdom, has initiated the implementation of the commitment outlined on page 88 of the Strategic Defence Review 2025. As part of this initiative, senior executives from FTSE100 companies are being invited to participate in defence education courses, as part of an initial offer to industry partners.
wrans/answers2025-10-20 conversation_770
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-10-20)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-10-20 conversation_770

Ben Obese-Jecty:To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, what functions will be included within the National Armaments Director group. \p Luke Pollard: The National Armaments Director Group was established in March 2025 and is still being designed. It currently includes five enabling organisations and four newly established areas:

Defence Science and Technology Laboratory (Dstl)

Defence Support

Defence Equipment and Support (DE&S)

Defence Infrastructure Organisation (DIO)

Defence Digital (DD)

International Collaboration & Exports (ICE) including UK Defence and Security Exports (UKDSE)

Commercial & Industry (C&I) including National Shipbuilding Office (NSO)

Options and Commissioning (O&C) including Defence and Security Accelerator (DASA), part of UK Defence Innovation (UKDI)

Corporate and Shared Services including UK Hydrographic Office (UKHO), The Oil and Pipelines Agency (OPA) and Single Source Regulations Office (SSRO).
wrans/answers2025-10-20 conversation_771
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-10-20)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-10-20 conversation_771

Ben Obese-Jecty:To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, with reference to page 4106 of the Strategic Defence Review 2025, published on 8 July 2025, what recent progress he has made in improving the Royal Navy’s detection capacity. \p Luke Pollard: The Royal Navy is integrating existing, novel and commercial sources of data to detect activity at sea into a new Global Decision Support System (GDSS) that will transform the Royal Navy’s world leading Maritime Domain Awareness capability. These streams of activity when drawn together will deliver decision advantage to Operational Commanders, and front-line units.
wrans/answers2025-10-20 conversation_772
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-10-20)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-10-20 conversation_772

Ben Obese-Jecty:To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, what progress has he made on exploring the use of the stratosphere with vehicles capable of carrying higher payloads for missions lasting over 6 months. \p Luke Pollard: I refer the hon. Member to the answer I gave him on 19 September, to Question 76405.

Options for exploring the use of the stratosphere with vehicles capable of carrying high payloads for extended period are being pursued through Project AETHER, which is in its trial phase.

Following the completion of two initial trials, in September 2024 and March 2025, further opportunities in this area are subject to further trials and the continuation of planned funding for Project AETHER.

Military Aircraft: Procurement (docx, 16.2KB)
wrans/answers2025-10-20 conversation_773
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-10-20)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-10-20 conversation_773

Ben Obese-Jecty:To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, with reference to recommendation 48 of the Strategic Defence Review 2025, what assessment he has made of the potential merits of (a) investment and (b) improvement of RAF Brize Norton in partnership with private finance. \p Luke Pollard: RAF Brize Norton has secured multiple strategic investments that will deliver long term improvements to capability and the lived experience of the personnel based there. These improvements include Baggage Handling and Passenger Check-In Infrastructure, Airfield Operating Surfaces Project and a new Freight Handling Facility.

In line with our standard processes, all investment decisions are carefully scrutinised to ensure they offer value for money.
wrans/answers2025-10-20 conversation_774
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-10-20)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-10-20 conversation_774

Ben Obese-Jecty:To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, how many category (a) A, (b) B, (c) C and (d) D incidents have taken place at RNAD Coulport since 5 July 2024. \p Luke Pollard: I cannot provide specific detail for the events as disclosure would, or would be likely to, prejudice the capability, effectiveness or security of any relevant forces. However, I can assure the hon. Member that none of the events listed caused harm to the health of any member of staff or to any member of the public and none have resulted in any radiological impact to the environment.

The table below shows the number of Nuclear Site Event Reports (NSERs) at Coulport recorded between for the most recent financial year. These are shown according to agreed categorisation:

Nuclear Site Events- 2024, 22 April 2024 - 31 December 2024

Category A

Category B

Category C

Category D

Below Scale

Coulport

0

0

9

25

1

Nuclear Site Events- 2025, 01 January 2025 - 22 April 2025

Category A

Category B

Category C

Category D

Below Scale

Coulport

0

0

4

9

0

In line with Industry Good Practice and in common with other defence and civil nuclear sites, His Majesty’s Naval Base Clyde has a well-established system for raising NSERs.

