theodi/ndl-core-corpus huggingface dataset:
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Ben Obese-Jecty:To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, pursuant to the Answer of 4 April 2025 to Question 42680 on RAF Molesworth: US Air Force, what the cost to the public purse was of all U.S. Air Forces in Europe operations in the UK in the latest period for which information is available. \p Luke Pollard: Further to the answer of 4 April 2025 to Question 42680, the UK is not currently tracking additional costs to the public purse of any US Air Forces in Europe operations in the UK.
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Andrew Rosindell:To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, what steps he is taking with Cabinet colleagues to reduce UK businesses' reliance on foreign-produced satellites. \p Maria Eagle: The Ministry of Defence is working closely with other Departments to support the UK space sector. On 22 April, I met with colleagues from across Government to discuss our approach to this vital part of the UK economy, and to develop plans in the Government’s Spending Review and Strategic Defence Review.

The Government’s Industrial Strategy will strengthen the UK's advanced manufacturing sectors and promote sovereign industrial capabilities. It will set out plans to boost innovation and secure long-term sector growth. Additionally, the Ministry of Defence will continue to invest in sovereign space capabilities.
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James Cartlidge:To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, what recent progress his Department has made on the Astute programme. \p Maria Eagle: This Government is committed to building seven Astute Class submarines. Five submarines have been delivered to the Royal Navy. In October 2024 the sixth vessel, Agamemnon, launched at the BAE Systems shipyard in Barrow to begin the test and commissioning phase. The final vessel, Achilles, remains at an advanced stage of build.
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Ben Obese-Jecty:To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, which nations are members of the artillery capability coalition alongside the UK. \p Luke Pollard: The artillery capability coalition is co-led by France, the United States and Ukraine, with the UK leading the weapon system sub-group. Over 20 nations are members of this coalition; the full list of membership is owned by the coalitions’ co-lead nations. The artillery capability coalition delivers immediate support to Ukraine and also has a long-term plan to support Ukraine’s ambitions for a NATO-interoperable future force.

Since the beginning of the conflict, the UK has delivered over 500,000 rounds of artillery ammunition worth over £1.5 billion to Ukraine.
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James Cartlidge:To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, what assessment he has made of the potential impact of the proposed Security Pact with the European Union on UK operational independence. \p Luke Pollard: The Government has been clear about our commitment to negotiate an ambitious Security and Defence Partnership with the EU to strengthen European security and reinforce NATO. Talks are ongoing, and no agreements have been reached. I hope the hon. Member will understand that we will not provide a running commentary on their substance.
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Kim Johnson:To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, what the operational status is of RFA Argus. \p Luke Pollard: RFA ARGUS is maintained at a state of readiness for tasks including serving as an Aviation Support Ship for the UK’s Littoral Response Group (LRG), and as a Primary Casualty Receiving Facility.

During periods when it is not needed for LRG or medical operations, ARGUS is utilised as an Aviation Training Ship, offering a platform for the training and qualification of UK MOD pilots.

I visited RFA ARGUS recently alongside in Falmouth and can report I met with very capable members of the RFA on board who stand ready to deliver defence tasks with professionalism and courage.
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Kim Johnson:To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, what the Royal Fleet Auxiliary’s (a) vessel, (b) crewing and (c) operational contributions will be to the UK Carrier Strike Group exercises in the Indo-Pacific region in 2025. \p Luke Pollard: RFA Tidespring will provide support to the UK Carrier Strike Group throughout the Operation HIGHMAST deployment in 2025, including during exercises in the Indo-Pacific region.

RFA Tidespring is fully crewed, and her principal role is to provide fuel to the UK Carrier Strike Group while underway, enabling the ships and embarked aircraft to remain at sea for longer periods. In addition, RFA Tidespring has a Royal Navy Merlin Mk2 helicopter and Uncrewed Air Systems embarked.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-04-28)

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Andrew Rosindell:To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, what steps he is taking to improve the defence of British undersea infrastructure. \p Luke Pollard: The UK Government constantly monitors and assesses the security of critical underwater infrastructure, as part of a whole-of-Government effort involving multiple Departments, including the Ministry of Defence, Department for Science, Innovation and Technology, Department for Energy Security and Net Zero, alongside industry and international partners.

