theodi/ndl-core-corpus huggingface dataset:
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-12-03)

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Bell Ribeiro-Addy:To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, what is the projected cost of the planned infrastructural improvements at Rosyth Dockyard; whether the improvements will require the removal from the dockyard of radioactively contaminated equipment. \p Luke Pollard: The preliminary plans for infrastructure upgrades at Rosyth Dockyard have been approved and industry has been engaged to begin processing the scheme design. Once the scheme design is complete, final costs for the project will be negotiated. The work will include the requirement to deliver a contingent docking facility for HMS Dreadnought during its sea trials at Rosyth Dockyard.

As part of the Submarine Dismantling Project, infrastructure upgrades at Rosyth will enable the removal and processing of all legacy radioactive waste, including radioactively contaminated equipment, from dismantled submarines. Activity at Rosyth has begun, with HMS Swiftsure being dismantled and a further six decommissioned nuclear-powered submarines awaiting disposal.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-12-03)

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Mr Mark Francois:To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, if he will list the names of those who have held the post of Ajax's Senior Responsible Owner (SRO), or the equivalent position, since 2015. \p Luke Pollard: The list of individuals who have held the role of Senior Responsible Officer for the Armoured Cavalry Programme (commonly known as Ajax) are listed below.

Date in post

Occupant

November 2023 – Present

Mr Chris Bowbrick

October 2021 – November 2023

Dr David Marsh

April 2019 – August 2021

Lieutenant General Simon Hamilton

November 2015 – April 2019

Major General Mark Gaunt
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Mike Wood:To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, pursuant to the Answer of 18 July 2025 to Question 66652 on Military Aircraft: Ministers, what the total cost to the public purse was for those tasks. \p Luke Pollard: The total cost for Government Minsters travel on the RAF Command Support Air Transport between 3 July 2024 and 4 July 2025 is £858,724.23. This was approximately 51.3% lower than the previous year.

Some elements included in the total cost are air passenger duty, catering, insurance, fuel, civilian airfield usage, landing & handling fees.

Since my response to Question 66652, I can confirm that an additional task has been identified which is in scope and the total costs cover 44 tasks, that were completed between 4 July 2024 and 18 July 2025.

It has been the practice of successive administrations not to publish granular information relating to the official movements of Ministers and those accompanying them within the United Kingdom. Information about official overseas travel is published as part of the Cabinet Office transparency returns and made available on the GOV.UK website.
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Mr Mark Francois:To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, what bonuses were paid to the Ajax team at Defence Equipment and Support over the past 5 years. \p Luke Pollard: Due to Defence Equipment and Support's flexible resourcing model, performance awards would have been made on an individual basis and as a result of overall organisational performance, rather than solely on the outcomes of a specific programme.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-12-03)

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Luke Akehurst:To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, how many unmanned aerial vehicles the armed forces have procured in 2025 and will procure in 2026. \p Luke Pollard: The Ministry of Defence has had delivery of over 1,500 uncrewed systems over the last year, and has delivered approximately 95,000 drones to Ukraine since July 2024. For security reasons we cannot provide a breakdown of what systems have been procured.

Drones, including unmanned aerial systems, are integral to the modern way of warfighting, exemplified in the lessons gleaned from the war in Ukraine. The Strategic Defence Review announced an increase in autonomy investment of £2 billion in this Parliament, taking total Defence investment in autonomy to circa £4 billion. Work to deliver the Strategic Defence Review recommendations, including on autonomy and drones, will be prioritised appropriately against the threat as part of the future Integrated Force and set out in the Defence Investment Plan to be published this year.
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James Cartlidge:To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, with reference to the Chancellor of the Exchequer's Oral Statement on 26 March 2025 entitled Spring Statement, Official Report, whether any pre-existing novel technologies in use by his Department will be included in the novel technologies his Department have committed to spend 10% of the MOD equipment budget on. \p Luke Pollard: It is vital we utilise defence as an engine for innovation and growth, investing in novel technologies where it is possible to do so. We are committed to spend 10% of our equipment budget on novel technologies, including autonomous, uncrewed and AI-assisted capabilities alongside dual-use technology, what additional technologies are included in this commitment are under consideration as part of the Defence Investment Plan. Spending will be prioritised appropriately as part of the future Integrated Force and set out in the Defence Investment Plan to be published this year.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-12-03)

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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, if he will provide a list of the firms that constitute the 14% of non-British firms who have had contracts signed. \p Luke Pollard: A list of non-British companies with which contracts have been signed. These suppliers can be found in the attached document.

