theodi/ndl-core-corpus huggingface dataset:
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-12-11)

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Rupert Lowe:To ask the Secretary of State for Education, how many staff in their Department have been on mental health leave for six months or more; and for what reason. \p Olivia Bailey: The department records sickness absence categorised to show the broad reason for the absence, with one option titled ‘anxiety, stress, depression and other psychiatric illnesses’. As of 31 October 2025, five or fewer members of staff in the department were on sickness absence for six months or more, and were still absent on that date, with a recorded reason for the sickness absence of ‘anxiety, stress, depression and other psychiatric illnesses’. Due to the small numbers involved, figures are rounded to the nearest five and are not reported separately. The department does not hold more detailed information on the individual circumstances of these cases.

Statistics on mental ill-health related absence across the Civil Service, including for the department, are publicly available in the Civil Service sickness absence reports on GOV.UK. These are available at: https://www.gov.uk/government/collections/sickness-absence. The next release is due on 18 December.

The department is committed to supporting staff wellbeing and provides a range of services, including occupational health support, access to an Employee Assistance Programme, and trained Mental Health First Aiders.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-12-11)

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Nick Timothy:To ask the Secretary of State for Education, how much funding her Department has provided for higher education programmes involving Chinese (a) military institutions, and (b) companies connected to the military. \p Josh MacAlister: The department has not received any representations from UK universities on funding partnerships with Chinese military institutions or companies connected to the military.

Universities are independent from government, and it is their responsibility to assess their arrangements. We encourage universities to pursue partnerships and engage internationally, provided they comply with UK security policies and regulations.

The government supports the sector in managing risks through the Research Collaboration Advice Team, and a comprehensive package of legislative and regulatory measures including the Academic Technology Approvals Scheme, export controls and the National Security and Investment Act.

The department provides grant funding through the strategic priorities grant to the Office for Students for distribution to providers in line with terms and conditions set by my right hon. Friend, the Secretary of State for Education. None of these terms and conditions relate to programmes involving Chinese military institutions or companies connected to them.
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James McMurdock:To ask the Secretary of State for Education, what information her Department holds on the number of pupils who completed two weeks of work experience in each of the last three years. \p Georgia Gould: The department does not hold published national data on the number of pupils who completed two weeks of work experience in the last three years. Schools currently report on whether pupils have had an experience of a workplace rather than the duration of that experience.

According to school and college performance data captured through the Compass+ online self-assessment tool, more students are experiencing workplaces than in previous years. Overall performance on Gatsby Benchmark 6 (experiences of workplaces) in the 2024/25 academic year improved by 2% points from 2023/24 to 74% on average for all schools and colleges.

The department is funding the Careers and Enterprise Company to deliver the first phase of activity to prepare schools and employers to deliver the government’s commitment to ensure every pupil has access to two weeks’ worth of work experience during their secondary education.
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Dr Luke Evans:To ask the Secretary of State for Education, pursuant to the Answer of 23 October 2025 to Question 82925 on Special Educational Needs, what recent discussions she has had with (a) children, (b) parents and (c) experts on SEND provision; and if she will make an assessment of the potential merits of establishing (i) consultation portals and (ii) additional contact mechanisms for the public to share ideas. \p Georgia Gould: This government is determined to deliver reform that stands the test of time and rebuilds the confidence of families. To ensure lived experience and partnership are at the heart of our solutions, we are currently engaging with children, young people and their families, experts, charities and other sector organisations through our special educational needs and disabilities Ministerial development group, regional and online engagement sessions, and ministerial roundtables as well as through our online portal which can be accessed here: https://consult.education.gov.uk/send-reform-national-conversation/.

We want to hear from as many people as possible, from parents and young people to those working in schools, colleges and early years – building a consensus on what works to help deliver lasting reform. The experiences shared during these engagement opportunities will be vital in ensuring that our proposals effectively deliver meaningful reforms for families. We will also continue engagement as part of a formal consultation following the Schools White Paper publication, and the responses received will be carefully considered in shaping the reforms.
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Nigel Huddleston:To ask the Secretary of State for Education, whether she plans to (a) extend the consultation period and (b) hold further discussions with (i) specialist and (ii) independent providers on the proposed schools white paper. \p Georgia Gould: This government is determined to deliver reform that stands the test of time and rebuilds the confidence of families.