The Royal Navy plays a critical part in maintaining security within UK waters, deploying a variety of vessels and aircraft. RFA Proteus, the UK’s first Multi-Role Ocean Surveillance Ship (MROS), is now operational and is using its leading-edge technology to monitor underwater infrastructure in areas of UK sovereign interest.
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Andrew Rosindell:To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, whether he has had recent discussions with his US counterpart on the future of the airbase on Ascension Island. \p Luke Pollard: The Secretary of State for Defence has regular engagements with the US Secretary of Defense on a range of topics. The future of the airbase on the Ascension Islands has not been discussed during these engagements.
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Ben Obese-Jecty:To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, how many (a) Royal Navy and (b) Royal Air Force pilots train at the International Flight Training School at Decimomannu air base in Sardinia each year. \p Luke Pollard: UK pilot training at the International Flight Training School at Decimomannu air base in Sardinia commenced in July 2023.

To date, no Royal Navy pilots have been trained at Decimomannu air base.

Six Royal Air Force (RAF) pilots completed their training at the air base in 2024-25.

A further two RAF pilots are forecast to complete their training during 2025-26 and 3 in 2026-27.
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Ben Obese-Jecty:To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, what the (a) existing and (b) projected cost of outsourced fast-hey pilot training from other nations is. \p Luke Pollard: The cost detail for outsourced fast jet pilot training is being withheld to protect commercial confidentiality. Outsourcing services are negotiated Government to Government via Memorandums of Understanding and Technical Arrangements and therefore it would be inappropriate to disclose specific cost detail.
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Andrew Rosindell:To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, whether he has had discussions with his Australian counterpart on the prevention of Chinese naval (a) incursions and (b) shelling off the coast of Australia. \p Luke Pollard: The Secretary of State speaks regularly with his Australian counterpart and last spoke on 11 February. These discussions typically cover a range of issues of mutual interest, including the importance of upholding security and stability in the Indo-Pacific.

We remain committed to international law, the primacy of the UN Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS), to freedom of navigation and overflight and to a free and open Indo-Pacific.
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James Cartlidge:To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, what recent progress his Department has made on the Core Production Capability Programme. \p Maria Eagle: I refer the hon. Member to the answer I gave to Question 29127 from the hon. Member for Leyton and Wanstead (Calvin Bailey) on 14 February 2025.
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James Cartlidge:To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, whether he plans to incorporate the Personal Hard Armour Framework into the Land Industrial Strategy. \p Maria Eagle: The Personal Hard Armour Framework will facilitate the procurement of personal ballistic protection through the pre-approval of suppliers and will deliver agility, consistency, and financial savings in the procurement of personal hard armour - whilst encouraging innovation and optimising organisational outputs. Market Engagement has been conducted via a small and medium sized enterprise engagement day. A key objective of setting up and promoting the framework is to broaden and strengthen our supply base for Personal Hard Armour, giving the UK the potential to surge and meet evolving demands, as well as further building our understanding of the wider market.

The Framework is in alignment with the strategic aim of this Government’s Defence Industrial Strategy as set out in the Statement of Intent, and Army’s Land Industrial Strategy, to combine the imperatives of national security and a high-growth economy.
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James Cartlidge:To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, what assessment he has made of the adequacy of UK sovereign capability in the framework agreement for the procurement of Personal Hard Armour to support British Armed Forces personnel. \p Maria Eagle: The Personal Hard Armour Framework will facilitate the procurement of personal ballistic protection through the pre-approval of suppliers and will deliver agility, consistency, and financial savings in the procurement of personal hard armour – while encouraging innovation and optimising organisational outputs.