The Department is withholding some of the information as full disclosure of all the contract details may prejudice commercial interests and national security.

94228 - Non British Suppliers; Contracts (pdf, 38.9KB)
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Luke Akehurst:To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, whether his Department plans to expand the Short-Range and Medium-Range Air Defence launcher fleet beyond the eight Sky Sabre units set out in the Strategic Defence Review. \p Luke Pollard: The British Army’s Land Ground Based Air Defence programme intends to increase the mass of the current Medium Range Air Defence fleet.

The programme strives to modernise Defence’s ground-based air defence capabilities in the face of rapidly developing threats and is a high priority for the Army.

It was only a short time ago that I was in Bolton to order more Sky Sabre Systems.
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Ian Roome:To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, how much was spent on the refit and repair of HMS Bulwark during the last five years. \p Luke Pollard: Refit and repair costs incurred for HMS Bulwark over the last five years totals £72.1 million.

HMS Bulwark was not due to go to sea ahead of its out-of-service date. It’s disposal shows that we are delivering for defence by divesting ourselves of old capabilities to make way for the future.
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James Cartlidge:To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, with reference to page 19 of the Strategic Defence Review: Making Britain Safer: secure at home, strong abroad, published on 2 June 2025, whether he has had discussions with the Prime Minister on the national conversation on defence and security since 2 June 2025. \p Al Carns: The Secretary of State for Defence has regular discussions with the Prime Minister on a range of issues, including national security, defence and resilience.

As set out in the Strategic Defence Review, the national conversation will be a multi-year engagement designed to embed a whole-of-society approach, where Government, businesses, and the public all play a part in strengthening our resilience. This addresses the risks we face, including threats below and above the threshold of an armed attack.

The Cabinet Office-led Home Defence Programme has begun this work by starting to familiarise the public with their role in national security and resilience. Central to this is the 'Prepare' website (https://prepare.campaign.gov.uk), which sets out immediate actions the public can take to prepare for emergencies.

The Ministry of Defence is actively supporting this work.
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Ben Obese-Jecty:To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, how many settlements for noise-induced hearing loss his Department made in 2024/25. \p Louise Sandher-Jones: Between 1 April 2024 and 31 March 2025, there were 149 initial injury/illness awards under the Armed Forces Compensation Scheme (AFCS) for noise-induced hearing loss which were awarded under the Senses tariff of injury table.

Between 1 April 2024 and 31 March 2025, 1,083 awards for noise-induced hearing loss conditions under the War Pensions Scheme.

Please note, numbers for AFCS include initial awards only. NIHL conditions which were initially rejected but were subsequently awarded, following a reconsideration or appeal in this financial year, have not been counted due to the complexity of the data.

Settlements of common law compensation claims brought against the Ministry of Defence for noise-induced hearing loss are published annually. These are published the year after the relevant financial year. For example, settled claims and compensation paid in financal year (FY) 2024-25 will be published in 2026. The link below provides the most up to date information relating to common law claims in FY2023-24 including clinical negligence claims.

MOD common law compensation claims statistics 2023/24 - GOV.UK
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Alex Easton:To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, for what reasons part-time members of the Ulster Defence Regiment were not eligible for a pension under the terms of service at the time of their employment; and whether the Department has made any assessment of options for retrospective recognition or provision. \p Louise Sandher-Jones: Full time members of the Ulster Defence Regiment (UDR) had an automatic entitlement to become members of the Armed Forces Pension Scheme (AFPS). Part-time members of the UDR were engaged under different terms to full- time, regular members of the Regiment and were not part of the AFPS. These terms were similar to those of the Territorial Army and reflected that part-time engagements were often on an irregular, intermittent and short-term basis.

