Written questions by Rosindell.

What assessment he has made of the adequacy of the operational readiness of the Royal Navy.

The Royal Navy maintains a high state of operational readiness across its core capabilities, including the Continuous At Sea Deterrent, Carrier Strike, frigates and destroyers, submarines, aviation, the Royal Marines and the Royal Fleet Auxiliary. The Fleet is deployed globally to protect the UK’s security and interests, working alongside allies and partners.It is important to understand readiness as a constant cycle with ships moving regularly through maintenance, training, deployment and recovery phases. For reasons of operational security, the Ministry of Defence does not give detailed information on past or current levels of readiness for individual Royal Navy warships.

When his Department last conducted a review of the UK’s defence posture in the South Atlantic; and whether he plans to commission a new assessment.

I refer the hon. gentleman to the response given to Question 118648 on 16 March 2026. For operational and personnel security reasons we do not disclose the precise force levels deployed in the South Atlantic.

For what reason the French Navy responded more quickly than the Royal Navy to the recent drone incident in Cyprus.

We cannot comment on the deployment decisions of other nations.

What recent assessment he has made of the adequacy of the UK’s military capability to defend the Falkland Islands from potential aggression.

I refer the hon. gentleman to the response given to Question 118648 on 16 March 2026. For operational and personnel security reasons we do not disclose the precise force levels deployed in the South Atlantic.

How many Royal Navy destroyers and frigates were fully operational and deployable at immediate readiness in each of the last 12 months.

The Royal Navy maintains a high state of operational readiness across its core capabilities, including the Continuous At Sea Deterrent, Carrier Strike, frigates and destroyers, submarines, aviation, the Royal Marines and the Royal Fleet Auxiliary. The Fleet is deployed globally to protect the UK’s security and interests, working alongside allies and partners.It is important to understand readiness as a constant cycle with ships moving regularly through maintenance, training, deployment and recovery phases. For reasons of operational security, the Ministry of Defence does not give detailed information on past or current levels of readiness for individual Royal Navy warships.

What the force levels are at RAF Mount Pleasant; and whether he plans to review them.

I refer the hon. gentleman to the response given to Question 118648 on 16 March 2026. For operational and personnel security reasons we do not disclose the precise force levels deployed in the South Atlantic.

What factors contributed to the time taken between the drone attack on Cyprus and the deployment of HMS Dragon from Portsmouth.

We do not comment on deployment decisions for reasons of operational security.

What assessment he has made of the potential merits of deploying additional missile defence systems to allies in the Gulf, such as the UAE and Bahrain.

This remains an extremely challenging and unsettling time for many across the Middle East. The UK condemns Iran’s role in attempting to draw the region into a wider conflict. Our priority is to protect British nationals, British interests and our partners and allies in the Gulf. We support action that will help bring a swift resolution to this conflict, and an end to Iran's reckless and escalatory response As part of our contribution, the UK has deployed additional military capabilities to the region. As confirmed by the Prime Minister in his statement on 5 March 2026, an additional four Typhoon aircraft are now deployed to Qatar to provide regional defensive counter air including UAE and Bahrain. RAF Typhoon and F-35 aircraft are continuing air operations over Jordan, Qatar, and Cyprus and the wider Gulf region in defence of British interests and allies. We continue to assess other assistance requested from our regional partners. Ministry of Defence are leveraging the expertise of British Defence Industry to enhance our regional partners’ defensive capabilities, particularly regarding C-UAS and Air Defence. Defence Attachés in the region have an updated list of UK companies who have capability to support have been engaging with our partners across the Gulf to understand their requests. We are working at pace to match Middle East requirements with Industry offers. We are also facilitating Government to Industry (G2I) connections for Middle East countries and UK Industry to hasten support to our regional partners.

If he will list enforcement and detention incidents involving Cuban vessels in each of the last five years.

Available Royal Navy operational records show no enforcement or detention incidents involving Cuban‑flagged vessels in the past five years.

Whether he has had discussions with his counterpart in (a) France and (b) New Zealand on EEZ enforcement in the Pitcairn Islands.