Assessment of UK sovereign capability continues to inform our market interaction, including a recent small-and medium-sized enterprise engagement day, with further activity planned. A key objective of setting up and promoting the framework is to broaden and strengthen our supply base for Personal Hard Armour, giving the UK the potential to surge and meet evolving demands.
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Anna Gelderd:To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, what steps his Department is taking to support veterans to mentor young people in (a) conservation, (b) rural training initiatives and (c) general. \p Maria Eagle: This Government is determined to ensure that the value veterans bring to civil society and UK businesses across all sectors is fully recognised, and that industries make the most of the talents they have to offer. This includes the opportunity for veterans to share the experiences, and the skills developed throughout their Armed Forces service, with young people.

The Career Transition Partnership (CTP) is the Ministry of Defence's official resettlement programme and provides employment advice and support for those leaving military service, during the 'transition' phase, up to two years before and after leaving service. CTP also supports employers looking to recruit Armed Forces Service leavers into their organisations.

We have recently expanded the employment support available for veterans under Op ASCEND, which is run by the Forces Employment Charity. This service will align more closely with CTP and will provide access to specialised pathways for veterans and their families into nationally significant sectors of societal and economic value.

The Great Place to Work for Veterans Scheme encourages and supports veterans seeking opportunities within the Civil Service, including in the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs. All civil service employees, including veterans, have access to a broad learning and development offer and mentoring initiatives.
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Helen Maguire:To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, whether his Department's policy on the call-out time for reservists has changed in the last six months; and what the minimum notice period is before deployment. \p Maria Eagle: In developing and maintaining our Reserves mobilisation policy, ensuring that the process is optimal for Defence, the Employer and the Reservist continue to be at the forefront of our thinking.

The Ministry of Defence’s Reserves mobilisation policy has not changed over the last six months. While all Reservists are technically on immediate notice for call out, when circumstances permit, it is Defence policy that they, and their employers, will, wherever possible, be given a minimum of 28 days’ formal notice after receiving the call-out notice to report to a mobilisation centre for contingency operations and 90 days’ notice for pre-planned operations.
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Kate Osborne:To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, if he will make an assessment of the potential merits of expanding the criteria for Armed Forces Independence Payments to include veterans with service-related mental health conditions who may be impacted by changes to Personal Independence Payment criteria. \p Maria Eagle: Veterans with service-related mental health conditions may, depending on the severity of their condition, already be eligible for Armed Forces Independence Payments. Officials in the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) and Ministry of Defence continue to work closely to ensure that where DWP benefits interface with the Armed Forces Compensation Scheme and War Pension Scheme, they are taken into consideration as work on welfare reform continues.
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Dame Caroline Dinenage:To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, how many former service personnel have waited over four months for their medical records to be released by the Defence Medical Service to their civilian GP. \p Al Carns: When an individual leaves the Armed Forces, the Ministry of Defence (MOD) recognises the importance of facilitating the transfer of healthcare information to their civilian healthcare provider(s).

On leaving Defence Medical Services (DMS) care, Service personnel are provided with a medical care summary, known as an FMed133, and advised to register with an NHS GP and provide them a copy of their FMED 133.

If a patient’s full DMS health record is required, this is provided on request from their NHS GP. Given this and that some records are never requested, no accurate estimate can be made of the average time from discharge to the receipt of the medical records by the NHS GP.

To improve the transfer of healthcare information, DMS is working towards the greater interoperability with NHS systems and the electronic transfer of medical records from DMS to NHS GPs and expects to implement changes over the next 1-2 years.
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Andrew Rosindell:To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, what steps he is taking with faith groups to support veterans. \p Al Carns: Britain’s rich history and our links with Commonwealth countries mean our Armed Forces have always benefitted from the dedication of personnel from diverse backgrounds and faiths. Whether they be Christian or Hindu, Muslim or Sikh, Jewish or Buddhist, of any other faith or indeed not of any faith, it is the contribution, dedication, personal sacrifice and bravery of diverse individuals which keep Britain secure at home and strong abroad. We recognise that faith plays an important part in the lives of many veterans.