To ensure lived experience and partnership are at the heart of our reforms, we have launched a national conversation on SEND with children, young people and their families, experts, charities and other sector organisations through our SEND Ministerial development group, regional and online engagement sessions, and ministerial roundtables. Further information is available here: https://consult.education.gov.uk/send-reform-national-conversation/.

The experiences shared during these engagement opportunities will be vital in ensuring that our proposals effectively deliver meaningful reforms for families. We will continue engagement as part of a formal consultation following the White Paper publication, and the responses received will be carefully considered in shaping the reforms.
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James Cartlidge:To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, with reference to the Written Ministerial Statement of 26 November 2025 on Ajax Programme Update, HCWS 1099, when the safety investigation will conclude. \p Luke Pollard: As a result of the 30 soldiers reporting be affected by noise and vibration from an Ajax training exercise on 22 November, I directed the Army to pause all use of Ajax for training and exercising, while a safety investigation is carried out into the events. Those investigations are ongoing and I will update the House at an appropriate point.

Furthermore, I have put in place a Ministerial led review into the Ajax programme, which will assess how effective the department has been at implementing the actions of previous reviews, and seeking anything further that is required regarding safety.

It will be conducted by experts who are not part of the AJAX programme, including Malcolm Chalmers, to provide a more independent view. It will be overseen by me and report to the Secretary of State.
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Derek Twigg:To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, what recent estimate his Department has made of the cost in (a) time and (b) resource to (i) the Army and (ii) his Department of dealing with problems with the Ajax vehicle. \p Luke Pollard: On 22 November, during a routine training exercise, around 30 soldiers operating in Ajax reported being affected by noise and vibration exposure.

Out of an abundance of caution, and in line with our safety protocols, the exercise was halted within 30 minutes so that those affected could receive appropriate medical care.

Importantly, none of the symptoms were severe enough to require hospitalisation.

As a result, I directed the Army to pause all use of Ajax for training and exercising, while a safety investigation is carried out into the events. Those investigations are ongoing and I will update the House at an appropriate point.

Furthermore, I am putting in place a Ministerial led review into the Ajax programme, which will assess how effective the department has been at implementing the actions of previous reviews, and seeking anything further that is required regarding safety.

It will be conducted by experts who are not part of the AJAX programme, including Malcolm Chalmers, to provide a more independent view. It will be overseen by me and report to the Defence Secretary.
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James Cartlidge:To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, with reference to the Written Ministerial Statement of 26 November 2025 on Ajax Programme Update, HCWS 1099, which Ajax variants are being assessed as part of the safety investigation. \p Luke Pollard: On 22 November, during a routine training exercise, around 30 soldiers operating in Ajax reported being affected by noise and vibration exposure. Out of an abundance of caution, and in line with our safety protocols, the exercise was halted within 30 minutes so that those affected could receive appropriate medical care.

Fortunately, none of the symptoms were severe enough to require hospitalisation,.

As a result, I directed the Army to pause all use of Ajax for training and exercising, while a safety investigation is carried out into the events. Those investigations are ongoing and I will update the House at an appropriate point.

I have in place a Ministerial led review into the Ajax programme, which will assess how effective the department has been at implementing the actions of previous reviews, and seeking anything further that is required regarding safety.

It will be conducted by experts who are not part of the AJAX programme, including Malcolm Chalmers, to provide a more independent view. It will be overseen by me and report to the Defence Secretary.
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Ben Obese-Jecty:To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, pursuant to the answer of 2 December 2025 to question 94926 on Ajax Vehicles: Health and Safety, whether vehicles within the Ajax programme will be available for use prior to the a) conclusion and b) implementation of recommendations of that review. \p Luke Pollard: On 22 November, during a routine training exercise, around 30 soldiers operating in Ajax reported being affected by noise and vibration exposure.

As a result, I directed the Army to pause all use of Ajax for training and exercising, while a safety investigation is carried out into the events. Those investigations are ongoing and I will update the House at an appropriate point.

