theodi/ndl-core-corpus huggingface dataset:
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Liz Jarvis:To ask the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, what assessment he has made of the potential impact of increases in energy bills on consumers. \p Miatta Fahnbulleh: We recognise that bills going up will be worrying news for families. The reason for the increase to the price cap is due to an increase in wholesale energy costs which are influenced by international energy markets which we cannot control. This is why our Clean Power 2030 Mission is so vital. In the short term, we are extending support to ballplayers through the expanded Warm Home Discount, and we are working with Ofgem to accelerate work on a potential energy debt scheme.
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Tom Morrison:To ask the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, what assessment his Department has made of the potential impact of the Stockport District Heat Network on energy costs for households in fuel poverty. \p Miatta Fahnbulleh: Stockport Council have applied for support from our Green Heat Networks Fund for their district heating network. To be eligible for support from the scheme, applicants must demonstrate that their networks will cause no detriment to domestic customers. This means that householders in fuel poverty should be no worse off.

We are also taking action to strengthen consumer protection by introducing Ofgem regulation of heat networks from January 2026, providing protections for vulnerable customers, and ensuring fairer pricing.
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Susan Murray:To ask the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, what steps he is taking to help reduce the cost of electricity. \p Miatta Fahnbulleh: Earlier this year we announced plans to extend the Warm Homes Discount to an extra 2.7 million families, meaning a total of 6 million households will get £150 off their bills next winter. We are taking these short term steps whilst we progress our mission to deliver a clean power system by 2030. This is the way to break our dependence on global fossil fuel markets and protect billpayers permanently.
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Andrew Ranger:To ask the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero,what progress he has made on achieving clean power by 2030. \p Ed Miliband: Since the election, we have turbocharged progress towards a clean power system, changing the planning rules, reforming the grid, lifting the onshore wind ban and consenting 3 times more solar power in 10 months than the last government did in 14 years.

Just this month we approved the Rampion offshore wind farm delivering power to 1.3 million homes as well as creating thousands of jobs.

Our mission is all about jobs, growth and energy security, and that’s what we’re delivering.
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Ben Obese-Jecty:To ask the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, when he plans to publish the Strategic Spatial Energy Plan. \p Michael Shanks: The Strategic Spatial Energy Plan will be published by the National Energy System Operator in 2026.
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Ben Obese-Jecty:To ask the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, what steps he taking to ensure that the Strategic Spatial Energy Plan ensures that new energy infrastructure projects are located in the most appropriate areas. \p Michael Shanks: In October 2024, the UK, Scottish and Welsh governments commissioned the National Energy System Operator to produce a Strategic Spatial Energy Plan (SSEP). This commission included the development of a methodology to set out in more detail how the SSEP will be produced. The SSEP will not recommend project-specific locations, but will set out the potential for the development of energy infrastructure in different areas of Great Britain through economic and geospatial modelling. The methodology is subject to final approval by the Secretary of State and is due for publication in May.
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Ben Obese-Jecty:To ask the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, which electricity sub-station will provide the power connection for the new Universal Studios theme park. \p Michael Shanks: The electricity networks in Great Britain are owned and operated by private companies and regulated independently by Ofgem. Specific details of the connection requirements, such as the level of power supply and associated substation for individual projects are held in private connection contracts between the relevant parties.
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Ben Obese-Jecty:To ask the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, what upgrades his Department plans to make to the Eaton Socon sub-station in Cambridgeshire in order to accommodate greater capacity. \p Michael Shanks: Ofgem regulates the network companies to ensure they are investing to operate, maintain and upgrade electricity infrastructure, including substations. For the next transmission network price control (RIIO-ET3 2026-2031) and distribution network price control (RIIO-ED3 2028-2033), Ofgem has identified the need for significant investment in new capacity ahead of need, based on strategic planning, and regulatory changes to transform Great Britain’s electricity networks to enable clean power and economic growth.
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Euan Stainbank:To ask the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, what assessment he has made of the potential merits of using (a) debt and (b) equity from the National Wealth Fund to develop a business case for investment in Project Willow. \p Michael Shanks: Before July, there was no overall plan for the future of the Grangemouth refinery. Within weeks, we worked with the Scottish Government to put together a £100m package to support the community and invest in the local workforce, along with tailored support to secure good, alternative jobs.