This is reflected in the participation of representatives of a diverse range of faiths in the national act of Remembrance. The National Memorial Arboretum, in Staffordshire, provides a reflective space for people from all walks of life to celebrate lives lived and commemorate lives lost. Among the almost 400 memorials at the Arboretum are tributes to Sikh soldiers who served during the First World War, members of the Association of Jewish Ex-Servicemen and Women, and those who work in the Royal Army Chaplains Department. In recent years there have been many expressions of interest from many diverse groups and communities interested in sponsoring a memorial at the site, including people wishing to recognise the contribution of Armed Forces personnel from the Caribbean and those of Muslim faith.

Another example of support for faith groups is how the Government is exploring plans to deliver a Muslim War Memorial and recently ran a market engagement exercise to inform our thinking on delivery options.

Muslim soldiers are among the many people who fought incredibly bravely throughout the World Wars alongside the British Army and Allied Forces and it is right that they’re respected and remembered for their vital contribution to our country.
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Martin Wrigley:To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, what steps he is taking with European allies to jointly (a) procure and (b) stockpile defence equipment; and if he will make it his policy to work with European allies to coordinate mutual large-scale rearmament. \p Maria Eagle: Europe faces a generational threat to our shared security. As part of strengthening our international relationships this Government will seek an ambitious, broad-based UK-EU security partnership to protect the UK and EU and enhance cooperation on the threats we collectively face. We will seek a new geopolitical partnership with the EU that drives closer coordination and complements our unshakable commitment to NATO, which will remain the foremost vehicle for European security.

The need for collective European and NATO industrial and procurement initiatives is apparent in programmes such as the European Long-Range Strike Approach, the DIAMOND integrated air and missile defence initiative and NATO’s Defence Production Action Plan and Multinational Procurement initiatives. Collective procurement will deliver more of the capabilities we need across the continent and enhance our shared deterrence. This Government recognises the vital role the UK’s defence industry plays not only in our national security but also to the economic prosperity and growth of the UK.
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Ben Obese-Jecty:To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, what estimate his Department has made of the cost of replacing the SA80A2 and SA80A3 as the standard individual weapons of the Armed Forces in 2030. \p Maria Eagle: The British Army’s projected Out of Service Date for the L85A3 (SA80A3) variant of the L85 rifle family is currently 2030. The replacement for the L85 rifle will be procured under Project GRAYBURN, which is currently in the concept phase with the aim of identifying and understanding the capability requirements. As part of this phase, various rifle calibres are being considered. Performance, interoperability and complexity are some of the factors under consideration. The Army will take measures to mitigate any risk of potential capability vulnerabilities.

Recent Project GRAYBURN progress includes discussions with manufacturers and industry experts to analyse the influence of the Land Industrial Strategy and UK manufacturing on the project.

Due to the current phase of the project, we are unable to provide a formal cost estimation yet. This will be established once the scope, timeline and complexity of the project is confirmed but may be subject to commercial sensitivities.
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James Cartlidge:To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, what recent progress his Department has made on the AJAX programme. \p Maria Eagle: The Armoured Cavalry programme continues to remain on track to achieve Initial Operating Capability by December 2025.

As at 10 April 2025, 100 Ajax platforms have been accepted by the Ministry of Defence.
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James Cartlidge:To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, how will the Land Industrial Strategy align with the Defence Industrial Strategy. \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 will include reviewing and reconfirming the areas where the UK needs to retain sovereign production capacities, as well as considering the areas of the defence sector which provide the greatest opportunities for UK comparative advantage and growth.