The Ministry of Defence values greatly the contribution of all those who served within the UDR, but there are no plans to review the pension entitlement for part-time members.
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Bell Ribeiro-Addy:To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, what is the projected cost of the infrastructural improvements at HMNB Devonport, Plymouth; when is the expected completion date; and whether the improvements involve the removal of radioactively contaminated equipment from the base. \p Luke Pollard: Current capabilities which would be used to defeat cruise missiles, drone swarms and ballistic missiles include existing Royal Navy, British Army and Royal Air Force capabilities. Type 45 destroyers, Ground Based Air Defence, Combat Air platforms and supporting air defence sensing and command and control, as well as Counter-Uncrewed Air System capabilities would all play a part in a response.

His Majesty’s Government announced a £1 billion UK spend on Integrated Air and Missile Defence in the Strategic Defence Review which will shape future Integrated Air and Missile Defence capability. Further announcement on Integrated Air and Missile Defence investment will be made within the Defence Investment Plan.

We have also recently approved £318 million for dragonfire which will help support protection against air threats with the first system being installed on a type 45 destroyer in 2027.
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Bell Ribeiro-Addy:To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, if the new Establishment Management Plan at HMNB Clyde will address and remedy radioactive leaks into the loch. \p Luke Pollard: The Establishment Management Plan at His Majesty’s Naval Base (HMNB) Clyde does not include actions to monitor and manage any potential discharges of radioactive material into surrounding environments. Its focus is on maintaining safe, secure, and high-quality estate, buildings, and infrastructure. Whilst the Establishment Management Plan is not a nuclear safety document it will be informed by, and take into consideration, regulatory requirements.

While the treatment of radioactive material is outside of the scope of the Estate Management Plan, I can confirm handling radioactive substances safely and securely at HMNB Clyde are of the utmost importance. HMNB Clyde engages frequently with regulators to ensure it is discharging its responsibilities in compliance with regulations concerning the treatment of radioactive materials. There are extant Defence and independent monitoring programmes in place also.
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Bell Ribeiro-Addy:To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, if he will publish the review made of the Comprehensive Test Ban Treaty (CTBT) methodology as mentioned has been undertaken last year in the Defence Nuclear Enterprise 2025 annual report. \p Luke Pollard: The United Kingdom has no plans to publish its Comprehensive Test Ban Treaty (CTBT) methodology. The methodology revalidated our approach to warhead design and certification which is, and will remain, in compliance with the CTBT. We ratified the CTBT in 1998 and we are committed to our voluntary moratorium on nuclear test explosions, having ceased nuclear testing in 1991.
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Ben Obese-Jecty:To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, what are the terms of the UK's operational freedom of action under the global F-35 programme. \p Luke Pollard: The Ministry of Defence has Operational Sovereignty/Freedom of Action to operate the UK 'F-35 aircraft at the time and place of the UK Defence's choosing' and to 'procure critical capabilities to be located in the UK'.

This is combined with an in-depth understanding of the aircraft's capabilities that enable Operational Readiness and risk to be assessed against national legislation, the Geneva Convention and our Duty of Care before committing the equipment and personnel to operations.
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Carla Lockhart:To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, whether he plans to expand opportunities for defence-related apprenticeships in Northern Ireland. \p Luke Pollard: As part of the Defence Industrial Strategy, we announced a £182 million skills package that includes initiatives which will support apprentices in the defence sector in Northern Ireland. We will work with the Northern Ireland Executive, industry and other key stakeholders to ensure we maximise such support.
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Luke Akehurst:To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, whether the replacement for Hawk fast jet trainer aircraft will be manufactured in the UK. \p Luke Pollard: The Strategic Defence Review stated the intent to seek cost effective replacements for the Hawk aircraft. Decisions regarding the production, sustainment, and replacement of these aircraft will be made following the completion of the Defence Investment Plan.