We launched Project Willow to find an industrial future for the site – identifying nine low-carbon and renewable energy business models that could create 800 jobs by 2040.

We are ready to take these forward as co-investment projects with the private sector. Backed by £200 million from the National Wealth Fund, our investment agencies are working to find investors for these proposals and other low carbon and clean energy proposals in the Grangemouth area.

After the refinery closes, Grangemouth will supply Scotland with imported fuel. We have rigorously assessed Petroineos’ import terminal model to ensure it will provide energy security and resilience for Scotland, and we will continue monitoring to ensure long term confidence for Scottish consumers and businesses.
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Ben Obese-Jecty:To ask the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, what the maximum amount of best and most versatile land is that could be (a) used in a solar farm development designated as NSIP and (b) granted a Development Consent Order. \p Michael Shanks: There is no set maximum amount of best and most versatile land that may be used in a nationally significant infrastructure development. Each case is judged on its own merits in line with the requirements in the Planning Act 2008 and relevant policy, such as the National Policy Statement for Renewable Energy Infrastructure (EN-3) which states at 2.10.29: “Where the proposed use of any agricultural land has been shown to be necessary, poorer quality land should be preferred to higher quality land avoiding the use of Best and Most Versatile agricultural land where possible”, and at 2.10.30: “Whilst the development of ground mounted solar arrays is not prohibited on Best and Most Versatile agricultural land, or sites designated for their natural beauty, or recognised for ecological or archaeological importance, the impacts of such are expected to be considered”.
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Brian Mathew:To ask the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, whether his Department has made an assessment of the merits of extending eligibility for Warm Home Grants to (a) those with EPC ratings higher than D and (b) people with disabilities. \p Miatta Fahnbulleh: The Warm Homes: Local Grant (WH:LG) scheme is designed to target those in or at risk of fuel poverty. Those with EPC band A-C ratings are out of scope because a household is only considered by Government to be fuel poor if they have a residual income below 60% of median income (after accounting for required fuel cost) and live in a home that has a Fuel Poor Energy Efficiency Rating (FPEER) below Band C.

WH:LG excludes all disability benefits from household income calculations to help households including members with disabilities not to exceed the £36,000 household income eligibility threshold. Additionally, people with health conditions; who are vulnerable to the cold; or who are in receipt of certain disability benefits, can use this as one of their two required criterions to become eligible under ECO LA Flex Route 2.
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Victoria Collins:To ask the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, whether there is a timeline for the delivery of Great British Energy’s first project to install rooftop solar panels in schools. \p Michael Shanks: The match funding between GBE and DfE announced on 21 March 2025 will enable around 200 schools in England to install solar power and complementary decarbonisation technologies, helping to drive down their energy bills. It is estimated to provide up to £140 million of savings for schools bills over the 30-year lifetime of the panels.

The Government will conduct feasibility studies for schools soon and anticipate installation work to start soon afterwards with the majority of installations happening over the 2025 School Summer holidays.
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Victoria Collins:To ask the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, what steps his Department is taking to support nature-positive renewable energy. \p Michael Shanks: The Government has been engaging with a range of stakeholders, providing an opportunity to share their ideas and views on how government can best encourage nature positive best practice into energy infrastructure planning and development. We are working to better understand how we can integrate nature restoration through Clean Power 2030.
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Rupert Lowe:To ask the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, what (a) religious and (b) cultural holidays are observed by their Department. \p Michael Shanks: The UK Civil Service only formally observes the government-set bank holidays.
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Euan Stainbank:To ask the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, what recent discussions his Department has had with the Grangemouth future industry board. \p Michael Shanks: As per my answer on 8 October 2024, since taking office in July 2024, the Secretary of State and I have taken joint action with the Scottish Government to urgently engage with the company and its shareholders. This included discussions with PetroChina and INEOS, the shareholders.