The Ministry of Defence regularly discusses regional security, including the security of our Overseas Territories, such as the Pitcairn Islands, with key regional partners including New Zealand and France.

For what reason the application windows for Commonwealth citizens seeking to join the Armed Forces are closed in some services; and when those windows will reopen.

Commonwealth citizens are, and always will be, an important and valued part of the UK Armed Forces and we have never stopped recruiting them. Citizens of over 40 Commonwealth countries are currently serving in the UK Armed Forces, and as at 1 October 2025, there were 5,510 Commonwealth personnel in the Trained and Trade Trained strength of the Regular Armed Forces. Commonwealth citizens applying to join the UK Armed Forces must have valid immigration permission to be in the UK during the selection process. For those not already in the UK, the Home Office allow Armed Forces applicants who have been invited to undergo selection, to enter the UK on the visitor route either via a visitor visa or an Electronic Travel Authorisation depending on their country of origin. Once successful applicants are recruited and begin their training, the Home Office exempts them from immigration control for the duration of their Regular service. The national security vetting (NSV) process is owned by the Cabinet Office, and the MOD must comply with it. As part of this, a UK (Great Britain and Northern Ireland) footprint is an integral part of the NSV process for joining the Armed Forces, and clearance levels vary depending on the Service, rank and role applied for.  Where an applicant, regardless of nationality, has not resided in the UK continuously for the required period prior to their application additional checks may be needed.   Each Service keeps these requirements under review. Due to an unprecedented volume of applications in August 2024, the Army is not currently accepting new applications from Commonwealth citizens, other than for those who wish to be musicians, whilst it processes those who have already applied. It is not possible at this stage to say when the application window will fully re-open, but Commonwealth citizens are continuing to join the Army. The Royal Navy continues to accept Expressions of Interest and the Royal Air Force continues to accept applications from Commonwealth citizens. There are currently no plans to review the maximum 1,350 Basic Training Start limit for Commonwealth citizens each Recruiting Year (1 March – 30 April). The number of Commonwealth citizens who are recruited each year within the 1,350 limit and for the Army, the additional 15% limit on the number of Commonwealth personnel serving in each cap badge, is adjusted as necessary by the three Services to meet their Service and operational needs. Commonwealth citizens serve on largely the same Terms of Service as their British and Irish counterparts including pay and pensions and have the same access to service accommodation and welfare support. The Ministry of Defence also works closely with the Home Office to ensure that non-UK personnel including Commonwealth citizens and their families benefit from specific immigration rules which enable them to enter, live, work and settle in the UK and become British citizens.

Whether his Department plans to review the annual cap of 1,350 Commonwealth recruits, in light of continued high demand from eligible applicants across the Commonwealth.

Commonwealth citizens are, and always will be, an important and valued part of the UK Armed Forces and we have never stopped recruiting them. Citizens of over 40 Commonwealth countries are currently serving in the UK Armed Forces, and as at 1 October 2025, there were 5,510 Commonwealth personnel in the Trained and Trade Trained strength of the Regular Armed Forces. Commonwealth citizens applying to join the UK Armed Forces must have valid immigration permission to be in the UK during the selection process. For those not already in the UK, the Home Office allow Armed Forces applicants who have been invited to undergo selection, to enter the UK on the visitor route either via a visitor visa or an Electronic Travel Authorisation depending on their country of origin. Once successful applicants are recruited and begin their training, the Home Office exempts them from immigration control for the duration of their Regular service. The national security vetting (NSV) process is owned by the Cabinet Office, and the MOD must comply with it. As part of this, a UK (Great Britain and Northern Ireland) footprint is an integral part of the NSV process for joining the Armed Forces, and clearance levels vary depending on the Service, rank and role applied for.  Where an applicant, regardless of nationality, has not resided in the UK continuously for the required period prior to their application additional checks may be needed.   Each Service keeps these requirements under review. Due to an unprecedented volume of applications in August 2024, the Army is not currently accepting new applications from Commonwealth citizens, other than for those who wish to be musicians, whilst it processes those who have already applied. It is not possible at this stage to say when the application window will fully re-open, but Commonwealth citizens are continuing to join the Army. The Royal Navy continues to accept Expressions of Interest and the Royal Air Force continues to accept applications from Commonwealth citizens. There are currently no plans to review the maximum 1,350 Basic Training Start limit for Commonwealth citizens each Recruiting Year (1 March – 30 April). The number of Commonwealth citizens who are recruited each year within the 1,350 limit and for the Army, the additional 15% limit on the number of Commonwealth personnel serving in each cap badge, is adjusted as necessary by the three Services to meet their Service and operational needs. Commonwealth citizens serve on largely the same Terms of Service as their British and Irish counterparts including pay and pensions and have the same access to service accommodation and welfare support. The Ministry of Defence also works closely with the Home Office to ensure that non-UK personnel including Commonwealth citizens and their families benefit from specific immigration rules which enable them to enter, live, work and settle in the UK and become British citizens.