I am putting in place a Ministerial led review into the Ajax programme, which will assess how effective the Department has been at implementing the actions of previous reviews, and seeking anything further that is required regarding safety.

It will be conducted by experts who are not part of the AJAX programme, including Malcolm Chalmers, to provide a more independent view. It will be overseen by me and report to the Defence Secretary. It will be conducted at pace, but it will not be rushed. We will have the Terms of Reference before Christmas.
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James Cartlidge:To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, with reference to the transcript of his speech entitled Defence Secretary speech on threats to the UK, published on 19 November 2025, what is the total monetary value of the over 1,000 major contracts signed. \p Luke Pollard: The total value of the 953 Ministry of Defence (MOD) contracts over £1 million is £23,411,117,978.37 (excluding VAT).
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James Cartlidge:To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, pursuant to the Answer of 10 March to Question 34903 on Defence: Procurement, whether he has met with any representatives from British SMEs regarding the Defence Small and Medium Enterprise Support Hub. \p Luke Pollard: I regularly engage with representatives of the defence industry, including SMEs. For example at DSEI and DPRTE I engaged with over 20 SMEs at those two events alone.

Further to that, SMEs have been widely consulted in the development of the Office for Small Business Growth to ensure that the new service meets defence SMEs needs and fully integrates with support offered to smaller companies by other organisations and Government Departments.
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Ben Obese-Jecty:To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, what steps he is taking to ensure the provision of (a) suitably qualified and (b) experienced engineers to meet the operational workforce requirements of the Lightning programme. \p Luke Pollard: I refer the hon. Member to the answer I gave to his previous Question 87989 on 18 November 2025:

https://questions-statements.parliament.uk/written-questions/detail/2025-11-04/87989

I refer the hon. Member to page 15, paragraphs 15-17 of the Fifty First Report of the Committee of Public Accounts of Session 2024-26 on The UK’s F-35 stealth fighter capability, HC 1232, published on 31 October 2025.

The Ministry of Defence (MOD) has increased its recruitment of engineers significantly in the last two years; offering joining bonuses and increasing the capacity of its technical training skills to enable more recruits to be trained more quickly. To improve retention the RAF has implemented a Financial Retention Incentive for engineers.

The MOD has acknowledged that the F35 programme suffers from a shortage of engineers and that it is crucial that the Department addresses this issue, with significant steps already having been taken to improve the situation. However, training time required for engineers means that it is expected to take three or four years before the programme has the required numbers.

The MOD has noted the Public Accounts Committee’s recommendations related to personnel and will be responding through the Treasury Minute Process in due course. The recruitment and retention of personnel remains one of the top two priorities for the Chief of the Defence Staff.
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Ben Obese-Jecty:To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, what assessment has he made of the potential impact of the logistical burden of (a) armoured battlegroups and (b) vehicles from the (i) Ajax, (ii) Boxer and (iii) 433 families on the Army. \p Luke Pollard: The British Army assesses logistic requirements as part of the process to deliver new vehicles and equipment into service. For reasons of operational security, I am unable to provide the details requested as to do so would reveal the readiness levels of specific platforms.

On 22 November, during a routine training exercise, around 30 soldiers operating in Ajax reported being affected by noise and vibration exposure. Out of an abundance of caution, and in line with our safety protocols, the exercise was halted within 30 minutes so that those affected could receive appropriate medical care.

Importantly, none of the symptoms were life-threatening or severe enough to require hospitalisation, and most soldiers have already shown significant improvement, with many returning back to their duties.

As a result, I directed the Army to pause all use of Ajax for training and exercising, while a safety investigation is carried out into the events. Those investigations are ongoing and I will update the House at an appropriate point.

I have in place a Ministerial led review into the Ajax programme, which will assess how effective the Department has been at implementing the actions of previous reviews, and seeking anything further that is required regarding safety.