Details of Ministers’ meetings with external individuals and organisations are published quarterly in arrears on GOV.UK. Published declarations include the purpose of the meeting and the names of any additional external organisations or individuals in attendance.
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Connor Naismith:To ask the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, what steps his Department is taking to help reduce (a) energy prices and (b) standing charge fees. \p Miatta Fahnbulleh: The Government believes that our mission to deliver clean power by 2030 is the best way to break our dependence on global fossil fuel markets and protect billpayers permanently.

The creation of Great British Energy will help us to harness clean energy and reduce our reliance on volatile international energy markets as part of our commitment to make Britain a clean energy superpower by 2030. Our Warm Homes Plan will transform homes across the country by making them cleaner and cheaper to run.

We know that too much of the burden of the bill is placed on standing charges. We are committed to lowering the cost of standing charges and have worked constructively with the regulator, Ofgem, on this issue.

In February, Ofgem launched a consultation ‘Introducing a zero standing charge energy price cap variant’ - https://www.ofgem.gov.uk/consultation/introducing-zero-standing-charge-energy-price-cap-variant. Under these proposals, consumers would have the option of tariffs with a zero standing charge within the price cap.

The consultation closed on 20 March and we stand ready to continue work with Ofgem on this matter.
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Seamus Logan:To ask the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, when he plans to respond to the correspondence from the hon. Member for Aberdeenshire North and Moray East sent on 3 February and 24 March 2025, reference SL01756/dw. \p Michael Shanks: I apologise for the delay in responding to the hon. Member’s correspondence about the oil and gas industry in Scotland, reference SL01756/dw. I issued a response to the hon. Member on 23 April.
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Jonathan Davies:To ask the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, by what date he expects Great British Nuclear to make a decision on awarding contracts for Small Modular Reactor deployment. \p Michael Shanks: Great British Nuclear (GBN) is driving forward its small modular reactor (SMR) competition for UK deployment. Following a period of detailed negotiation, bidders have now submitted final tenders, which GBN is evaluating. Final decisions will be taken this Spring.

GBN is working to a timeline that enables a robust process underpinned by fairness and transparency, and which can deliver value for the British taxpayer.
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Sarah Gibson:To ask the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, what assessment he has made of the comparative merits of (a) air-to-air and (b) other heat pump technologies eligible under the Boiler Upgrade Scheme. \p Miatta Fahnbulleh: The Boiler Upgrade Scheme does not currently support air-to-air heat pumps, as heat pump installations must provide both space heating and hot water heating, using liquid as a medium for delivering that heat. We want to target support at technologies that offer the greatest potential to decarbonise our buildings.