What assessment he has made of the potential impact of temporary recruitment pauses for Commonwealth citizens on staffing levels in the Army, Royal Navy, and Royal Air Force.

Commonwealth citizens are, and always will be, an important and valued part of the UK Armed Forces and we have never stopped recruiting them. Citizens of over 40 Commonwealth countries are currently serving in the UK Armed Forces, and as at 1 October 2025, there were 5,510 Commonwealth personnel in the Trained and Trade Trained strength of the Regular Armed Forces. Commonwealth citizens applying to join the UK Armed Forces must have valid immigration permission to be in the UK during the selection process. For those not already in the UK, the Home Office allow Armed Forces applicants who have been invited to undergo selection, to enter the UK on the visitor route either via a visitor visa or an Electronic Travel Authorisation depending on their country of origin. Once successful applicants are recruited and begin their training, the Home Office exempts them from immigration control for the duration of their Regular service. The national security vetting (NSV) process is owned by the Cabinet Office, and the MOD must comply with it. As part of this, a UK (Great Britain and Northern Ireland) footprint is an integral part of the NSV process for joining the Armed Forces, and clearance levels vary depending on the Service, rank and role applied for.  Where an applicant, regardless of nationality, has not resided in the UK continuously for the required period prior to their application additional checks may be needed.   Each Service keeps these requirements under review. Due to an unprecedented volume of applications in August 2024, the Army is not currently accepting new applications from Commonwealth citizens, other than for those who wish to be musicians, whilst it processes those who have already applied. It is not possible at this stage to say when the application window will fully re-open, but Commonwealth citizens are continuing to join the Army. The Royal Navy continues to accept Expressions of Interest and the Royal Air Force continues to accept applications from Commonwealth citizens. There are currently no plans to review the maximum 1,350 Basic Training Start limit for Commonwealth citizens each Recruiting Year (1 March – 30 April). The number of Commonwealth citizens who are recruited each year within the 1,350 limit and for the Army, the additional 15% limit on the number of Commonwealth personnel serving in each cap badge, is adjusted as necessary by the three Services to meet their Service and operational needs. Commonwealth citizens serve on largely the same Terms of Service as their British and Irish counterparts including pay and pensions and have the same access to service accommodation and welfare support. The Ministry of Defence also works closely with the Home Office to ensure that non-UK personnel including Commonwealth citizens and their families benefit from specific immigration rules which enable them to enter, live, work and settle in the UK and become British citizens.

Whether his Department plans to review eligibility and residency requirements for Commonwealth citizens applying to join the UK Armed Forces, particularly in relation to security vetting and immigration conditions.