The Defence Industrial Strategy will both build on what previous strategies got right and go further. The global context is now significantly different, so we must reboot our Defence Industrial Strategy, grow our defence base at home and establish a new relationship with the broader national technology ecosystem.
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James Cartlidge:To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, pursuant to the Answer of 12 March to Question 34638 on Puma Helicopters: Decommissioning, whether he plans to provide an interim capability for (a) Cyprus and (b) Brunei between 7 April 2025 and 7 April 2026. \p Maria Eagle: The Ministry of Defence continues to routinely assess and reassess capabilities required by deployed UK forces. In support of Commander British Forces Cyprus, two Royal Air Force CH47 Chinook helicopters are currently forward deployed to provide an aerial firefighting capability through the wildfire season and are able to provide a range of supporting functions. Mitigations against jungle training in Brunei are in place however it is the long-standing policy of the UK Government not to comment on UK SF activity. The six Airbus H145 HC2 Jupiter helicopters will deploy and commence operational activity in Brunei and Cyprus in 2026.
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Mr Richard Holden:To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, whether the Defence Science and Technology Laboratory is taking steps to protect the expression of gender-critical views within that organisation. \p Al Carns: The Defence Science and Technology Laboratory (Dstl) is fully committed to being a place of work where people can be themselves, feel included and where all voices are heard. Dstl values and embraces diversity and promotes equal opportunities in all its employment practices, and this forms an integral part of the way people in Dstl work and behave.
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Ben Obese-Jecty:To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, what the planned out-of-service date is for Hawk T2. \p Maria Eagle: I refer the hon. Member to the answer given to Question 41211 to the hon. Member for South Suffolk (James Cartlidge) on 28 March 2025.

Military Aircraft: Procurement (docx, 16.8KB)
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Ben Obese-Jecty:To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, whether his Department has budgeted for ordering a second tranche of F-35 jets. \p Maria Eagle: The Integrated Review Defence Command Paper 2021 set the Departmental budget for the F-35 Lightning Programme. This remains the programme of record.
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James Cartlidge:To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, what recent progress his Department has made on implementing the Marshall programme. \p Maria Eagle: The Marshall Programme currently remains on track to achieve Full Operational Capability in October 2026. The latest major milestone achieved was the successful transition of RAF Lossiemouth to the new air traffic systems in November 2024. In co-ordination with the National Infrastructure and Service Transformation Authority, it has been determined that Marshall will off-board from the Government Major Projects Portfolio in Quarter one, Financial Year 2025-26.
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James Cartlidge:To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, what recent progress his Department has made on the Land Environment Tactical Communication and Information Systems programme. \p Maria Eagle: The Land Environment Tactical Communication and Information Systems (LETacCIS) programme will deliver the next generation of tactical military communications in the land environment. The programme consists of multiple complex projects delivering new capabilities over time as opposed to a single milestone. Most recently, the programme has seen progress in three projects:

The Multi-Mode Radio (MMR) project achieved Full Operating Capability in November 2024. This milestone saw 1,360 radios, ancillaries and batteries delivered into service, significantly boosting the communication capabilities of our joint forces and increasing interoperability with our key allies.

Project TRINITY will conduct a Manufacturing Data Readiness Design Review in June 2025. This is an essential step in the Demonstration phase, allowing the project to progress towards the Manufacture phase.

The Land Deployable Gateway (LDGv2) project is on contract with General Dynamics Mission Systems (UK) and will deliver an improved gateway solution from September 2025. LDGv2 will deliver new hardware, software and security upgrades, providing significant capability enhancements that ensure interoperability with NATO partners.
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James Cartlidge:To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, what recent progress his Department has made on the Maritime Electronic Warfare Programme. \p Maria Eagle: The Maritime Electronic Warfare Programme (MEWP) is made up two parts.

The Maritime Electronic Warfare Systems Integrated Capability (MEWSIC) Increment 1 contract was placed in October 2021 and will deliver a digital Radar and Electronic Support Measures (RESM) capability to the Queen Elizabeth Class Aircraft Carriers, Type 45 destroyers, Type 26 and Type 31 frigates. It is being supplied by a consortium made up of Babcock International and Elbit Systems (UK). System one is undergoing integration and development testing, with systems two and three undergoing environmental testing prior to delivery.