The Government is committed to incentivising moves to cleaner, more affordable heating, and will keep its position on alternative heating technologies under review and make further assessments as the supporting evidence base develops.
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Helen Whately:To ask the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, what assessment he has made of the adequacy of measures implemented by (a) the Health and Safety Executive, (b) Kent Fire and Rescue Service, (c) Swale Borough Council, and (d) the Environment Agency to mitigate (i) fire, (ii) toxic emissions and (iii) explosion risks associated with the lithium ferrophosphate batteries at Cleve Hill Solar Park. \p Michael Shanks: Battery safety was considered during the Examination of the development consent application and in the Secretary of State’s decision letter (in particular paragraphs 4.139 and 4.148 to 4.176). Requirement 3 of the Cleve Hill Solar Park Order 2020 made Swale Borough Council responsible for approving a Battery Safety Management Plan, after consulting with the Health and Safety Executive and Kent Fire and Rescue Service. Following an appeal by the developer, on 5 July 2024 the Battery Safety Management Plan was approved on behalf of the Secretary of State by the Planning Inspectorate.
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Ben Obese-Jecty:To ask the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, how much grant funding has been allocated through the Public Sector Decarbonisation Scheme. \p Miatta Fahnbulleh: The Department has allocated over £2.9 billion in grant funding through the Public Sector Decarbonisation Scheme over the financial years 2020/21 to 2025/26. Further grants are currently being allocated for the financial years 2025/26 to 2027/28 from the budget of more than £1 billion for public sector decarbonisation announced in Autumn Budget 2024.
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Ben Obese-Jecty:To ask the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, which Government departments have received grant funding through the Public Sector Decarbonisation Scheme since 5 July 2024. \p Miatta Fahnbulleh: Phase 4 of the Public Sector Decarbonisation Scheme was launched in September 2024 and closed to applications in November 2024. Applications are currently being processed by Salix Finance, the non-departmental public body that administers the scheme on behalf of the Department. The full list of grant recipients and funding awarded will be published in due course at the following site: https://www.gov.uk/government/collections/public-sector-decarbonisation-scheme.
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Ben Obese-Jecty:To ask the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, what the Public Sector Decarbonisation Scheme budget was in financial year (a) 2023-24, (b) 2024-25 and (c) 2025-26. \p Miatta Fahnbulleh: The budget for the Public Sector Decarbonisation Scheme was £449 million in 2023/24, £427 million in 2024/25, and is £401 million for 2025/26.
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Nadia Whittome:To ask the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, if he will make an assessment of the potential merits of introducing a Government-backed zero per cent interest loan scheme to support the rollout of solar panels on homes. \p Miatta Fahnbulleh: Private finance can play a key role in helping us achieve our decarbonisation ambitions. As part of the Government’s ambitious Warm Homes Plan, officials are exploring the role of incentives and private finance for households to support homeowners with the upfront costs of energy efficiency upgrades and low carbon energy technology. This includes engaging with the finance sector on the potential for low-interest loans.
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Andrew Rosindell:To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, what steps he has taken to increase defence co-operation between the United Kingdom and Italy. \p Luke Pollard: Italy remains one of the UK's most critical partners for European defence and security. The UK has a valuable and longstanding partnership with Italy built on deep tri-service links and historic cooperation in the combat air and weapons sectors.

Through annual 2+2 meetings between our Foreign and Defence Secretaries, our bilateral High-Level Military Dialogue, and regular interaction through other groupings such as NATO and E5 Defence Ministers Group, we continuously explore how our nations can better work together to address issues of shared strategic interest.

The closeness of our relationship is exemplified by our commitment to the Global Combat Air Programme (GCAP). Alongside Italy and Japan, we have made great progress delivering GCAP, achieving Treaty Ratification between all partner nations in December 2024 and establishing the GCAP Headquarters, based in Reading. This programme will not only deliver a cutting-edge combat aircraft but will foster closer defence cooperation between the three nations while also strengthening each country's defence industry, creating jobs and fostering economic growth.

Outside of GCAP, the bi-annual Senior Armaments Export Group meeting brings together government and industry to understand how we can best work together to pursue opportunities for deeper collaboration on defence programmes and exports. In February 2025, British and Italian capability directors signed a Statement of Intent focusing on complex weapons cooperation, adding more structure to this relationship.

Operationally our relationship is strong. We continue to deepen interoperability between our Carrier Strike Groups. As the only other European nation with carrier-capable F-35B aircraft, the Italian Armed Forces are providing a crucial contribution to the UK's 2025 Carrier Strike Group deployment, Op HIGHMAST.
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Mr Richard Holden:To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, If he will publish the declared interests of each of the external reviewers to the Strategic Defence Review 2024-2025. \p Luke Pollard: The Reviewers were all Direct Ministerial Appointments (DMAs) and are required to adhere to the Code of Conduct for Board Members and follow the Seven Principles of Public Life.
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Ben Obese-Jecty:To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, what plans he has for the Red Arrows after 2030. \p Luke Pollard: The Royal Air Force Aerobatic Team, the Red Arrows, is one of the world's premier aerobatic display teams. They are a key asset for the RAF and assist in recruiting to the Armed Forces, act as ambassadors for the United Kingdom at home and overseas and promote the best of British.

A decision on the sustainment or the replacement of the aircraft will not be made until the Strategic Defence Review is completed.
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Ben Obese-Jecty:To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, what proportion of UK ammunition stocks have been given to Ukraine. \p Luke Pollard: Since the beginning of the conflict, we have delivered over 500,000 rounds of artillery ammunition worth over £1.5 billion to Ukraine. With European partners, we are also members of the artillery capability coalition which delivers immediate support to Ukraine and also has a long-term plan to support Ukraine's ambitions for a NATO-interoperable future force.