Commonwealth citizens are, and always will be, an important and valued part of the UK Armed Forces and we have never stopped recruiting them. Citizens of over 40 Commonwealth countries are currently serving in the UK Armed Forces, and as at 1 October 2025, there were 5,510 Commonwealth personnel in the Trained and Trade Trained strength of the Regular Armed Forces. Commonwealth citizens applying to join the UK Armed Forces must have valid immigration permission to be in the UK during the selection process. For those not already in the UK, the Home Office allow Armed Forces applicants who have been invited to undergo selection, to enter the UK on the visitor route either via a visitor visa or an Electronic Travel Authorisation depending on their country of origin. Once successful applicants are recruited and begin their training, the Home Office exempts them from immigration control for the duration of their Regular service. The national security vetting (NSV) process is owned by the Cabinet Office, and the MOD must comply with it. As part of this, a UK (Great Britain and Northern Ireland) footprint is an integral part of the NSV process for joining the Armed Forces, and clearance levels vary depending on the Service, rank and role applied for.  Where an applicant, regardless of nationality, has not resided in the UK continuously for the required period prior to their application additional checks may be needed.   Each Service keeps these requirements under review. Due to an unprecedented volume of applications in August 2024, the Army is not currently accepting new applications from Commonwealth citizens, other than for those who wish to be musicians, whilst it processes those who have already applied. It is not possible at this stage to say when the application window will fully re-open, but Commonwealth citizens are continuing to join the Army. The Royal Navy continues to accept Expressions of Interest and the Royal Air Force continues to accept applications from Commonwealth citizens. There are currently no plans to review the maximum 1,350 Basic Training Start limit for Commonwealth citizens each Recruiting Year (1 March – 30 April). The number of Commonwealth citizens who are recruited each year within the 1,350 limit and for the Army, the additional 15% limit on the number of Commonwealth personnel serving in each cap badge, is adjusted as necessary by the three Services to meet their Service and operational needs. Commonwealth citizens serve on largely the same Terms of Service as their British and Irish counterparts including pay and pensions and have the same access to service accommodation and welfare support. The Ministry of Defence also works closely with the Home Office to ensure that non-UK personnel including Commonwealth citizens and their families benefit from specific immigration rules which enable them to enter, live, work and settle in the UK and become British citizens.

What steps his Department is taking to encourage and support Commonwealth citizens to join the Armed Forces.

Commonwealth citizens are, and always will be, an important and valued part of the UK Armed Forces and we have never stopped recruiting them. Citizens of over 40 Commonwealth countries are currently serving in the UK Armed Forces, and as at 1 October 2025, there were 5,510 Commonwealth personnel in the Trained and Trade Trained strength of the Regular Armed Forces. Commonwealth citizens applying to join the UK Armed Forces must have valid immigration permission to be in the UK during the selection process. For those not already in the UK, the Home Office allow Armed Forces applicants who have been invited to undergo selection, to enter the UK on the visitor route either via a visitor visa or an Electronic Travel Authorisation depending on their country of origin. Once successful applicants are recruited and begin their training, the Home Office exempts them from immigration control for the duration of their Regular service. The national security vetting (NSV) process is owned by the Cabinet Office, and the MOD must comply with it. As part of this, a UK (Great Britain and Northern Ireland) footprint is an integral part of the NSV process for joining the Armed Forces, and clearance levels vary depending on the Service, rank and role applied for.  Where an applicant, regardless of nationality, has not resided in the UK continuously for the required period prior to their application additional checks may be needed.   Each Service keeps these requirements under review. Due to an unprecedented volume of applications in August 2024, the Army is not currently accepting new applications from Commonwealth citizens, other than for those who wish to be musicians, whilst it processes those who have already applied. It is not possible at this stage to say when the application window will fully re-open, but Commonwealth citizens are continuing to join the Army. The Royal Navy continues to accept Expressions of Interest and the Royal Air Force continues to accept applications from Commonwealth citizens. There are currently no plans to review the maximum 1,350 Basic Training Start limit for Commonwealth citizens each Recruiting Year (1 March – 30 April). The number of Commonwealth citizens who are recruited each year within the 1,350 limit and for the Army, the additional 15% limit on the number of Commonwealth personnel serving in each cap badge, is adjusted as necessary by the three Services to meet their Service and operational needs. Commonwealth citizens serve on largely the same Terms of Service as their British and Irish counterparts including pay and pensions and have the same access to service accommodation and welfare support. The Ministry of Defence also works closely with the Home Office to ensure that non-UK personnel including Commonwealth citizens and their families benefit from specific immigration rules which enable them to enter, live, work and settle in the UK and become British citizens.

What assessment he has made of the potential impact of prolonged deployment away from home locations on military and civilian personnel serving on Operation Interflex; and whether this will be considered in future medallic recognition decisions.