NSERs are raised to foster a robust safety culture that learns from experience, whether that is of equipment failures, human error, procedural failings, documentation shortcomings or near-misses.
wrans/answers2025-10-20 conversation_775
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-10-20)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-10-20 conversation_775

Ben Obese-Jecty:To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, with reference to page 114 of the Strategic Defence Review 2025, published on 8 July 2025, what the full scope is of Typhoon upgrades for (a) radar, (b) defensive aids, (c) avionics and (d) weapons. \p Luke Pollard: An assessment of the planned Typhoon upgrades is currently underway. Further information regarding upgrades to the Typhoon's systems and equipment will be communicated in the forthcoming Defence Investment Plan.
wrans/answers2025-10-20 conversation_776
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-10-20)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-10-20 conversation_776

Ben Obese-Jecty:To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, with reference to page 114 of the Strategic Defence Review 2025, published on 8 July 2025, what progress he has made in planning for the use of UK commercial airfields in times of crisis. \p Luke Pollard: The Ministry of Defence (MOD) has robust plans for mobilising and deploying the Armed Forces in response to any number of events and crises, whether they take place at home and abroad. These plans are regularly reviewed, tested and exercised. As part of the planning process the MOD will identify civilian infrastructure which is deemed critical to enable and support military activity. This includes civilian airfields. The MOD routinely engages with commercial transport operators and industry associations and works closely with other Government Departments including the Department for Transport.
wrans/answers2025-10-20 conversation_777
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-10-20)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-10-20 conversation_777

Ben Obese-Jecty:To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, with reference to page 112 of the Strategic Defence Review 2025, published on 8 July 2025, what progress he has made in improving the RAF’s (a) productivity, (b) agility and (c) adaptability. \p Luke Pollard: The RAF has established, and is operating an approach which drives increased output, improved affordability and enhanced workforce effectiveness to deliver the recommendations set out in the Strategic Defence Review. Through delivery of prioritised and measured outcomes the RAF is committed to contribute to an increase in productivity, agility and adaptability.

The Chief of the Air Staff's Optimise Directive is part of the RAF's productivity approach, which coheres initiatives aimed at delivering benefits across the Royal Air Force and ensuring the best use of resources.
wrans/answers2025-10-20 conversation_778
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-10-20)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-10-20 conversation_778

Ben Obese-Jecty:To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, what recent assessment he has made of the potential merits of replacing the Royal Navy’s Batch 1 OPVs on retirement. \p Luke Pollard: The Royal Navy constantly reviews out-of-service dates to achieve maximum availability of its platforms for operational tasking. For operational security reasons, the Royal Navy does not release the out-of-service dates of individual platforms. The class out-of-service date for OPV Batch 1 is 2028.

The Royal Navy continues to assess its future capability requirements in accordance with the Strategic Defence Review and the Defence Investment Plan.
wrans/answers2025-10-20 conversation_779
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-10-20)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-10-20 conversation_779

Ben Obese-Jecty:To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, with reference to page 106 of the Strategic Defence Review 2025, updated on 8 July 2025, what progress he has made in establishing hybrid carrier airwings. \p Luke Pollard: Hybrid Air Wings, underpinned by the Royal Navy’s approach to Maritime Aviation Transformation, represents the evolution of the Fleet Air Arm to a crewed-uncrewed mix of drones, fast jets, helicopters and one-way effectors that will deliver enhanced lethality and combat mass for North Atlantic Sea Control, Homeland Defence and Carrier and Littoral Strike.

During the ongoing deployment of the UK Carrier Strike Group (Operation HIGHMAST), Malloy T150 and Puma uncrewed air systems are operating alongside crewed helicopters and F-35B strike fighters, providing logistics and surveillance capabilities which release capacity of crewed aircraft to undertake more complex operational tasks.

The investment decisions to support Strategic Defence Review recommendations are being developed by the Ministry of Defence and will be published in the Defence Investment Plan.
wrans/answers2025-10-20 conversation_780
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-10-20)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-10-20 conversation_780

Ben Obese-Jecty:To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, with reference to Box 12 page 105 of the Strategic Defence Review 2025, updated on 8 July 2025, what (a) uncrewed surface vessels and (b) uncrewed underwater vehicles are currently in operational service with the Royal Navy. \p Luke Pollard: As outlined in the Strategic Defence Review 2025, 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 posed by a modernising Russian submarine force. The UK’s anti-submarine warfare (ASW) capabilities are central to European defence and vital to meeting the Alliance’s evolving needs.