For national security reasons we are unable to give a breakdown or an overview of how these have been sourced, nor can we comment on munition stockpile levels.

This government is steadfast in our commitment to support Ukraine for as long as it takes. We are committed to giving Ukraine more military support than ever before this year, with a £4.5 billion boost for Ukraine in 2025.
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Ben Obese-Jecty:To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, how many (a) RAF and (b) Royal Navy pilots are needed to qualify on F-35 in 2025. \p Luke Pollard: I am withholding the number of pilots planned to qualify in 2025, as it would, or would be likely to prejudice the capability, effectiveness or security of the Armed Forces. Throughout 2025, 207 Squadron are continuing to train Qualified Flying Instructors, deliver Operational Conversion Unit courses and providing refresher training for F-35 pilots returning to the Force. This will provide the planned force growth in number of pilots as we progress to Full Operational Capability.
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Ben Obese-Jecty:To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, what the planned completion date is of the Astute-class submarines. \p Maria Eagle: This Government is committed to delivery of all seven Astute Class submarines. We continue to work closely with industry to deliver the sixth vessel, Agamemnon, by the end of 2026. The delivery date for the seventh and final vessel, Achilles, is currently under review.
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Ben Obese-Jecty:To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, what equipment issued to service personnel is manufactured in China. \p Maria Eagle: I refer the hon. Member to the answer I gave on 2 December 2024 to the hon. Member for Great Yarmouth (Rupert Lowe) to Question 15863.

Defence Equipment: Procurement (docx, 16.9KB)
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Ben Obese-Jecty:To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, if he will publish a list of the (a) vehicles and (b) armour that have been identified for disposal in (i) 2025-26, (ii) 2026-27 and (iii) 2027-28. \p Maria Eagle: Future disposals cannot currently be disclosed, since they will be subject to the outcome of the Strategic Defence Review (SDR). It would therefore be inappropriate to comment until the SDR has reported and decisions have been made.
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Ben Obese-Jecty:To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, what the planned out-of-service date is of the L7A2 machine gun. \p Maria Eagle: The planned Out of Service Date for the L7A2 General Purpose Machine Gun is 2035.
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Ben Obese-Jecty:To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, what the seaworthiness is of all Royal Navy ships. \p Maria Eagle: The Royal Navy maintains rigorous standards to ensure the seaworthiness of its ships, with regular assessments and maintenance programmes in place.   Each ship undergoes thorough checks and certifications to ensure it meets operational safety requirements before deployment.
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Ben Obese-Jecty:To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, what the planned out of service date is of all British Army armoured vehicles. \p Maria Eagle: The current projected Out of Service Dates (OSD) for British Army armoured vehicles can be found in the table below.

Armoured Vehicle

OSD

Challenger 2

2028

Warrior

2027

Ajax

2055

Boxer

2062
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Andrew Rosindell:To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, what recent steps he has taken to support the aerospace industry. \p Maria Eagle: The strategic aim of this Government’s Defence Industrial Strategy is to make sure the imperatives of national security and a high-growth economy are aligned. This Government is committed to supporting UK defence manufacturing, including in the aerospace industry, ensuring a robust industrial base and creating skilled job opportunities, particularly through projects which uphold our sovereign capability in producing defence equipment.

This Government recognises the vital contribution of the aerospace industry. There are already over 3,500 roles supporting the Global Combat Air Programme in the UK alone, compared to 1,800 in 2021.

All Ministry of Defence procurement decisions are carefully considered, taking into account not only the capabilities of the equipment but also the wider economic impact and the need to maintain operational sovereignty.
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Ben Obese-Jecty:To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, what the last Royal Navy vessel was that was built primarily from British steel. \p Maria Eagle: UK steel made a significant contribution to the construction of the Queen Elizabeth Class (QEC) aircraft carriers, for which around 88 per cent of the structural steel was UK-sourced. This is a reflection of the fact that the QEC aircraft carriers are larger ships with a smaller requirement for thin plate steel needed for the construction of most warships. Additionally, the majority of steel for these ships was purchased around 15 years ago when the range of products manufactured by the UK steel industry was wider.