It will be conducted by experts who are not part of the AJAX programme, including Malcolm Chalmers, to provide a more independent view. It will be overseen by me and report to the Defence Secretary.
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Andrew Rosindell:To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, what steps his Department has taken to support the defence industry in Northern Ireland. \p Luke Pollard: On 8 September 2025 we published the Defence Industrial Strategy, which includes a range of initiatives that cut red tape, speed up development to delivery, and ensure our defence investment benefits local communities. This includes a Northern Ireland Defence Growth Deal, which will harness Northern Ireland’s defence sub-sector strengths while also ensuring that the foundations are in place to support that defence spending.

We are committed to working with partners across Northern Ireland to ensure that we have a thriving defence sector that supports jobs, skills and growth.
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Ian Roome:To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, what steps his Department is taking to improve the physical security of (a) military sites and (b) other sites of strategic importance including critical national infrastructure. \p Al Carns: I refer the hon. Member to the Written Ministerial Statement laid before the House on 27 November.

Defence is taking decisive action to strengthen security across our estate, reversing years of under-investment and focusing our resources on our highest priority sites. We have delivered urgent physical enhancements, introduced advanced surveillance technology such as the Immediate Threat Mitigation Solution, and we are investing in digital transformation to modernise our approach, including MOD adoption of the Critical National Infrastructure Knowledge Base. Enhanced vigilance, updated guidance, and improved reporting have made it easier for personnel and industry partners to report incidents, while successful recruitment campaigns are increasing our policing and guard capacity.

Our multi-layered security approach combines technology, workforce, and physical security to protect our people and assets. The upcoming piloting of Restricted Airspace above strategic sites and significant investment in remotely piloted aerial systems further enhance our ability to deter and respond to threats.

Defence will use all available levers to take swift action wherever and whenever security is threatened and will not hesitate to pursue prosecution where criminality is suspected. Safeguarding the Defence estate remains a key priority, and we will continue to relentlessly pursue improvements to ensure we deliver the highest standards of security and resilience for our estate.
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James Cartlidge:To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, with reference to his Department's press release entitled Work starts on the future of naval support in boost to British jobs, published on 3 December 2025, what is the in service date for RFA Resurgent. \p Luke Pollard: The Fleet Solid Support (FSS) programme cut steel on 3 December 2025, which marks the start of the construction phase for the Royal Fleet Auxiliary (RFA) ships. The RFA Resurgent was named at the cut steel ceremony.

The core RFA crew is expected to be around 100 in number, with additional military augmentees and specialists embarked for specific tasks and roles.

On the current schedule, RFA Resurgent is expected to enter service in 2031 after extended first of class trials and equipment fits. Following the financial distress of Harland and Wolff and its acquisition by Navantia UK, a substantial amount of work has been done to assess and mitigate the impact on the approved schedule. This is subject to ongoing engagement with the relevant authorities, including Ministerial approvals, and therefore it would be inappropriate to comment further. Updates will be provided through official channels at the appropriate time.
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James Cartlidge:To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, with reference to his Department's press release entitled UK “building the factories of the future” as government launches next phase of new munitions and energetics factories, published on 19 November 2025, whether the 6 new munitions and energetics factories he has committed to build this Parliament will all be built on the proposed 13 potential sites identified. \p Luke Pollard: I refer the hon. Member to the answer I gave him on 25 November 2025, to Question 93045.

https://questions-statements.parliament.uk/written-questions/detail/2025-11-20/93045

Work is underway to plan the new factories. It is currently premature to provide specific detail, more information will be made available once the necessary preparatory work has been completed.
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James Cartlidge:To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, pursuant to the Answer of 3 December to Question 95406 on Defence: Procurement, whether the Defence Small and Medium Enterprise Support Hub is also known as the Defence Office for Small Business Growth. \p Luke Pollard: Yes, the Office for Small Business Growth is the enduring title for what was previously referred to as the Defence Small and Medium Enterprise Support Hub.
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Ben Obese-Jecty:To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, on what date did Project Matcha (a) start and (b) end. \p Luke Pollard: The then Secretary of State for Defence granted approval for Project MATCHA in May 2021. The final programme activity occurred through a Closure Board in November 2024.
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Ben Obese-Jecty:To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, pursuant to the answer of 1 December 2025 to question 94541 on Ministry of Defence: Asbestos, what the cost was of the 119 awards for mesothelioma. \p Louise Sandher-Jones: To provide the cost of the 119 War Pension Scheme awards for mesothelioma or any asbestos-related condition made 1 April 2024 and 31 March 2025 would require a manual review of each case to determine the exact money paid and could be provided only at disproportionate cost.