The Hon. Gentleman will be aware of this Government’s strong support for making more defence equipment in the UK.
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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, where the Defence Small and Medium Enterprise Support Hub will be based. \p Luke Pollard: I refer the hon. Member to the answers I gave him on 27 November 2025 to Questions 92627 and 92627.

https://questions-statements.parliament.uk/written-questions/detail/2025-11-19/92627
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Luke Akehurst:To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, what assessment he has made of the UK’s ability to sustain production of major defence equipment during a high-intensity conflict without reliance on overseas supply chains. \p Luke Pollard: The Strategic Defence Review (SDR) set out how we must move to warfighting readiness, that includes increasing industrial production and capacity and adding resilience. We are delivering on the SDR vision and the Defence Investment Strategy (DIS) sets out steps forward in this respect.

The UK Ministry of Defence (MOD) is strengthening its supply chains to ensure procurement is more resilient, innovative, and agile. Under the Strategic Defence Review and Defence Industrial Strategy, we are developing a collaborative wargaming capability focused on supply chain resilience. This includes surge capacity planning, investment in UK industrial capability, and circular economy initiatives to secure critical raw materials and enable rapid production scaling during times of conflict.
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Luke Akehurst:To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, what assessment he has made of the UK’s ability to improve Challenger 3 production rates. \p Luke Pollard: The Ministry of Defence is working closely with the supply chain to ensure the timely development of Challenger 3. Focus remains on securing the necessary materials, identifying opportunities and mitigating risk to deliver tanks to users as soon as practicable.
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Jim Shannon:To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, what steps he is taking to protect the mental wellbeing of soldiers and ex-servicemen. \p Louise Sandher-Jones: The mental health and wellbeing of our Armed Forces and Veterans is a priority for the Government. All Service personnel have access to mental health support throughout their career, including medical and non-medical services. This includes, but is not limited to, preventative support such as wellbeing services, digital content, access to trained mental health first aiders, interventional support, and appointments with clinical staff.

The Ministry of Defence (MOD) encourages and enables all personnel to take their mental fitness as seriously as their physical fitness. The Defence Annual Mental Fitness Brief is a mandatory training product provided to Serving personnel, which not only prompts individuals to continually consider their mental health but also advises how to increase resilience and protect mental wellbeing. For those requiring dedicated mental healthcare, the Defence Medical Services provides a responsive, flexible, accessible, and comprehensive treatment service.

Additional training is provided at single Service level and particular processes are in place for when increased support may be required, such as around deployment. Over and above the existing welfare support system of dedicated personnel, Defence offers additional options such as a dedicated 24-hour support line and access to tools such as HeadFIT and HeadSpace so that there is choice available for engagement within or outside the chain of command.

Former Service personnel can access free one-to-one welfare support provided by the MOD’s Veterans Welfare Service, and specific mental health support from NHS England’s Op COURAGE. Op COURAGE offers a fully integrated service with increased support for those needing help with alcohol or substance use and better links to mainstream mental health services to increase the range of support available. Importantly, unlike many other services, Op COURAGE accepts self-referral, empowering patients to take control of their care needs.
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Luke Akehurst:To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, what steps he is taking to expand the UK industrial footprint for Boxer vehicle assembly to increase surge capacity in the event of a prolonged conflict. \p Luke Pollard: We have made significant investments in the UK industrial base, including factories, the workforce, and supply chains, to support the manufacture of Boxer vehicles. The Boxer programme is now in full production, with the potential to accommodate additional orders for surge delivery or export customers.
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Luke Akehurst:To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, what assessment he has made of the potential operational risks arising from reliance on funding from European allies in Ground-Based Air Defence and Integrated Air and Missile Defence. \p Luke Pollard: Whilst the UK works with European partners on a range of air and missile defence issues, the UK is not reliant on funding from European allies for our Ground Based Air Defence or Integrated Air and Missile Defence capabilities.

His Majesty’s Government announced a £1 billion UK spend on Integrated Air and Missile Defence in the Strategic Defence Review. Further announcements on Integrated Air and Missile Defence investment will be made within the Defence Investment Plan.
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Rupert Lowe:To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, how many staff in their Department have been on mental health leave for six months or more; and for what reason. \p Louise Sandher-Jones: On the 30 September 2025, 94 individuals were recorded on Ministry of Defence (MOD) HR systems with an ongoing sick absence of six months or longer for Mental Disorders as defined by the World Health Organisation International Classification of Diseases.