The amounts of thin plate steel required for shipbuilding cannot currently be reliably sourced in the UK. The sourcing of steel is a matter for our prime contractors, nevertheless we encourage them to source UK steel wherever it is technically and commercially feasible. The Department for Business and Trade publish a future pipeline of Ministry of Defence steel requirements annually, enabling UK steel manufacturers to better plan and bid for Government opportunities.

The forthcoming Defence Industrial Strategy will seek to align our national security and economic priorities, including a review of our approach to critical supply chain elements such as steel.
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Richard Baker:To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, whether his Department has made an assessment of the potential impact of ensuring Programme Euston’s floating dry docks are manufactured in the UK on (a) economic growth and (b) skills development. \p Maria Eagle: Following normal process, economic and social value benefits will be assessed by Programme Euston as it progresses through its business case approvals. No assessment has yet been undertaken.
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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 Government's recent policies in relation to British Steel on the Royal Navy's shipbuilding capacity. \p Maria Eagle: The Ministry of Defence is developing a Defence Industrial Strategy that will align this Government’s national security and economic priorities. This will include a review of the UK’s approach to critical supply chain elements, such as steel, alongside reviewing and reconfirming the areas where the UK needs to retain sovereign production capacities onshore.

The decisive action taken by the Government on 12 April 2025 will safeguard steelmaking capabilities, protecting jobs, national security and supply chains. The Government is also bringing forward a steel strategy that will ensure a sustainable future for UK steelmaking. It will be published in Spring 2025, following consultation with industry and stakeholders. The strategy will establish a long-term vision for the industry, promoting long-term growth, that aligns with wider priorities including Invest 2035, the upcoming Industrial Strategy. Royal Navy shipbuilding capacity will not be negatively impacted by recent policies.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-04-29)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-04-29 conversation_335

Ben Obese-Jecty:To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, what the planned completion date is of the Type 31 frigates. \p Maria Eagle: The first Type 31 frigate, HMS Venturer is scheduled to be ready for operations by the end of the decade. All five Type 31s are planned to be in service by the early 2030s.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-04-29)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-04-29 conversation_336

Alicia Kearns:To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, how many and what proportion of white fleet vehicles used by the military were produced in China. \p Maria Eagle: This information is not held centrally and could only be provided at disproportionate cost.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-04-29)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-04-29 conversation_337

Ben Obese-Jecty:To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, if he will publish a list of Royal Fleet Auxiliary vessels currently awaiting construction. \p Maria Eagle: The Fleet Solid Support (FSS) project is currently in the design phase and on schedule, and its successful delivery remains a priority. Production of the first FSS is expected to begin in 2025, with all three vessels bolstering the Royal Fleet Auxiliary (RFA) over the coming decade. Further additions to the RFA will be subject to requirements in line with the Strategic Defence Review.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-04-29)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-04-29 conversation_338

Ben Obese-Jecty:To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, what upgrades Hawk T2 will require in order to remain in use to its planned 2040 out-of-service date. \p Maria Eagle: The upgrades required to support the Hawk T2 to its planned 2040 out-of-service date are under consideration as part of the Strategic Defence Review.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-04-29)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-04-29 conversation_339

Ian Roome:To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, whether his Department has made a comparative assessment of the adequacy of the defence procurement process in (a) the UK and (b) other countries. \p Maria Eagle: The Ministry of Defence is reforming its acquisition system to deliver defence capabilities at greater pace, secure the best possible value for money and support growth in the UK.

We continue to learn from other Governments on how they best manage their procurement systems. This includes engagement with allies as part of the Strategic Defence Review which provided useful feedback on procurement processes. Whilst differing national priorities and procurement systems make direct comparisons across the international landscape challenging, this government is committed to an acquisition system that supports British based businesses and UK growth and want to learn from international examples to achieve that.