As reported in the War Pensions Scheme Accredited Official Statistic, 96 lump sum awards for mesothelioma were paid out in the 2024-25 financial year at a cost of £13.2 million.

The latest WPS Annual Statistics can be found at the following link:

https://www.gov.uk/government/statistics/war-pensions-scheme-statistics-2025

As there is a delay between a mesothelioma claim being awarded and being paid, those paid out in 2024-25 could have been awarded in either 2023-24 or 2024-25.

Since 16 December 2015, veterans diagnosed with service-attributable mesothelioma have had the choice between a one-off, tax-free lump sum of £140,000 or regular, smaller payments in the form of an ongoing disablement pension. Disablement pensioners already in receipt of an ongoing pension on 16 December 2015 were entitled to receive a lump sum payment of £140,000 less any monies already received. Lump sum payments have been made since 11 April 2016. Further details on the policy change can be found on GOV.UK website.
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James Cartlidge:To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, what is the in service date for the One-Way Effector delivered under Project Brakestop. \p Luke Pollard: There is no defined in-service date for Project BRAKESTOP. The Department is currently planning to place production contracts in 2026, following upcoming flight trials.
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James Cartlidge:To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, whether there has been any delay to the delivery of Project Brakestop. \p Luke Pollard: The Project BRAKESTOP schedule has been highly ambitious from the outset. Flight trials are broadly on track.
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James Cartlidge:To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, when was the last trial for the CAMM. \p Luke Pollard: The Armed Forces assure the performance of the Land Ceptor and Sea Ceptor systems, of which CAMM is the effector, through a variety of methods, including in-service live firings. The most recent in-service firing for Land Ceptor was in May 2025 and the most recent Sea Ceptor in-service firing was in 2021.
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James Cartlidge:To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, when was the last trial for the Brimstone missile. \p Luke Pollard: In support of the ongoing Brimstone 3 Demonstration programme a successful trial campaign was conducted in August 2025.
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James Cartlidge:To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, with reference to the Written Statement of 27 November 2025 on MOD Security Review, HCWS1103, when did his Department formally adopt the Critical National Infrastructure Knowledge Base. \p Al Carns: Staff dedicated to the development of the Critical National Infrastructure Knowledge Base (CNI KB) are not based in the Ministry of Defence (MOD). The MOD, working in close partnership with the Cabinet Office, remains committed to strengthening the UK's resilience through the advancement of CNI KB. Funding for the next phase is scheduled for 2026/27, and we are working with partners to explore opportunities to accelerate delivery, including appropriate classification levels. This initiative is a key enabler for the Strategic Defence Review and the Cabinet Office-led Home Defence Programme, ensuring Defence can support national resilience objectives effectively and efficiently.
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James Cartlidge:To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, with reference to the Written Statement of 27 November 2025 on MOD Security Review, HCWS1103, when he plans to assess the results of the Restricted Airspace pilot. \p Al Carns: Under the National Security Act 2023, all Defence sites are now designated 'Prohibited Places', protecting the majority of the Defence Estate. By establishing Restricted Airspace above key sites to further support this legislation, it will allow for the swift identification and response to unlawful drone activity above our sites. It will provide Defence and law enforcement agencies with a robust legal framework to take the appropriate action.

The Restricted Airspace pilot programme begins this spring with 40 sites, supported by electronic countermeasures and police-led responses to any incursions. The pilot will be assessed after being in operation for three months and the findings will inform the wider implementation of Restricted Airspace across Defence later in 2026.
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James Cartlidge:To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, when he expects HMS Diamond to complete the Power Improvement Project upgrade. \p Luke Pollard: As of December 2025, three Type 45 Destroyers have completed their Power Improvement Project (PIP) upgrades: HMS DAUNTLESS, HMS DARING, and HMS DRAGON, HMS DEFENDER and HMS DIAMOND are currently undergoing PIP upgrades. HMS DUNCAN is operational, pending the start of her PIP upgrade, which will run concurrently with her next docking period at HMNB Portsmouth.