The MOD HR systems do not break down this down but include Anxiety, Depression and Stress within the description.
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Luke Akehurst:To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, what progress he has made on reducing procurement timelines for major military platforms from six years to two. \p Luke Pollard: The Defence Industrial Strategy set out an average of six years to contract for major defence platforms. Whilst differing procurement systems make direct comparisons with other countries challenging, our new segmented approach to procurement, supported by accelerated commercial pathways, is designed to enable programmes to get to contract faster. We are making progress towards the target date of 1 April 2026 for establishment of the segmented approach in line with the Strategic Defence Review.
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Luke Akehurst:To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, whether additional 155mm artillery shell production orders will be placed with BAE Systems’ Washington plant. \p Luke Pollard: We can confirm that additional 155mm artillery shell production orders will be placed with BAE Systems’ Washington plant.
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Luke Akehurst:To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, what assessment has been made of whether current and planned orders for Starstreak and Lightweight Modular Missiles are sufficient to replenish stockpiles provided to Ukraine. \p Luke Pollard: We are committed to investing more in munitions as set out in the Strategic Defence Review and details of what we will be investing in will be in the Defence Investment Plan.
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Luke Akehurst:To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, what the status is of the Remote Controlled Howitzer (RCH) 155 gun system programme. \p Luke Pollard: I refer the hon. Member to the answer given on 12 November to Question 88294, which remains extant:

The project aims to achieve Minimum Deployable Capability (MDC) within this decade and will deliver the Remote-Controlled Howitzer 155mm (RCH 155) Calibre Wheeled Artillery System. The project remains in its assessment phase and therefore it remains too early to provide an exact in-service date
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Luke Akehurst:To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, what progress has been made on adapting Type 45 destroyers to carry Sea Ceptor missiles. \p Luke Pollard: Sea Ceptor is already in service on all Type 23 frigates and work is underway to introduce it onto the Type 45 destroyers, as well as the new Type 26 and Type 31 frigates. This expansion of Sea Ceptor will further strengthen local air defence capabilities in the surface fleet.
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Luke Akehurst:To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, what the status is of the Future Combat Air System Tempest programme. \p Luke Pollard: I refer the hon. Member to the answer I gave on 20 October 2024 to Question 79701 to the hon. Member for Huntingdon (Mr Obese-Jecty).

Future Combat Air System (docx, 15.4KB)
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Luke Akehurst:To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, what the status is of the New Medium Helicopter programme. \p Luke Pollard: I refer the hon. Member to the answer I gave on 25 November 2025 to Question 91436:

Military Aircraft: Helicopters (docx, 15.5KB)
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James Cartlidge:To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, pursuant to the Answer of 24 November to Question 92321 on Armed Forces: Training, whether he has plans to reduce the amount of training exercises conducted at unit level or higher by the (i) British Army, (ii) Royal Navy and (iii) Royal Air Force in financial year (a) 2025-2026, (b) 2026-2027, (c) 2027-2028 and (d) 2028-2029. \p Al Carns: Training continues to be a priority for the Ministry of Defence. The Royal Navy, British Army and Royal Air Force continue to conduct training exercises at unit level or higher, in line with operational and wider priorities.
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Luke Akehurst:To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, what the status is of the SKYNET 6 programme. \p Luke Pollard: The Skynet 6 programme continues to progress to meet Defence’s satellite communication needs. The build of the Skynet 6A satellite has transitioned into the testing and validation phase, and the competition and final negotiations for the remaining Skynet 6 satellites are nearing conclusion. The Skynet 6 programme will ensure that the UK retains a resilient satellite communications enterprise out to 2040.
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James MacCleary:To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, pursuant to the Answer of 25 November 2025 to Question 91714, whether his Department has had recent discussions with RUK Advance Systems Limited. \p Luke Pollard: I refer the hon. Member to the answer I gave him on 13 March 2024, to Question 91714.

https://questions-statements.parliament.uk/written-questions/detail/2025-11-17/91714
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Euan Stainbank:To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, what assessment he has made of the potential merits of introducing offences for impersonating serving armed forces personnel or veterans. \p Louise Sandher-Jones: The Ministry of Defence (MOD) has made no assessment of introducing new offences for impersonating Armed Forces personnel or Veterans and has no current plans to consider criminalising such impersonation, given that existing measures already apply in certain circumstances.