To support this, the Royal Navy will deploy a Type 26 ASW frigate force, designed to operate both uncrewed surface vessels (USVs) and uncrewed underwater vehicles (UUVs). The Navy is accelerating the integration of these systems, building on its existing wide range of uncrewed capabilities.

For operational security reasons, details of USVs and UUVs currently in active service are not publicly disclosed.
wrans/answers2025-10-20 conversation_781
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-10-20)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-10-20 conversation_781

Ben Obese-Jecty:To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, what is the projected cost of Project Astrea in this Parliament. \p Luke Pollard: Funding for the Astraea programme is included within the £15 billion investment in the sovereign nuclear warhead programme this Parliament, announced in the 2025 Strategic Defence Review. That investment also includes sustaining our current Mk4A warhead and modernising the associated infrastructure.

However, I am withholding the projected cost of the Astraea programme in this Parliament for the purpose of safeguarding our national security.
wrans/answers2025-10-20 conversation_782
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-10-20)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-10-20 conversation_782

Ben Obese-Jecty:To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, on what date the 1958 Mutual Defence Agreement with the United States was last renewed. \p Luke Pollard: The most recent renewal of the 1958 Mutual Defense Agreement between the United Kingdom and the United States entered into force on 14 November 2024. The agreement is now enduring in its entirety following the removal of the 10-yearly renewal provisions.
wrans/answers2025-10-20 conversation_783
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-10-20)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-10-20 conversation_783

Ben Obese-Jecty:To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, with reference to recommendation 35 of the Strategic Defence Review 2025, published on 8 July 2025, what progress has he made on delivering a National Endeavour public communications campaign. \p Luke Pollard: The ‘National Endeavour’ communications campaign is an enduring strategic communications campaign which aims to highlight and improve understanding of the work of the Defence Nuclear Enterprise (DNE), its importance to our national security, and its contribution to our economy.

This year, national and regional media coverage has included the commissioning event for HMS Agamemnon and steel cut for Dreadnought Boat 4, the launch of Team Plymouth as part of the Defence Industrial Strategy, attendance by the Prime Minister and the Secretary of State for Defence at HMNB Clyde to welcome submariners home from a deterrent patrol, and the first media visit to AWE Aldermaston in over a decade.

We also published the DNE 2025 Annual Update to Parliament, and ‘The UK’s Nuclear Deterrent: the National Endeavour Explained’. These are available at:

https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/defence-nuclear-enterprise-2025-annual-update-to-parliament/

https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/uk-nuclear-deterrence-factsheet/
wrans/answers2025-10-20 conversation_784
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-10-20)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-10-20 conversation_784

Ben Obese-Jecty:To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, with reference to page 100 of the Strategic Defence Review 2025, what the full scope is of the National Endeavour approach to the Defence Nuclear Enterprise. \p Luke Pollard: The National Endeavour covers all programmes and policies which contribute to the delivery of the nuclear deterrent. This includes investing in the infrastructure, capabilities, science, people, and places which are critical to the nuclear deterrent. Some aspects of this work are delivered directly by the Defence Nuclear Enterprise, as outlined in the Defence Nuclear Enterprise 2025 Annual Update to Parliament (available at https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/defence-nuclear-enterprise-2025-annual-update-to-parliament/). Other aspects are being driven forward by other Government Departments.
wrans/answers2025-10-20 conversation_785
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-10-20)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-10-20 conversation_785

Ben Obese-Jecty:To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, with reference to page 91 of the Strategic Defence Review 2025, when he plans to introduce the Defence Readiness Bill. \p Luke Pollard: We are developing proposals for inclusion in defence readiness legislation, including on potential military and civilian personnel requirements. That work will include consideration of the potential impacts of defence mobilisation in crisis or conflict on other areas. Any decisions on any future mobilisation will be taken in the context of the specific nature of the crisis and the circumstances applying at that time.
wrans/answers2025-10-20 conversation_786
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-10-20)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-10-20 conversation_786

Ben Obese-Jecty:To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, with reference to page 91 of the Strategic Defence Review 2025, by when he plans to enable the annual publication of percentage availability of in-service programmes. \p Luke Pollard: The Strategic Defence Review (SDR) set out the need for external scrutiny of UK warfighting readiness through annual reporting of key data, as one of a number of possible measures in a wider Defence Readiness Bill. Given its potentially broad scope, a Defence Readiness Bill may be a legislative vehicle for wider Government, not just Defence. We are therefore working closely across Government through the Cabinet Office-led Home Defence programme to shape key requirements, and understand and identify the measures needed. This preliminary work will allow us introduce legislation when parliamentary time allows.
wrans/answers2025-10-20 conversation_787
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-10-20)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-10-20 conversation_787