Eligibility for the Wider Service Medal (WSM) in relation to Operation INTERFLEX was last reviewed by the Operational Recognition Board (ORB) on 20 November 2025. The Board recognises the challenges of prolonged separation for personnel serving on Operation INTERFLEX and Defence continues to support those affected. While this was considered during recent deliberations, prolonged separation alone does not qualify personnel for the WSM. UK-based military operations, including Operation INTERFLEX, are eligible for WSM consideration if accompanied by a compelling Operational Impact Statement (OIS). Although several OISs have been submitted, none have yet met the criteria for eligibility. Nevertheless, UK-based activities that deliver significant operational effect may be considered in future reviews. There are no plans to update WSM eligibility guidance at this time. The current criteria already provide flexibility for UK-based operations to be considered on a case-by-case basis, and the ORB remains open to recommending the WSM for such operations in the future.

Whether he plans to issue updated guidance to clarify the circumstances under which domestic military training operations, such as Operation Interflex, may qualify for medallic recognition.

Eligibility for the Wider Service Medal (WSM) in relation to Operation INTERFLEX was last reviewed by the Operational Recognition Board (ORB) on 20 November 2025. The Board recognises the challenges of prolonged separation for personnel serving on Operation INTERFLEX and Defence continues to support those affected. While this was considered during recent deliberations, prolonged separation alone does not qualify personnel for the WSM. UK-based military operations, including Operation INTERFLEX, are eligible for WSM consideration if accompanied by a compelling Operational Impact Statement (OIS). Although several OISs have been submitted, none have yet met the criteria for eligibility. Nevertheless, UK-based activities that deliver significant operational effect may be considered in future reviews. There are no plans to update WSM eligibility guidance at this time. The current criteria already provide flexibility for UK-based operations to be considered on a case-by-case basis, and the ORB remains open to recommending the WSM for such operations in the future.

Whether the criteria for awarding the Wider Service Medal permit the inclusion of operations conducted on UK territory.

Eligibility for the Wider Service Medal (WSM) in relation to Operation INTERFLEX was last reviewed by the Operational Recognition Board (ORB) on 20 November 2025. The Board recognises the challenges of prolonged separation for personnel serving on Operation INTERFLEX and Defence continues to support those affected. While this was considered during recent deliberations, prolonged separation alone does not qualify personnel for the WSM. UK-based military operations, including Operation INTERFLEX, are eligible for WSM consideration if accompanied by a compelling Operational Impact Statement (OIS). Although several OISs have been submitted, none have yet met the criteria for eligibility. Nevertheless, UK-based activities that deliver significant operational effect may be considered in future reviews. There are no plans to update WSM eligibility guidance at this time. The current criteria already provide flexibility for UK-based operations to be considered on a case-by-case basis, and the ORB remains open to recommending the WSM for such operations in the future.

Whether his Department has recently reviewed the eligibility of personnel supporting Operation Interflex for the Wider Service Medal.

Eligibility for the Wider Service Medal (WSM) in relation to Operation INTERFLEX was last reviewed by the Operational Recognition Board (ORB) on 20 November 2025. The Board recognises the challenges of prolonged separation for personnel serving on Operation INTERFLEX and Defence continues to support those affected. While this was considered during recent deliberations, prolonged separation alone does not qualify personnel for the WSM. UK-based military operations, including Operation INTERFLEX, are eligible for WSM consideration if accompanied by a compelling Operational Impact Statement (OIS). Although several OISs have been submitted, none have yet met the criteria for eligibility. Nevertheless, UK-based activities that deliver significant operational effect may be considered in future reviews. There are no plans to update WSM eligibility guidance at this time. The current criteria already provide flexibility for UK-based operations to be considered on a case-by-case basis, and the ORB remains open to recommending the WSM for such operations in the future.

With reference to the Answer of 15 January 2026 to Question 104140, whether her Department made an assessment on the security implications for the British Overseas Territories in the Caribbean following the US's intervention in Venezuela.

Alongside the FCDO and other Government Departments, we continue to monitor the security situation in the Caribbean and undertake regular assessments of the requirements for Defence support to those Overseas Territories.