Every parliamentary written question tabled by Andrew Rosindell this session, with the full answer and department. See how every department answers, or back to the MP page.
Showing 61–80 of 161 · Ministry of Defence
If he will make an assessment of the potential merits of increasing Royal Naval presence in the North Sea.
The Royal Navy maintains a persistent and agile presence in UK waters, including the North Sea, and we keep force posture under continual review in light of the threat and operational demand. We will continue to work with allies and partners to deter hostile activity, protect critical national infrastructure, and respond rapidly where required.
What steps he has taken to support the recruitment of (a) apprentices and (b) graduates to the British defence industry.
The Ministry of Defence already supports over 460,000 jobs and 24,000 apprenticeships across the UK, providing sustainable, high-quality, well-paying jobs. As part of the Defence Industrial Strategy, the Ministry of Defence has announced a £182 million skills package which includes a range of initiatives that will support apprentices and graduates. These include Defence Technical Excellence Colleges, the Defence Universities Alliance and the Graduate and Apprentice Clearing System.
What assessment he has made of the potential security implications for British Overseas Territories in the Caribbean following the US’s intervention in Venezuela.
The UK Government is committed to safeguarding the security of all our Overseas Territories, including those in the Caribbean. The Ministry of Defence undertakes regular assessments of the requirements for Defence support to those Overseas Territories.
What steps his Department is taking to ensure UK defence commitments in the Indo-Pacific remain robust amid rising tensions between China and Japan.
The UK's commitment to a free, open, and prosperous Indo-Pacific is unwavering. In addition to our permanent bases and persistent maritime presence, we are building the capacity of regional partners, conducting joint exercises, and deepening defence industrial collaboration. Two of the UK's major defence programmes - AUKUS and GCAP - include Indo-Pacific partners. Japan is our closest security partner in Asia, and we will continue to cooperate closely to safeguard peace, stability and prosperity in the region. We support all actions to de-escalate tensions and return to calm. I spoke with Defence Minister Koizumi on 17 December 2025, during which I reiterated this message.
Whether his Department plans to reduce the number of overseas Royal Navy bases.
The UK Defence global footprint remains under constant review, across all overseas locations and bases, including those that support the Royal Navy. We continue to ensure that our footprint is fully optimised to meet the requirements of our Armed Forces world-wide.
When HMS Lancaster will be replaced at the UK Naval Support Facility in Bahrain.
The Ministry of Defence keeps its force posture in the Middle East under continual review to safeguard the UK’s national security interests and operational requirements. We remain committed to working with our partners across the region.
When he plans to deploy a Type 31 frigate on permanent station at the UK Naval Support Facility in Bahrain.
The Ministry of Defence keeps its force posture in the Middle East under continual review to safeguard the UK's national security interests and operational requirements. We remain committed to working with our partners across the region.
What steps he is taking to increase Royal Navy presence in the Gulf in the context of HMS Lancaster being decommissioned.
Our significant maritime collaboration and senior Naval representation highlights our enduring commitment to stability and security in the region. Capabilities such as Maritime Domain Awareness, uncrewed systems, and a world class training offer ensure that our allies and partners are supported and ready to meet challenges in the region.
What funding he has allocated to a long term Royal Navy presence at the UK Naval Support Facility in Bahrain.
The UK remains steadfast in its commitment to maintaining a presence in the Middle East, reassuring partners and contributing to regional security and stability. Central to this posture is the UK Maritime Component Command (UKMCC), located in Bahrain, with a footprint of c125 personnel, which commands and controls Royal Navy and Royal Fleet Auxiliary ships. This also includes the MOD’s role in the Combined Maritime Forces framework and the delivery of training to regional partners.The Royal Navy is evolving its approach to operations in the Middle East, focusing on modernising capabilities, strengthening partnerships, and ensuring basing and access for times of crisis. The RN’s modernisation programme has already delivered an autonomous mine countermeasures capability operating in the Gulf, which continues to innovate at pace. In terms of personnel footprint, the RN maintains a strong regional presence, including roles within US Fifth Fleet Task Forces in Bahrain, Loan Service personnel in Oman, RN embeds in the British Military Mission in Kuwait, and RN personnel advising on seabed warfare through the Ministry of Defence Saudi Armed Forces Programme (MODSAP) programme in Saudi Arabia.The RN remains agile and ready to respond to emerging threats, deploying platforms to meet Defence Plan commitments and operational requirements, which are continuously reviewed.