Mr Andrew Snowden:To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, what assessment his Department has made of the potential contribution of the BAE Systems site at Warton to the delivery of the Future Combat Air Systems; and what proportion of FCAS-related research and development and production work is expected to take place in Lancashire. \p Luke Pollard: BAE Systems is a prime contributor to the Future Combat Air System (FCAS) programme, and the Warton site plays a central role in the development of advanced technologies, systems integration, and digital engineering as part of Team Tempest.
wrans/answers2025-10-20 conversation_788
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-10-20)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-10-20 conversation_788

Mr Andrew Snowden:To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, whether his Department has conducted recent test firings of the Spearfish torpedo in UK waters. \p Luke Pollard: The Ministry of Defence has made significant progress in implementing the Spearfish Upgrade Programme, focusing on enhancing the capabilities of the Spearfish torpedo system to meet evolving defence requirements. The integration of the Spearfish MOD 1 torpedo with the submarine's combat system has been demonstrated through in-water firings.

The most recent test firing of the Spearfish torpedo took place in June 2025 at the British Underwater Test and Evaluation Centre (BUTEC).
wrans/answers2025-10-20 conversation_789
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-10-20)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-10-20 conversation_789

Mr Andrew Snowden:To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, what his planned timeline is for the full weapons fit of the Type 26 frigate to become operational. \p Luke Pollard: The Type 26 programme remains on track to meet all user requirements and deliver world-class anti-submarine warfare frigates.

T26 will be fitted with the Mk41 Vertical Launch System (VLS) and there will be options for spiral development of weapon systems throughout the ships’ life. The first T26 frigate is expected to enter service from 2028.
wrans/answers2025-10-20 conversation_790
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-10-20)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-10-20 conversation_790

Mr Calvin Bailey:To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, whether he has made an assessment of the potential impact of the Defence Readiness Bill on balancing fefence mobilisation requirements with current and future industrial demand for specialist personnel working in (a) private sector industries critical to an effective national response to emergencies and (b) critical national infrastructure. \p Luke Pollard: The Strategic Defence Review set out the need for Defence Readiness legislation this Parliament to give the Government more robust or additional powers to make the UK safe. This could include measures to improve the preparedness of key industries including nuclear, to better protect our Critical National Infrastructure and to support the mobilisation of wider Defence, including industry reserves. As this Government set out to the Joint Committee on the National Security Strategy on 30 June, a Defence Readiness Bill is potentially a legislative vehicle for the wider Government, not just Defence. We are therefore working closely across Government through the Cabinet Office-led Home Defence programme to shape our key requirements, and understand and identify the measures needed. This will lay the groundwork to introduce legislation when Parliamentary time allows.
wrans/answers2025-10-20 conversation_791
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-10-20)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-10-20 conversation_791

Ben Obese-Jecty:To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, with reference to Box 12 page 15 of the Strategic Defence Review 2025, updated on 8 July 2025, how do mission bays facilitate (a) rapid upgrades and (b) spiral development. \p Luke Pollard: The Royal Navy has embraced the mission bay concept, which are spaces on our ships into which modular capabilities can be inserted quickly, easily and at very low cost.

Mission bays offer the opportunity to support a standardised footprint capability module (be this a ‘pod’ or otherwise). This supports spiral development by narrowing the boundary (or scope) of any developments to this footprint, relying upon the initial standardisation specification. Therefore, rapid upgrades can be embedded within the platform through the much shorter route of exchanging the podded or modular component, rather than engaging in constructive re-design of a system already integrated into the platform.
wrans/answers2025-10-20 conversation_792
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-10-20)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-10-20 conversation_792

Rupert Lowe:To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, if he will ensure that halal food is not the default option in (a) his Department, (b) military academies and (c) the armed forces. \p Louise Sandher-Jones: It is current Defence policy that Halal food is not the default option for the Ministry of Defence (MOD), military academies, or the Armed Forces. There are currently no Defence institutions where Halal food is the only option.