For Electronic Warfare Countermeasure (EWCM), a contract was placed in March 2024 and will deliver a countermeasure launcher for Type 45 destroyers, Type 26 and Type 31 frigates. The Ancilia launcher (a trainable decoy) is being supplied by Systems Engineering and Assessment Ltd with delivery expected to commence in 2026.
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Ben Obese-Jecty:To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, what assessment he has made of the potential merits of extending the service life of the Hawk T1 beyond its 2030 out-of-service date. \p Maria Eagle: I refer the hon. Member to the answer given to question xx-xxxx-xxxx to the hon. Member for Rayleigh and Wickford (Mark Francois) on 5 December 2024.

Hawk Aircraft (docx, 16.1KB)
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Ben Obese-Jecty:To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, what discussions he has had with his Qatari counterparts on purchasing their Hawk T1 aircraft. \p Maria Eagle: The Qatari Emiri Air Force does not operate the Hawk T1. There have been no discussions regarding the purchasing of any Hawk variant from the Qatari Armed Forces.
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James Cartlidge:To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, what recent progress his Department has made on the Clyde Infrastructure programme. \p Maria Eagle: The Clyde Infrastructure Programme (CIP) is comprised of 15 projects at different stages of maturity. Four of these have been completed, Nuclear Support Hub, Submarine Training Facility, Surveillance and Intruder Detection Security Systems, and Jetty Facility Security Systems. There are five remaining projects that the programme continues to deliver.
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James Cartlidge:To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, what recent progress his Department has made on the Type 31e programme. \p Maria Eagle: The Type 31 programme has made significant progress, with the first frigate, HMS Venturer, nearing structural completion and expecting to be launched later this year. HMS Active, the second in Class, is also progressing well, as has work on the third frigate, HMS Formidable, with steel cutting taking place in October 2024.
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James Cartlidge:To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, what recent progress his Department has made on the Dreadnought programme. \p Maria Eagle: I refer the right hon. Member to the answer I gave to Question 36206 from the hon. Member for Huntingdon (Ben Obese-Jecty) on 13 March 2025.

Trident Submarines: Procurement (docx, 28.9KB)
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Andrew Rosindell:To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, what steps he is taking to improve defences against hypersonic missiles. \p Maria Eagle: The UK continually reviews its approach to evolving threats, including hypersonic missiles, as part of wider plans for Integrated Air and Missile Defence (IAMD). We mitigate air and missile threats through a spectrum of activities including counter proliferation, arms control and deterrence as well as active and passive defences.

Allied co-operation is key to addressing advanced threats and we are working with the USA and Australia on this topic through the AUKUS framework. In addition, we are investing in developing future defensive capabilities of tomorrow through our defence science and technology portfolio.

Additional measures are under consideration as part of the Strategic Defence Review.
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James Cartlidge:To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, whether he has made changes to Departmental expenditure on training for the (a) Royal Marines and (b) Army in the last 12 months. \p Luke Pollard: In the last 12 months planned expenditure on Royal Marines training was reduced by 1.8% as part of wider Departmental action to manage pressure on in-year budgets, with limited impact on Royal Marines training outputs overall.

Expenditure for the same period for Army training during this period, defined as direct training exercises including Phase 1 (basic training) and Phase 2 (initial training), has not changed.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-04-28)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-04-28 conversation_352

Sir Alec Shelbrooke:To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, what the average time taken was for employees of companies providing services to the armed forces to go through the security vetting process required for work on military sites in the last 12 months. \p Al Carns: UK Security Vetting (UKSV) sits within Cabinet Office and is the provider for all security vetting for Ministry of Defence. There is no way to identify from their data which security vetting cases relate to employees of companies specifically providing services to the Armed Forces, nor whether the clearance requirement is specifically for work on military sites.

UKSV performance data shows performance across all Defence industry is exceeding the set KPIs at all Clearance levels: They are currently completing cases at a rate of 99 % for CTC and 98% for SC within 25 days, whilst 97% of DVI and 98% of DVR are being completed within 95 days.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-04-28)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-04-28 conversation_353

Andrew Rosindell:To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, what steps he is taking to support the work of armed forces chaplains. \p Al Carns: The Ministry of Defence (MOD) value our Armed Forces Chaplains and are committed to supporting their work to provide spiritual support and guidance to Service personnel and their families, in times of war and peace.