We are unable to release further detailed information about the forward integrated PIP schedule and upkeep plans for the Type 45 Destroyers, as to do so could risk revealing future capability levels to our adversaries.

Completing the Type 45 PIP work is dependent on the availability of ships to undertake the upgrade, balanced against the Royal Navy’s (RN) current and future operational commitments. Class availability is now maximised to ensure that the RN has been able to fulfil all its operational commitments and PIP remains on target to have all six ships receive their conversions by 2028.
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James Cartlidge:To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, with reference to the Written Statement of 27 November 2025 on MOD Security Review, HCWS1103, if he will list the ranks of personnel that will conduct training with a Remote Piloted Aerial System. \p Al Carns: Before April 2025 this information was not held centrally and could only be provided at disproportionate costs. I can, however, confirm that for this financial year we have approved £4.6 million on equipment, service and maintenance, and training on Remote Piloted Aerial Systems (RPAS) for the purpose of enhancing our base security as set out in the 27 November 2025 statement on MOD Security Review.

Initial training will commence in January 2026 with the first tranche of pilots completing their training by March 2026. The pilots will range in rank from non-commissioned officers to senior non-commissioned officers, and civilian equivalents. Those who will be trained to manage the safety risk of the systems will be officers and civilian equivalents.

We take security extremely seriously. This investment demonstrates our commitment to enhance our ability to deter and respond to threats.
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Jim McMahon:To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, what measures are in place to help increase defence supply chain apprenticeships in the North West. \p Luke Pollard: As part of the Defence Industrial Strategy, we launched a £182 million skills package which includes initiatives that will support apprenticeships in the defence sector, including the North West. This includes the Graduate and Apprenticeship Clearing System, which will help those candidates who narrowly missed out on a apprenticeship with a defence prime to find other opportunities within the defence supply chain.

This will build on the successful apprentice ecosystem that exists in the North West, including BAE Systems’ Skills Academy at Samlesbury and the Submarine Academy for Skills and Knowledge in Barrow-in-Furness.
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Mr Richard Holden:To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, pursuant to the Answer of 27 November 2025 to Question 93956 on Driving Tests, what the marginal cost charged to the Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency by the Ministry of Defence is for the deployment of defence driving examiners. \p Al Carns: I refer the right hon. Gentleman to my answer to Question 95727 which answered this same question.

https://questions-statements.parliament.uk/written-questions/detail/2025-12-01/95727
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Jim McMahon:To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, if he will take steps to establish Cadet units in Oldham; and whether he will make available funding, resources and organisational assistance to facilitate their formation in areas without Cadet units. \p Louise Sandher-Jones: I refer the hon. Member to the answer I gave on 16 September 2025 to Question 76173 to the hon. Member for Surrey Heath (Dr Al Pinkerton).

https://questions-statements.parliament.uk/written-questions/detail/2025-09-09/76173
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Ben Obese-Jecty:To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, what element of Ajax Initial Operating Capability was declared by General Dynamics on 23 July 2025. \p Luke Pollard: The Initial Operating Capability for the Ajax Programme was not declared by General Dynamics on 23 July 2025.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-12-11)

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Ben Obese-Jecty:To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, how many Challenger 2 tanks have now begun conversion to Challenger 3. \p Luke Pollard: There are 285 Challenger 2 Main Battle Tanks in service in the British Army. The Ministry of Defence does not break down equipment numbers further due to operational sensitivity.

Eight vehicles are allocated to Rheinmetall BAE Systems Land (RBSL) for the design, build and testing phase of Challenger 3 conversion. The manufacturing phase is yet to start.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-12-11)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-12-11 conversation_153

James MacCleary:To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, whether any major equipment programmes have been subject to formal ministerial directions in the last ten years. \p Luke Pollard: Since 2011 ordinarily all Ministerial directions are published, unless the matter must be kept confidential.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-12-11)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-12-11 conversation_154