Suppliers are required to enable the MOD inclusive Dining Offer by accommodating catering requests for all personnel, irrespective of gender, race, religious beliefs and committed lifestyle choices. Food products used by ethnic groups following traditional dietary practices associated with their cultural background and religious beliefs, shall be sourced, prepared, processed and packaged in accordance with the requirements of the relevant religious law.
wrans/answers2025-10-20 conversation_793
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-10-20)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-10-20 conversation_793

Chris Law:To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, how much revenue has been generated by his Department by private aircraft landing at Leuchars Station since 30 October 2023. \p Luke Pollard: Private aircraft use of Leuchars Aerodrome has generated revenue of circa £204,420, since 30 October 2023.
wrans/answers2025-10-20 conversation_794
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-10-20)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-10-20 conversation_794

Chris Law:To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, how many private aircraft have landed at Leuchars Station since 30 October 2023. \p Luke Pollard: 100 private aircraft have landed at Leuchars Station since 30 October 2023.
wrans/answers2025-10-20 conversation_795
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-10-20)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-10-20 conversation_795

Rebecca Paul:To ask the Secretary of State for Justice, whether the security breach in October 2025 involving an unauthorised prisoner departure at HMP Downview involved a prisoner housed in the prison’s E Wing. \p Jake Richards: The incident referred to did not involve a prisoner on E Wing, and does not affect the management of the unit.
wrans/answers2025-10-20 conversation_796
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-10-20)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-10-20 conversation_796

Rebecca Paul:To ask the Secretary of State for Justice, what assessment his Department has made of the adequacy of staff training and management at HMP Downview, in the context of the security breach involving an unauthorised prisoner departure in October 2025. \p Jake Richards: There has been one instance in the last 24 months of a prisoner at HMP/YOI Downview leaving the secure perimeter without formal authorisation. Swift action was taken by other staff to correct the breach.

The Prison Group Director has commissioned an investigation into the breach, and an immediate assessment of risks has been undertaken pending the outcome of the investigation.

Once the investigation is complete, action will be taken based on the findings.
wrans/answers2025-10-20 conversation_797
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-10-20)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-10-20 conversation_797

Sir James Cleverly:To ask the Secretary of State for Justice, whether the provisions in the Public Office (Accountability) Bill will apply to (a) town and (b) parish councillors. \p Alex Davies-Jones: The Public Office (Accountability) Bill reforms abolish the common law offence of misconduct in public office and introduce two new offences: seriously improper acts and breach of duty to prevent death or serious injury. These new offences apply to elected officials, including town and parish councillors.
wrans/answers2025-10-20 conversation_798
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-10-20)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-10-20 conversation_798

Ben Obese-Jecty:To ask the Secretary of State for Justice, with reference to his Department's policy paper entitled AI action plan for justice, published on 31 July 2025, what progress he has made in establishing a (a) single and (b) secure identity for each individual within the criminal justice system. \p Jake Richards: We are continuing to explore the potential for a single, secure digital identity for each person interacting with the justice system. The Core Person Record service, which links existing data across courts, prisons and probation, is currently being piloted and represents an early step towards this ambition. Delivering a single, secure identity will form part of a wider programme of long-term transformation, supported by investment in data quality, interoperability and infrastructure across the justice system.
wrans/answers2025-10-20 conversation_799
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-10-20)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-10-20 conversation_799

Ben Obese-Jecty:To ask the Secretary of State for Justice, with reference to his Department's policy paper entitled IA action plan for justice, published on 31 July 2025, what progress he has made in linking offender data through (a) BOLD and (b) Data First programmes. \p Jake Richards: Using ‘Splink’ (Splink: MoJ’s open source library for probabilistic record linkage at scale - GOV.UK), the Department has made significant progress in linking offender data through both the BOLD and Data First programmes, as follows:

Through BOLD: Data has been shared and linked across Government Departments and other agencies to produce 16 offender-related datasets linking cases and people across contact with the criminal courts, police, prisons, and probation services, drug treatment services, local authorities (in relation to homelessness) as well as assessments of offender risks and needs and child benefit. To date, these datasets have been used to address key critical evidence gaps in policy (leading to 8 offender-related analytical publications), and to develop new operational tools for frontline staff. Details on the BOLD programme and its outputs to date can be found at: Ministry of Justice: Better Outcomes through Linked Data (BOLD) - GOV.UK. More recently, BOLD have developed a software package, Laurium, which uses AI to extract structured insights from free-text data (like case notes), thereby extracting more value from linked datasets.