In addition to providing and maintaining faith, belief and worship spaces across the Defence Estate, the MOD funds continued professional development for chaplains including places on coaching courses, post-graduate courses in chaplaincy, attendance at annual retreats, spiritual conferences, and visits to a spiritual director.

Chaplains are also able to access health and wellbeing resources available to all Service personnel which are designed to support mental and physical resilience.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-04-28)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-04-28 conversation_354

James Cartlidge:To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, what the remuneration package is for (a) the Chair and (b) all other members of the Defence Housing Strategy review team. \p Al Carns: In line with the Governance Code on Public Appointments, Natalie Elphicke-Ross has been appointed as the Chair of the Defence Housing Strategy review team. Natalie will bring with her a wealth of technical and industry expertise to get the most out of on this once in a generational opportunity to recapitalise our Defence Estate. This is a paid position, at a rate of £600 per day.

The daily rates being paid to other members of the Defence Housing Strategy Review Team varies. The average payment for external members appointed as contractors, not direct Ministerial appointments, is less than £600 per day.
wrans/answers2025-04-28 conversation_355
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-04-28)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-04-28 conversation_355

Mr Tanmanjeet Singh Dhesi:To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, what recent steps he has taken to increase the uptake of breast screenings in Slough. \p Ashley Dalton: All breast screening services in England are commissioned by regional commissioning teams.

In Slough, there are several steps that the East Berkshire Breast Screening Service has taken to increase the uptake and coverage of breast screening, in conjunction with key partners. These include: working with the NHS England Thames Valley Screening and Immunisation Team to complete a formal Health Equity Audit and identify actions to improve uptake in Slough; working with local general practices in Slough to ensure relevant information about their patients is shared with the breast screening services, in order to provide an accessible service that meets the needs of the local Slough population and to maximise the uptake of breast screening; engaging local voluntary, community, and social enterprise organisations to promote breast screening, provide materials in languages used by the local community, and to actively seek to work in areas where uptake is lower with the aim of understanding reasons for non-attendance; working with NHS England to produce a video promoting their screening programme, with voice overs presented in various different languages that are spoken locally; conducting patient surveys to ensure feedback from women is being captured, and where appropriate, making necessary changes; sending leaflets in an individual’s spoken language to accompany the invitation, where the service holds this information; allowing women to rebook for a day/time that is more suited if necessary; andsending text reminders to women before their appointment is due to take place.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-04-28)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-04-28 conversation_356

Martin Wrigley:To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, pursuant to the Answer of 2 April 2025 to Question 41337 on Dangerous Dogs, what steps he is taking to improve health outcomes for people who are victims of dog bites. \p Ashley Dalton: The National Health Service provides advice on what to do after an animal bite, which is available at the following link:

https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/animal-and-human-bites/

Individuals who have been bitten by an animal and are concerned should seek medical assistance.
wrans/answers2025-04-28 conversation_357
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-04-28)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-04-28 conversation_357

Sir John Hayes:To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, whether the Food Standards Agency has offered apprenticeships since 2010. \p Ashley Dalton: The Civil Service is committed to using apprenticeships to break down barriers to opportunity, support skills development, and deliver more effective public services.

The Food Standards Agency (FSA) uses apprenticeships to develop the skills of existing staff, and also fills some vacancies with apprentices. Commonly used apprenticeship frameworks in the organisation are Data and Digital, and Economics.