What the Royal Navy presence is at the UK Naval Support Facility in Bahrain following the decommissioning of HMS Lancaster.
The UK remains steadfast in its commitment to maintaining a presence in the Middle East, reassuring partners and contributing to regional security and stability. Central to this posture is the UK Maritime Component Command (UKMCC), located in Bahrain, with a footprint of c125 personnel, which commands and controls Royal Navy and Royal Fleet Auxiliary ships. This also includes the MOD’s role in the Combined Maritime Forces framework and the delivery of training to regional partners.The Royal Navy is evolving its approach to operations in the Middle East, focusing on modernising capabilities, strengthening partnerships, and ensuring basing and access for times of crisis. The RN’s modernisation programme has already delivered an autonomous mine countermeasures capability operating in the Gulf, which continues to innovate at pace. In terms of personnel footprint, the RN maintains a strong regional presence, including roles within US Fifth Fleet Task Forces in Bahrain, Loan Service personnel in Oman, RN embeds in the British Military Mission in Kuwait, and RN personnel advising on seabed warfare through the Ministry of Defence Saudi Armed Forces Programme (MODSAP) programme in Saudi Arabia.The RN remains agile and ready to respond to emerging threats, deploying platforms to meet Defence Plan commitments and operational requirements, which are continuously reviewed.
To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what steps he has taken to support good (a) mental and (b) physical health amongst retired veterans.
This Government remains dedicated in recognising our veterans for their service and is fully committed to ensuring that veterans are able to access the care and support they need. In England, NHS England provides Op COURAGE, which delivers a broad range of specialist mental health wellbeing care and support for service leavers, reservists, and veterans. Op RESTORE provides specialist care and support to veterans who have physical health problems as a result of their service. Separate provision is available for veterans living in Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland. Earlier this year we launched VALOUR, a new national programme designed to make it easier for veterans across the UK to access support when it is needed. The £27 million VALOUR development funding programme will deliver VALOUR Recognised Centres across the country, which will help cohere service provision and ensure that veterans can meet and discuss their issues with others who understand their unique experiences, within their communities, to further enhance their wellbeing.
What steps his Department has taken to improve the electronic warfare capabilities of His Majesty’s Armed Forces.
The Strategic Defence Review (SDR) designates the Cyber and Electromagnetic (CyberEM) domain as a strategic priority. In response, UK Strategic Command has transitioned to become Cyber & Specialist Operations Command (CSOC), providing explicit four-star leadership for the CyberEM domain alongside pan-Defence responsibility for Electronic Warfare (EW) concepts, doctrine, and capability development.Additionally, CSOC has now established the Defence Cyber and EM Force (DCEMF) at two-star level to support operational commanders in integrating Electronic Warfare across the range of military effects.Current EW programmes and projects continue to be funded and supported in service. Future proposals for additional EW capabilities are being considered through the Defence Investment Plan.
What steps he has taken to streamline his Department’s procurement procedures.
Implementation of the procurement and acquisition reforms set out in the Defence Industrial Strategy is underway, under the new National Armaments Director who took up post on 14 October 2025. We are introducing service-agnostic capability portfolios, aligned with wider departmental reforms. The portfolio-driven approach will increase pace and adaptability, enabling us to maximise the output from our investment, reduce waste and be more market aligned. Five commercial pathways have been launched for Spiral, Urgent, Design to Cost, Digital & Technology and Low Complexity Procurement. Further Commercial Pathways are being developed including for S&T and Experimentation, National Security, and Infrastructure with a focus on harnessing commercial flexibilities to drive pace and adaptability. These pathways underpin the new segmented approach to procurement which sets ambitious targets to drastically reduce the timescales to get new projects on contract by tailoring processes and timelines to the type of acquisition supplier and risk involved. This includes the Rapid Commercial Exploitation segment to allow us to pull the latest technology into operations and increase innovation.