James MacCleary:To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, how many (a) Type 26 frigates and (b) P-8 Poseidon aircraft will be assigned to Atlantic Bastion and when will they begin operations as part of AB. \p Al Carns: Atlantic Bastion (AB) is Defence’s plan to secure the North Atlantic for the UK and NATO against the persistent and growing underwater threat. AB is not an operation; it is a plan to transition to a hybrid Navy, combining both crewed and uncrewed underwater systems. The details of this ambition are subject to the Defence Investment Plan.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-12-11)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-12-11 conversation_155

James MacCleary:To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, whether the Department has commissioned any further independent reviews of the Ajax programme since 2023. \p Luke Pollard: We have three ongoing reviews into Ajax currently underway:
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-12-11)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-12-11 conversation_156

Mr Gregory Campbell:To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, when regulatory approvals will be given to BAE Systems, Leonardo and Japan Aircraft Industrial Enhancement to allow a joint venture for the Global Combat Air Programme to begin work. \p Luke Pollard: All necessary regulatory approvals were in place ahead of the Edgewing incorporation in June.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-12-11)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-12-11 conversation_157

Freddie van Mierlo:To ask the Secretary of State for Science, Innovation and Technology, pursuant to the Answer of 20 November 2025 to Question 91728 on Broadband: Henley and Thame, what steps her Department is taking to secure additional funding to complete that project. \p Kanishka Narayan: Commercial delivery in a competitive market has and will remain essential to the delivery of the overall gigabit broadband ambition, as most gigabit-capable connections will be delivered commercially.

At the most recent Spending Review we announced £1.8 billion in funding for Project Gigabit to cover the period 2026/27 to 2029/30.This investment will support the delivery of all existing Project Gigabit contracts, voucher projects and areas currently in procurement. This includes the South Oxfordshire and Buckinghamshire, Hertfordshire and East Berkshire contracts referenced in the response to Question 91728.

We are refreshing our delivery plans ahead of the 2027 Spending Review and will continue to apply Project Gigabit subsidy in areas that are not expected to be reached commercially.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-12-11)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-12-11 conversation_158

Sorcha Eastwood:To ask the Secretary of State for Science, Innovation and Technology, what steps she is taking to ensure .eu and .ie domain registration systems recognise Northern Ireland as an eligible territory. \p Ian Murray: The eligibility criteria are not the responsibility of the UK Government, and we have made no such steps.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-12-11)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-12-11 conversation_159

Laurence Turner:To ask the Secretary of State for Science, Innovation and Technology, whether the broadband provider BRSK has recently contacted her Department regarding a customer data breach. \p Ian Murray: BRSK has not recently contacted my department regarding a customer data breach. I understand BRSK has reported a data breach to the Information Commissioner’s Office (ICO), the UK’s independent regulator for the Privacy and Electronic Communications Regulations (PECR).

Under PECR, public electronic communications service providers are required to take appropriate technical and organisational measures to safeguard the security of their services. They are required to notify the ICO of any personal data breach without undue delay, and where feasible, not later than 72 hours after having become aware of the breach.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-12-11)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-12-11 conversation_160

Sir Gavin Williamson:To ask the Secretary of State for Science, Innovation and Technology, what mechanisms are in place to ensure that UK institutions and companies comply with the GDPR, the Data Protection Act 2018, and other relevant national security requirements when sharing genomic data internationally. \p Ian Murray: The UK has one of the most robust data protection regimes in the world, with all organisations required to comply with our legislation to safeguard UK personal data when transferring it overseas. Failure to do so can result in enforcement action.

Our data regulator, the Information Commissioner’s Office, has powers to take enforcement action and issue hefty fines. Individuals who consider that their data has been misused can also take legal action.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-12-11)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-12-11 conversation_161

Mr Louie French:To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, if she will make it her policy to cease the purchasing of non-essential items, including vapes, for illegal migrants. \p Alex Norris: The Home Office does not purchase vapes for people held in immigration detention, and no public money is spent on the purchase of these or any other goods sold at immigration removal centres.