While data is not available prior to 2018, the following table shows the number of apprenticeship starts in the FSA per year, from 2018 to 2025 to date:

Year

Number of apprenticeship starts

2018

5

2019

1

2020

3

2021

2

2022

6

2023

10

2024

5

2025

1

Total

33
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-04-28)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-04-28 conversation_358

Martin Wrigley:To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, if he will take steps with Versus Arthritis to improve the quality of data that his Department publishes on arthritis. \p Ashley Dalton: The Department of Health and Social Care will continue to work with Versus Arthritis as we consider how best to support people with musculoskeletal (MSK) conditions such as arthritis. Data on MSK health, including arthritis, is published on Fingertips, and is available at the following link:

https://fingertips.phe.org.uk/profile/msk/data

Integrated care boards (ICBs) are responsible for commissioning services that meet the needs of their populations. To support this, the Department of Health and Social Care is delivering the Getting It Right First Time MSK Community Delivery Programme jointly with NHS England and the Department for Work and Pensions. With a £3.5 million funding boost as part of the programme, ICBs will assess their current MSK services and share examples of best practice, roll out innovative ways of working, as well as improving data on how services are performing.

The implementation of Secure Data Environments (SDEs), allowing National Health Service data to be accessed through secure platforms rather than shared with researchers, will support safer and more secure access to health and care data for secondary uses, such as research into prevalence and impact. This is being delivered through major investment in digital infrastructure across the NHS in England, including the NHS Research SDE Network, funded by the Data for Research and Development programme.

The Single Patient Record will also give clinicians in different settings access to comprehensive records on a person's health, so that they have the information they need to make the best-informed decisions when delivering care and treatment.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-04-28)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-04-28 conversation_359

Mr James Cleverly:To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, what steps his Department is taking to help mitigate the loss of the AI auto-contouring technology tool for cancer treatment planning. \p Ashley Dalton: We are committed to transforming diagnostic services and will support the National Health Service to increase capacity to meet the demand for diagnostic services through investment in new capacity, including artificial intelligence where it is beneficial to do so.

As the Department focuses on shifting from analogue to digital, we will continue to review opportunities to utilise artificial intelligence to speed up diagnostic performance, bring down waiting times, and ultimately improve patient care and outcomes.

Furthermore, any future spending commitments beyond 2025/26 will be determined through the next phase of the Spending Review process, which will conclude in June.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-04-28)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-04-28 conversation_360

Sarah Gibson:To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, what steps he has taken to (a) monitor and (b) assess the impact of the Dentistry Rescue Plan in (i) Wiltshire and (ii) Chippenham; and what criteria he uses to assess improved access to NHS dental services in those areas. \p Stephen Kinnock: The Government’s ambition is to make sure that everyone who needs dental treatment can access a dentist. The Government will tackle the immediate crisis with a rescue plan to provide 700,000 more urgent dental appointments and recruit new dentists to the areas that need them most.

We are working with NHS England, the NHS Business Services Authority, and the integrated care boards to set out the requirements for monitoring and reporting progress against the 700,000 urgent appointments, which will enable us to identify where further support is needed. Data on the number of dentists recruited under the Golden Hello scheme is regularly collected by NHS England.
wrans/answers2025-04-28 conversation_361
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-04-28)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-04-28 conversation_361

Paul Davies:To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, if he will make an assessment of the potential implications for his policies of variations in commissioning by integrated care systems of digital solutions for primary care. \p Stephen Kinnock: Integrated care boards (ICBs) are the responsible commissioning bodies for digital technology in general practice. ICBs support practices to source the digital tools and services they need to deliver the requirements of the GP contract, as set out in the GP IT Operating Model. They also help practices with business change, training and optimisation to help practice staff use new technology safely and effectively.

NHS England provides commercial and procurement support to help ICBs ensure all digital solutions in general practice meet nationally specified clinical safety and technical standards, and minimum capabilities to support the digitally enabled shift to modern general practice. Within this, practices have flexibility, working with their ICB, to deploy different solutions to best meet their local patient care needs.

Within the community pharmacy sector, funding of up to £8 million has been secured to support digital developments as part of the recently agreed Community Pharmacy Contractual Framework (CPCF) for 2025/26. Through the CPCF, the Department and NHS England have expressed their commitment to continuing to work with the pharmacy sector and IT suppliers to streamline the ‘Manage Your Service’ claim process through using payment and data APIs, for all national clinical services.