Through Data First: The Ministry of Justice has linked and shared eight justice datasets, connecting cases and people across civil, family and criminal courts, prisons, and probation services, as well as assessments of offender risks and needs. These datasets are made available to accredited academic researchers via trusted research environments, facilitating powerful new research insights both within individual domains, where repeat service users can be identified for the first time, as well as on end-to-end cross justice system journeys. To date, this has resulted in over 50 academic projects. Details on Data First datasets and outputs to date can be found at: Ministry of Justice: Data First - GOV.UK.
wrans/answers2025-10-20 conversation_800
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-10-20)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-10-20 conversation_800

Ben Obese-Jecty:To ask the Secretary of State for Justice, with reference to his Department's policy paper entitled AI action plan for justice, published on 31 July 2025, what progress he has made in strengthening partnerships with criminal justice partners on a collective response to AI-enabled criminality. \p Jake Richards: The Criminal Justice Action Group, chaired by the Ministry of Justice Permanent Secretary and attended by core criminal justice partners (the police, Home Office, AGO, CPS, Judicial Office, HMCTS and HMPPS), is actively considering the risks to the criminal justice system of AI-enabled criminality and a collective response. This is part of the Government’s wider response to tackling AI enabled crime and emerging risks from AI, working closely with the AI sector, law enforcement and international partners.
wrans/answers2025-10-20 conversation_801
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-10-20)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-10-20 conversation_801

Helen Maguire:To ask the Secretary of State for Justice, what assessment his Department has made of the the potential merits of increasing prison educators pay in line with their counterparts in other further education workplaces. \p Jake Richards: The Ministry of Justice recognises the vital role prison educators play in supporting rehabilitation and reducing reoffending. Prison educators are employed by Further Education or Training Providers contracted to deliver education in custody. As such, their pay and terms and conditions are set by those providers. Providers typically align prison educator pay with equivalent roles in community-based further education settings.
wrans/answers2025-10-20 conversation_802
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-10-20)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-10-20 conversation_802

Lee Anderson:To ask the Secretary of State for Justice, what steps her Department is taking with the Parole Board to ensure that (a) victims and (b) their families have a key role in the decision-making process in early parole release hearings. \p Alex Davies-Jones: We have interpreted “early parole” to mean a release direction made by the Parole Board once a prisoner serving a parole-eligible sentence has completed the minimum custodial term (tariff) set at the point of sentence and so becomes eligible for release. The Ministry of Justice and the Parole Board are committed to ensuring victims, and their families in the case of deceased victims, can participate in and are supported through the parole decision-making process. As part of this commitment, a national policy was rolled out earlier this year to enable victims to apply to observe parole hearings remotely, supported by trained staff from the Victim Contact Scheme. Victims also have the right to submit a Victim Personal Statement, which may be read aloud during the hearing and eligible victims can make representations about licence conditions imposed on offenders when they are released. There is also a process by which victims can make representations to the Secretary of State if they think there are grounds for the Secretary of State to apply for a release decision to be reconsidered by the Parole Board. These measures aim to improve transparency, support victim engagement, and ensure their voices are heard throughout the parole process.
wrans/answers2025-10-20 conversation_803
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-10-20)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-10-20 conversation_803

Melanie Onn:To ask the Secretary of State for Justice, what recent assessment he has made of the adequacy of probation staff pay, in the context of the (a) workload and (b) public safety responsibilities of probation staff. \p Jake Richards: We are committed to supporting probation staff and value their hard work, commitment and dedication. We recognise that fair and competitive pay is essential not only for staff wellbeing and retention, but also for maintaining the resilience of the Probation Service in its critical public safety role.

In recent years, we have made significant investments in pay through a multi-year pay deal (2022–2025), which provided certainty in pay increases and addressed longstanding structural issues. In June 2025, we secured exceptional agreement to pay the Competency Based Framework (CBF) Progression element of the award to eligible staff, recognising their contribution during a period of exceptional operational pressure.

We are currently working with senior leaders, ministers and recognised Trade Unions to agree the best possible outcome for the 2025/26 pay award, in line with Civil Service Pay Remit Guidance and our priorities for attraction and retention.

We also recognise the link between pay, workload and public safety. To address workload pressures, we have implemented initiatives such as “Probation Reset” and “Impact” and launched the “Our Future Probation Service” programme, which aims to reduce workload by 25% by April 2027. Recruitment remains a priority, with significant numbers of probation officer trainees onboarded in 2024/25 and a commitment to onboard a further 1,300 by March 2026.

These efforts are supported by a new wellbeing support model across HMPPS, including regional plans such as the Midlands wellbeing strategy, to ensure staff are supported in delivering their vital public safety responsibilities.