Following a comprehensive review of asylum support, we have taken decisive action to block spending on non-essential goods and services on ASPEN cards and implement enhanced due diligence measures.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-12-11)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-12-11 conversation_162

Mr Andrew Snowden:To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, how many illegal immigrants have been deported under the Dublin Convention. \p Alex Norris: The Home Office publishes data on asylum in the ‘Immigration System Statistics Quarterly Release’. Data on the number of individuals transferred out of the UK under the Dublin regulation is published in the Dublin regulation detailed dataset (Dub_D01). Information on how to use the dataset can be found in the ‘Notes’ page of the workbook. The data relates up to the end of 2020, after which the UK was no longer subject to the Dublin regulation.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-12-11)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-12-11 conversation_163

David Simmonds:To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, pursuant to the Answer of 11 November 2025, to Question 86658, on Asylum: Housing, what specific function or role will the Greater London Authority have in relation to asylum housing. \p Alex Norris: The Home Office is working with local authorities to develop several potential asylum accommodation models that could ‘pilot’ a more sustainable, flexible and collaborative outcome. Decisions on the provision of alternative asylum accommodation sites will be made on a site-by-site basis, and we will continue to work closely with key stakeholders and in compliance with published policy.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-12-11)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-12-11 conversation_164

David Simmonds:To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, pursuant to the Answer of 11 November 2025, to Question 86658, on Asylum: Housing, if she will outline what specific responsibilities and powers will strategic authorities have in this regard; whether this will involve taking responsibilities from local housing authorities; and whether this will include agreeing the number of asylum seekers to be housed within the strategic authority area, and its allocation to individual councils. \p Alex Norris: The Home Office is working with local authorities to develop several potential asylum accommodation models that could ‘pilot’ a more sustainable, flexible and collaborative outcome. Decisions on the provision of alternative asylum accommodation sites will be made on a site-by-site basis, and we will continue to work closely with key stakeholders and in compliance with published policy.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-12-11)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-12-11 conversation_165

David Simmonds:To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, whether the Government has provided any support to the Sanctuary City and Sanctuary Council movement since July 2024. \p Alex Norris: After reasonable checks, the Home Office does not seem to have supported either organisation mentioned.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-12-11)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-12-11 conversation_166

James McMurdock:To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, what recent assessment she has made of the potential impact of sentencing on deterring illegal entry into the UK. \p Alex Norris: We are tackling the criminal gangs abusing our borders and putting lives at risk, working closely with law enforcement and international partners to ensure they have the funding, tools and expertise necessary.

The Home Office will seek to prosecute immigration offences wherever there is sufficient evidence to do so. Cases are then referred to the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) where a decision on whether to prosecute is made. This decision is dependent upon the CPS’ assessment of the available evidence and whether or not it passes the CPS’ own public interest test.

Statistics published 27 November on GOV.UKshow there has been a 33% surge in people smuggling arrests, convictions and seizures of criminal cash and assets over the last 12 months.

The Border Security, Asylum and Immigration Act 2025 strengthens law enforcement agencies’ capabilities to tackle organised immigration crime and deter illegal migration. These powers will, for example, make it a criminal offence to put lives in danger during a small boat crossing with offenders facing up to 6 years in prison. The Act's impact assessment analyses how enhanced sentencing powers and new offences are expected to disrupt organised immigration crime, making smuggling operations riskier and less profitable.

The CPS has welcomed the package of new offences as it equips prosecutors with another tool to fight organised immigration crime, especially those involving dangerous Channel crossings.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-12-11)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-12-11 conversation_167

Dr Roz Savage:To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, if she will review the Minimum Income Requirement to ensure that retired British citizens with substantial savings and no recourse to public funds are not prevented from living in the UK with their spouse. \p Mike Tapp: The financial requirements of the Family Immigration Rules are currently under review following the independent report of the Migration Advisory Committee, published in June. However, the rules already provide for the Minimum Income Requirement (MIR) to be met with savings, either on their own or combined with other forms of income, including pension income. Full details can be found at: Chapter 08 – appendix FM family members: caseworker guidance - GOV.UK
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-12-11)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-12-11 conversation_168

Wendy Chamberlain:To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, Department how many UK Visas and Immigration seasonal worker visa scheme compliance visits were conducted in a) England, b) Scotland and c) Wales in 2025. \p Mike Tapp: UKVI does not produce published data on seasonal worker visa scheme compliance visits.