What steps his Department has taken to support the defence industry in Northern Ireland.
On 8 September 2025 we published the Defence Industrial Strategy, which includes a range of initiatives that cut red tape, speed up development to delivery, and ensure our defence investment benefits local communities. This includes a Northern Ireland Defence Growth Deal, which will harness Northern Ireland’s defence sub-sector strengths while also ensuring that the foundations are in place to support that defence spending. We are committed to working with partners across Northern Ireland to ensure that we have a thriving defence sector that supports jobs, skills and growth.
If he will make it his Department's policy to reinstate compulsory chapels on Royal Navy vessels.
The Royal Navy Chaplaincy Service (RNCS) provides spiritual, pastoral and moral support to all personnel, regardless of faith and belief. Chaplains are routinely embarked on Royal Navy vessels, particularly major warships and deployed task groups, and will use and suitable quiet space for services, prayers and one-to-one support.
Whether he will make it his Department's policy to reinstate the two-power standard as applied to the Royal Navy Fleet.
The 'two-power standard' was set out by the Naval Defence Act 1889 and dictated that the Royal Navy (RN) should maintain a fleet at least as strong as the next two powerful navies combined. Today our security is underpinned by NATO's collective defence, where capabilities are shared across 32 allies.Modern naval warfare still demands mass, presence, and resilience. For that reason, The Royal Navy is transforming to a hybrid fleet, moving to a dispersed but digitally connected fleet of crewed, uncrewed, and autonomous platforms. This restores mass and power in a cost-effective way whilst ensuring we retain the cutting-edge capabilities expected of a leading NATO navy.
How much his Department has spent on cancelled programmes in the (a) Royal Navy, (b) Royal Air Force and (c) Army in each year since 2010.
The Department's spend on cancelled programmes of over £300,000 is published as part of its Annual Report and Accounts.As would be expected of any responsible organisation, the Ministry of Defence regularly reviews its programmes and assets to determine how best to meet future threats including taking appropriate action to address changes.
What recent steps the Royal Marines and the United States Marine Corps have taken to improve interoperability.
The Royal Marines and the United States Marine Corps have an enduring partnership forged through decades of shared operations and tested in demanding environments. This ensures that they can operate seamlessly together. The United Kingdom and United States have permanent exchange positions in operational and capability organisations, and set shared priorities for interoperability across doctrine, training and capability development annually. Recent joint exercises include BALTOPS and BOLD QUEST, which advanced UK/US digital integration to improve command and control.
What steps he has taken to improve the sonar capabilities of the Royal Navy surface fleet.
The Defence Innovation Anti-Submarine Warfare (ASW) Spearhead Programme has focussed on accelerating the Navy's understanding of advanced capabilities. Key areas progressed include sensor optimisation, machine learning and artificial intelligence, to improve the sonar capabilities within the surface fleet. Investment in the Anti-Submarine Warfare Sonar 2087 system has led to improvements to Type 23 capabilities. These improvements will also be pulled through to the Type 26 programme.
What steps the (a) Royal Navy, (b) Royal Air Force and (c) Army have taken to improve interoperability.
The Strategic Defence Review states that the Armed Forces must compete the journey from 'joint' to 'integrated'. On 1 April 2025, the Chief of the Defence Staff became head of the new Military Strategic Headquarters (MSHQ) with command over the Service Chiefs. This change ensures that authorities for force design and activity delivery now flow top-down from a single point of military authority. The MSHQ has also appointed an interoperability champion to support NATO in its development of its own interoperability plan. We have already seen tangible progress in improving interoperability with allies, for example, the UK's Carrier Strike Group has recently been under NATO Command, integrated into both Alliance operational and tactical command and control Systems.