Veterans are expected to adhere to the guidance regarding the wearing of medals. However, it is not a criminal offence for Veterans, or the public, to wear medals to which they are not entitled unless, by doing so, an individual is seeking to make personal gain or defraud others.

The Fraud Act 2006 (and common law fraud offences in Scotland) make it an offence for anyone to fraudulently wear uniforms or medals, or by pretending to be or have been in the Armed Forces, if for financial gain or to cause disadvantage to others.

Further, under the Uniforms Act 1894, it is an offence for anyone to wear an Armed Forces uniform without permission, or to wear any dress having the appearance, or bearing any regimental or distinctive marks, of any such uniform. This does not, however, prevent individuals wearing a uniform for theatrical or similar purposes.

Whenever it is suspected that an individual might be committing an offence, as described above, the matter should be reported to the civilian police.
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James Cartlidge:To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, whether he plans to reduce the amount of (a) collective and (b) unit training for the (i) Army, (ii) Royal Navy and (iii) Royal Air Force in (A) 2025-26 and (B) 2026-27. \p Al Carns: Training continues to be a priority for the Ministry of Defence. The Royal Navy, British Army and Royal Air Force will continue to conduct collective and unit training, proportionate to their recruitment and continue to modernise and streamline training pathways to meet operational needs.
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James Cartlidge:To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, what proportion of the workshare for Project Nightfall will be conducted in the United Kingdom. \p Luke Pollard: The Project NIGHTFALL competition has not yet been launched. As a result, the proportion of workshare to be conducted in the UK is not yet known.

In line with the Defence Industrial Strategy, the Department will seek to enhance Project NIGHTFALL's benefits to the UK, not just strengthening UK and Euro-Atlantic security, but also being an engine for growth, backing British jobs, British industry and British innovation.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-12-03)

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James Cartlidge:To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, what the range will be of the ground-launched tactical ballistic missiles under Project Nightfall. \p Luke Pollard: At this stage, the Department expects the minimum acceptable range of the ground-launched tactical ballistic missiles under Project Nightfall to be 500km. We aim to develop solutions which offer significantly greater range.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-12-03)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-12-03 conversation_92

James Cartlidge:To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, with reference to his Department's press release entitled Major £5 billion technology investment accelerates UK defence innovation in a European first, published on 2 June 2025, how much of the £4 billion for autonomous systems has been spent since 5 July 2024. \p Luke Pollard: Uncrewed and Autonomous systems are integral to the modern way of warfighting, exemplified in the lessons gleaned from the war in Ukraine. The Ministry of Defence has spent over £450 million on Uncrewed Systems, including over £300 million on their research and development over the last year. The Strategic Defence Review announced an increase in autonomy investment of £2 billion in this Parliament, taking total Defence investment in autonomy to circa £4 billion. Work to deliver the Strategic Defence Review recommendations, including on autonomy and drones, will be prioritised appropriately against the threat as part of the future Integrated Force and set out in the Defence Investment Plan to be published this year.
wrans/answers2025-12-03 conversation_93
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-12-03)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-12-03 conversation_93

Jim Shannon:To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, what steps he is taking to improve cadet provision in rural areas. \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).

Cadets: South East (docx, 15.8KB)
wrans/answers2025-12-03 conversation_94
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-12-03)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-12-03 conversation_94

Sir Iain Duncan Smith:To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, pursuant to the Answer of 2 April 2025 to Question UIN 43405, whether he or Ministers in his Department have visited the Old British Cemetery in Girne, Northern Cyprus; and whether he plans to do so. \p Louise Sandher-Jones: Whilst the Ministry of Defence continues to recognise and value the sacrifice of the 371 UK Service personnel who gave their lives during the ‘Cyprus Emergency’, Parliamentary and Ministerial commitments mean there are no plans to visit the memorial at The Old British Cemetery at Girne (Kyrenia).