Where comparisons are possible, the performance of Defence Equipment and Support in delivering capability programmes has been found to be broadly in line with that of partner nations.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-04-29)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-04-29 conversation_340

Ben Obese-Jecty:To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, what his Department's amortisation process is for (a) aircraft, (b) ships, (c) vehicles and (d) armour. \p Maria Eagle: All assets are depreciated on a straight-line basis over their useful economic life, other than some capital spares which use the diminishing balance depreciation method.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-04-29)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-04-29 conversation_341

Ben Obese-Jecty:To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, what the planned out of service date is of all Royal Air Force planes. \p Maria Eagle: The out of service date for all Departmental owned fleets of the Royal Air Force is as follows:

Atlas 2050

C-17 Globemaster 2040

Chinook 2040

F-35 Lightning 2069

Hawk T1 2030

Hawk T2 2040

Poseidon 2045

Protector 2040

Rivet Joint 2035

Reaper 2025

Shadow 2030

Typhoon 2040

Viking 2028
wrans/answers2025-04-29 conversation_342
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-04-29)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-04-29 conversation_342

Andrew Rosindell:To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, what steps he has taken to increase defence co-operation between the United Kingdom and Japan. \p Maria Eagle: The UK’s defence relationship with Japan is the closest it has ever been. The Reciprocal Access Agreement (RAA) allows our forces to deploy to one another’s countries for large-scale exercises and operations, such as Exercise VIGILANT ISLES which saw more than 100 UK troops deploy to Japan’s island of Kyushu in January 2025. The Carrier Strike Group will conduct training alongside the Japanese Self Defence Forces and HMS PRINCE OF WALES will conduct a port visit in Tokyo later this year. We have stepped up industrial collaboration through the Global Combat Air Programme (GCAP) to build the next generation of fighter jet by 2035.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-04-29)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-04-29 conversation_343

Ben Obese-Jecty:To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, how many L110A2 Light Machine Guns his Department holds. \p Maria Eagle: The L110A2 Light Machine Gun remains in limited use by the UK Armed Forces. However, for reasons of operational security I cannot provide any further details on which areas of the UK Armed Forces still use the L110A2, the numbers held and what operations it is used for.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-04-29)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-04-29 conversation_344

Mr Richard Holden:To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, whether the appointment of a Diversity and Inclusion Learning and Development Professional was approved by Ministers as an exception to the Civil Service equality, diversity and inclusion spending controls. \p Al Carns: The appointment of a Diversity and Inclusion Learning and Development professional within the Defence Academy was in keeping with Civil Service recruitment policy and did not require Ministerial approval. Recruitment in this case was compliant with internal efficiency measures as stipulated in the Civil Service Diversity and Inclusion spending controls.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-04-29)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-04-29 conversation_345

Ben Obese-Jecty:To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, what types of combat boot are issued to service personnel as standard; and in which country is each manufactured. \p Maria Eagle: Under the Logistics Commodities and Services Transformation contract, the Ministry of Defence procures combat boots from the following companies:

There is no single standard set of combat boots issued across the Services. Instead, a range of combat boots are issued to suit different operational environments.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-04-29)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-04-29 conversation_346

James Cartlidge:To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, when he will plans to Answer Question 34894 on Boxer Vehicles: Procurement, tabled on 3 March 2025. \p Maria Eagle: I refer the hon. Member to the answer I gave him to Questions 34895 and 34896 on 10 March 2025.

Boxer Vehicles: Procurement (docx, 16.4KB)
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-04-29)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-04-29 conversation_347

James Cartlidge:To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, what recent progress his Department has made on implementing the Mine Hunting Capability Programme. \p Maria Eagle: The Mine Hunting Capability Programme is delivering a rolling programme of uncrewed surface vessels and uncrewed underwater vehicles into Royal Navy service, for use by frontline mine warfare specialists. These autonomous mine hunting systems are in regular use by the Mine Threat Exploitation Group, both for training and operations.
wrans/answers2025-04-29 conversation_348
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-04-29)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-04-29 conversation_348

Ben Obese-Jecty:To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, what amphibious landing capability the Royal Navy has. \p Maria Eagle: Amphibious operations will continue to be delivered by the Bay Class and RFA Argus until the introduction of the Multi Role Strike Ship, which will succeed the amphibious fleet in the 2030s.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-04-29)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-04-29 conversation_349

Ben Obese-Jecty:To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, whether he plans to introduce a Type 32 Frigate to the Royal Navy. \p Maria Eagle: The Ministry of Defence is continuously evaluating its capabilities, which includes considering potential enhancements to the Royal Navy's fleet.