Whilst the cemetery is located in the self-declared Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus, which is not recognised by this Government, the British High Commission in Nicosia regularly honours those Service personnel who died, including through the annual laying of a wreath at the official Remembrance Day Service at the Nicosia War Cemetery where British soldiers are buried.
wrans/answers2025-12-03 conversation_95
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-12-03)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-12-03 conversation_95

Ben Lake:To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, what the cost to the public purse has been of UK military flights over Gaza since October 2023. \p Al Carns: While I am unable to disclose these costs for reasons of operational security and as a matter of policy, Defence operational spend in relation to the Israel-Gaza conflict and the wider Middle East has been published in its Annual Reports and Accounts for financial years 2023-24 and 2024-25.
wrans/answers2025-12-03 conversation_96
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-12-03)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-12-03 conversation_96

Mr Richard Holden:To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, with reference to the consultation outcome entitled Lowering the minimum age requirement for train drivers from 20 to 18 – outcome, updated on 7 May 2025, when she plans to respond to the coordinated implementation plan submitted by the industry. \p Keir Mather: The Department intends to make an announcement shortly.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-12-03)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-12-03 conversation_97

Mr Richard Holden:To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, pursuant to the Answer of 21 November 2025 to Question 90824 on Great British Railways: Disclosure of Information, whether the data published by the Office of Rail and Road will include annual figures on passenger complaints and the number of those complaints resolved. \p Keir Mather: The Office of Rail and Road currently publishes the number of complaints closed by train operators on a bi-annual basis. There is no distinction between the number of complaints received and the number resolved.

Train operators are obliged to provide certain information to the ORR as part of their current licence agreements. In the future, the Passenger Watchdog will set the consumer standards in the licences, including standards on complaint handling and reporting. While the detail of what data operators must share after GBR is established is to be decided, we do not expect any reduction in the level of transparency of complaints data.
wrans/answers2025-12-03 conversation_98
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-12-03)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-12-03 conversation_98

Mr Richard Holden:To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, what analysis she has undertaken of the impact of the Railways Bill on private sector investment and innovation within the rail industry; and if she will publish that analysis. \p Keir Mather: Establishing GBR through the Railways Bill will provide an integrated approach and greater longer-term certainty for rail, giving the private sector the confidence it needs to invest and support innovation throughout the sector. The Railways Bill Impact Assessment provides an assessment of the potential impacts of the rail reform policies within the Railways Bill, including the impacts on Business Environment.
wrans/answers2025-12-03 conversation_99
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-12-03)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-12-03 conversation_99

Mr Richard Holden:To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, how her Department will measure the impact of the Railways Bill on private sector innovation in the rail industry; and what baseline data has been established to assess the impact of that Bill on levels of innovation. \p Keir Mather: Establishing GBR through the Railways Bill will provide an integrated approach and greater longer-term certainty for rail, giving the private sector the confidence it needs to invest and support innovation throughout the sector. The Railways Bill Impact Assessment provides an assessment of the potential impacts of the rail reform policies within the Railways Bill, including the impacts on Business Environment.
wrans/answers2025-12-03 conversation_100
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-12-03)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-12-03 conversation_100

Rebecca Smith:To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, what her estimate is of the a) initial set-up and b) ongoing costs associated with Great British Railways’ future retail capability via website and app. \p Keir Mather: The government has set out plans for GBR to retail online, bringing together the 14 rail operator websites and apps. This will reduce fragmentation, deliver savings through removing duplication, and provide a more coherent passenger offer.

The costs and savings associated with GBR's website and app will be continually assessed as this work progresses, with a view to delivering for passengers and taxpayers alike.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-12-03)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-12-03 conversation_101

Stephen Flynn:To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, pursuant to the Answer of 27 October 2025 to Question 83372 on Electric Vehicles: Charging Points, if she will publish the evidential basis behind the conclusion that the electric vehicle pavement channels grant is not a subsidy. \p Keir Mather: We have assessed the grant under the Subsidy Control Act 2022 and determined that it is not a subsidy.

A subsidy is financial assistance that conforms with the four tests set out in paragraphs (a) to (d) of section 2(1) of the Subsidy Control Act 2022. In this case, funding will be issued to local authorities who will pay for the installation of cross-pavement solutions at the appropriate market rate for this service. Payments for such installations will not ‘confer an economic advantage on one or more enterprises’ as set out in section 2(1)(b) of the Act, because installers will be paid at the market rate for such services. To the extent that residents who receive pavement channels are the indirect beneficiaries of the fund, they are not ‘Enterprises’ according to the Act.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-12-03)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-12-03 conversation_102

Mr Richard Holden:To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, what contingency plans her Department has for mitigating the impact on the planned 2030 phase-out of new petrol and diesel cars and vans if the delivery of 300,000 operational public electric vehicle charge points by that date is not achieved. \p Keir Mather: The National Audit Office’s report last year outlined that the number of public chargepoints being installed is on track to meet 300,000 chargepoints by 2030. The majority of these will be delivered by industry, which has already committed £6 billion of private sector investment in UK charging infrastructure before 2030.
wrans/answers2025-12-03 conversation_103
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-12-03)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-12-03 conversation_103

Jim McMahon:To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, pursuant to the answer of 5 November 2025 to question 85843, whether she is considering requiring drivers to register with their home local authority validated by checking council tax, electoral roll and credit reference data. \p Lilian Greenwood: The English Devolution and Community Empowerment Bill seeks to introduce powers to set national minimum standards for taxi and private hire vehicle licensing. If passed, national minimum standards would enable government to set robust standards for licensing across England, to keep all members of the public safe, wherever they live or travel. It would also help reduce the variability of licensing standards across the country, which is a significant factor in inducing drivers to licence with an authority other than that in which they intend to work.

The Department continues to consider further options for reform, including out-of-area working and enforcement. We need to ensure that taxis and PHVs are able to work in a way that facilitates the journeys passengers want and need to make, in a consistently safe way, whilst achieving the best overall outcomes for passenger safety.
wrans/answers2025-12-03 conversation_104
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-12-03)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-12-03 conversation_104

Mr Richard Holden:To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, what steps her Department is taking to help prepare the maritime sector for the expansion of the UK Emissions Trading Scheme. \p Keir Mather: We are working closely with the sector as part of the UK Emissions Trading Scheme (ETS) Authority to ensure that maritime operators will be sufficiently prepared to join UK ETS from July next year.

Regulators are running a voluntary onboarding period from next month which will help the sector engage with the ETS ahead of July and give them extra time to become familiar with how it works.

Additionally, the Authority will allow for ‘double-surrender’ for maritime operators for the first two scheme years, giving maritime operators extra time to familiarise themselves with UK ETS, and the digital systems.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-12-03)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-12-03 conversation_105

Mr Richard Holden:To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, pursuant to the answer of 6 March 2025 to Question 34154, if she will launch that review. \p Lilian Greenwood: The government is considering plans to review the existing requirements for motorcycle training, testing, and licensing in a manner that takes account of both long-standing plans in the Department for Transport and the Driver Vehicle and Standards Agency, and proposals received from the motorcycle sector. More details will be set out in due course.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-12-03)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-12-03 conversation_106

Olly Glover:To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, what progress the car insurance taskforce has made on its work; and when he expects it to report. \p Lilian Greenwood: The Government is committed to tackling the high costs of motor insurance. The cross-government motor insurance taskforce, launched in October 2024, has been comprised of ministers from relevant government departments, the Financial Conduct Authority and Competition and Markets Authority. It has been supported by a separate stakeholder panel of industry experts representing the insurance, motor, and consumer sectors.

This taskforce had the strategic remit to set the direction for UK Government policy, identifying short and long-term actions for departments that may contribute to stabilising or reducing premiums.

The taskforce’s final report is intended to be published shortly.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-12-03)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-12-03 conversation_107

Dr Al Pinkerton:To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, what discussions her Department has had with local authorities to ensure that major transport infrastructure upgrades are delivered effectively in Surrey Heath constituency. \p Lilian Greenwood: My officials hold regular meetings with Surrey County Council to discuss transport in Surrey. We will shortly announce the regional allocations for the majority of the transport funding announced in the Spending Review. We have informed Surrey County Council of their allocation of the Local Transport Grant which is £38.19 million for the period from April 2026 to April 2030 for local transport improvements.