Future capability plans for the Royal Navy will be part of the Strategic Defence Review.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-04-29)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-04-29 conversation_350

Ben Obese-Jecty:To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, what the planned completion date is of the Type 26 frigates. \p Maria Eagle: All eight Type 26 ships are scheduled to enter service between 2028 and 2035.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-04-29)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-04-29 conversation_351

Ben Obese-Jecty:To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, what the planned completion date is of the Dreadnought-class submarines. \p Maria Eagle: The planned in-service dates for Royal Navy submarines are withheld as disclosure would, or would be likely to, prejudice the capability, effectiveness, or security of the Armed Forces.

The Dreadnought programme remains on track for the First of Class, HMS Dreadnought, to enter service in the early 2030s.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-04-29)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-04-29 conversation_352

Ben Obese-Jecty:To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, how long it will take to replenish ammunition stocks to adequate levels. \p Maria Eagle: The Ministry of Defence remains fully engaged with industry, allies and partners to ensure that munitions stockpiles are sufficient to support current and future operations, including any proposed UK contribution of military support to Ukraine. Defence munitions stockpiles are classified and therefore any further commentary would be inappropriate.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-04-29)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-04-29 conversation_353

James Cartlidge:To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, when he plans to answer Question 37245, tabled on 11 March 2025. \p Luke Pollard: There are no plans for funding to be taken from the Ministry of Defence for the use of the Intelligence and Security services. The Prime Minister has outlined plans to increase spending on defence to 2.5% of GDP from April 2027, and set an ambition to spend 3% of GDP on defence in the next Parliament.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-04-29)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-04-29 conversation_354

Ben Obese-Jecty:To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, from which units were the military personnel tasked via military aid to the civilian authorities to support the refuse collection strike in Birmingham; and how many of each rank. \p Luke Pollard: Following a Military Aid to the Civil Authorities (MACA) request from the Ministry of Housing, Community, and Local Government, three military personnel deployed to support Birmingham City Council on 9 April for a period of seven days. These personnel were from 1 Royal Horse Artillery For operational security I am not revealing ranks.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-04-29)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-04-29 conversation_355

Ben Obese-Jecty:To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, what multi-spectral camouflage capabilities are currently (a) in service and (b) undergoing testing with land forces. \p Luke Pollard: I hope the hon. Member will understand that this information is being withheld as it would prejudice the capability, security and effectiveness of UK Armed Forces, and could provide tactical advantage to hostile forces.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-04-29)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-04-29 conversation_356

James Cartlidge:To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, pursuant to the Answer of 2 December to Question 17174 on Ukraine: Military Aid, following the official retirement of the Puma helicopter fleet, whether he plans to gift any Puma helicopters to Ukraine. \p Luke Pollard: The granting of weapons and equipment to Ukraine is made in response to official requests made by the Ukrainian Government.

We continue to liaise closely with Ukraine to deliver the capabilities they require to resist Russian aggression.

Further decisions on Puma and Chinook will be made in due course and be communicated in the usual way. We continue to assess the feasibility and the utility of Granting-in-Kind different capabilities to Ukraine.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-04-29)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-04-29 conversation_357

Ben Obese-Jecty:To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, what the total size is of the Royal Air Force advertising budget in the 2025-26 financial year. \p Luke Pollard: The Royal Navy, Royal Marines and the RAF advertising budget for FY 2025-26 has not yet received final Cabinet Office approval so is unable to be confirmed at this time. This differs from the British Army, who have a different recruitment contract with ‘Capita’, which has already gained Cabinet Office approval.