Written questions by Rosindell.

Whether he has received representations from his US counterpart on the proposed transfer of sovereignty of the British Indian Ocean Territory to Mauritius.

The Secretary of State for Defence speaks regularly with US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth on a wide range of security issues, including the long-term, secure and effective operation of the base on Diego Garcia. We welcome US support of the UK proceeding with the proposed treaty with Mauritius, as well as the President's recognition of the strength of the deal.

What steps he is taking with faith groups to support veterans.

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.

What steps he is taking to improve defences against hypersonic missiles.

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.

What steps he is taking to improve the defence of British undersea infrastructure.

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.

What steps he is taking to support the work of armed forces chaplains.

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.

What steps he is taking to increase recruitment and retention within the Royal Navy Reserves.

Our Reserve Forces help the UK Armed Forces meet the threats we face at home and overseas, with the scale, skills, agility and connection to society that we need, in a cost-effective way. We are actively recruiting for the Royal Navy Reserve through our engaging social media campaign. Key themes for recruitment and retention include growth on the Maritime Reserves along with meaningful, diverse, and rewarding employment, reviewing and evolving administrative models for Part Time Volunteer Reserves to make sure they are fit for purpose, optimising selection processes for specialisations, credible career development pathways, and the modernising and flexibility of training pipelines.

What proportion of invoices from UK suppliers his Department paid within 10 days of receipt between September 2024 and February 2025.

Between September 2024 and February 2025, a total of 619,531 invoices were received, of which, 97.28 per cent (602,704) were paid within ten working days of receipt.Details of the Ministry of Defence's (MOD) supplier invoicing and payment information, including supplier payment performance, invoice processing and MOD contract payments, are published at the following link:https://www.gov.uk/government/collections/ministry-of-defence-supplier-invoicing-and-payment-information

Whether the Government plans to conduct military exercises with (a) Malaysia, (b) Brunei, and (c) Singapore in the next twelve months.

The UK military exercises regularly with allies and partners across the Indo-Pacific. Over the next twelve months, we will be conducting bilateral and multilateral exercises with Malaysia, Brunei and Singapore.

What steps he plans to take to protect British businesses against the effects of grey zone attacks on undersea cable communication infrastructure between Taiwan and Europe.

Subsea cables are critical to UK telecommunications digital infrastructure, and we are committed to maintaining and enhancing the security and resilience of that infra- structure. We continue to co-ordinate with HMG partners, particularly DSIT who own subsea cables policy, as well as security partners, the subsea cables industry and international bodies to assess and understand risks to subsea cables.

What steps his Department is taking to help strengthen maritime security in the Caribbean region in (a) collaboration with British Overseas Territories and (b) other ways.

A Royal Naval ship maintains a persistent presence in the Caribbean where it contributes to regional security through the conduct of counter-illicit trafficking operations, humanitarian assistance and disaster relief as necessary during the Caribbean hurricane season, and wider defence engagement. Defence also provides direct assistance to the Overseas Territory Defence Regiments through the provision of equipment and training, including maritime capacity building. Defence maintains close relationships with independent states throughout the region and works in partnership with Canada, France, the Netherlands and the United States to align and conduct joint activity. The Ministry of Defence works closely with the Foreighn Commonwealth and Development Office as part of a cross-HMG approach to the UK’s Overseas Territories.

Whether he is taking steps with his (a) Australian and (b) US counterparts on the integration of quantum computing technologies under the AUKUS framework.

Quantum technologies remain one of the six areas of advanced capability collaboration being progressed as part of AUKUS Pillar Two. The Secretary of State for Defence alongside his AUKUS counterparts continues to support the development and integration of quantum technologies for positioning, navigation, and timing in military capabilities.

Whether he has had recent discussions with his US counterpart on the (a) future of AUKUS Pillar 2 cooperation and (b) potential UK participation in US-led advanced defence technology projects.

The Secretary of State for Defence has used his recent opportunities for dialogue with his US counterpart to emphasise the importance, now more than ever, of our deep ties and collaboration on security and defence. The UK continues to cooperate closely with the US within AUKUS Pillar 2, as well as bilaterally to develop advanced capabilities and increase interoperability between our forces.

What steps he is taking to improve mental health support for active military personnel.

The Ministry of Defence (MOD) is committed to the health and wellbeing of our Armed Forces personnel. All Service personnel have access to mental health support throughout their career, including medical and non-medical services. For Armed Forces personnel requiring dedicated mental healthcare, the Defence Medical Services (DMS) provides a responsive, flexible, accessible, and comprehensive treatment service. The majority of patients who seek mental health care are managed by their GP; however, some with more complex needs will receive treatment from specialist mental health care services. The DMS is reshaping mental health provision to reduce waiting lists, improve timelines for patient recovery and refocus on earlier intervention. There will be a single point of access for specialist mental health networks allowing quicker access to initial assessment and earlier allocation to the right treatment pathway. DMS is increasing access to resources and online therapy to improve the care offered by GPs. Several non-medical interventions across Defence complement medical services, including key MOD initiatives such as the Defence Senior Leaders Mental Fitness and Resilience course (SLMFR), HeadFIT and the Annual Mental Fitness Brief (AMFB). Additionally, each of the single Services provide through career mental health and stress management training.

What recent discussions he has had with his Republic of Ireland counterpart on military cooperation on the island of Ireland.

The Secretary of State for Defence wrote to the new Tánaiste following his appointment in January 2025, congratulating him on his appointment, and the Chief of Defence Staff visited Ireland on 12 and 13 February, where he met the Chief of Staff of the Defence Forces and Secretary General of the Department of Defence.

What assessment he has made of the adequacy of the Royal Navy’s land-attack missile capability.

The Royal Navy has a potent land attack capability, equipped to strike from above, on, and beneath the water. This includes Tomahawk Land Attack Missiles launched from the Astute Class Submarines, Paveway IV precision guided bombs carried by the F-35B aircraft and the Naval Strike Missile, which is being fitted to surface ships.The Strategic Defence Review, announced in July 2024, will comprehensively evaluate all aspects of defence, including the Royal Navy's land attack capability.

What steps he is taking to help tackle illegal narcotic trade within the Caribbean Sea.

A Royal Navy ship is persistently deployed to the Caribbean. In conjunction with the US, this ship conducts counter illicit trafficking operations to directly intercept drug smugglers. In addition, a Royal Naval officer provides UK liaison to the US Joint Inter Agency Task Force (South) in Florida to ensure that we collaborate to best effect with allies.

If he will increase funding to the UK Maritime Component Command based at the Naval Support Facility in Bahrain.

Future funding decisions are subject to the ongoing Spending Review, and the outcome of the Strategic Defence Review.

What steps he has taken to improve retention of officers in the (a) Royal Navy, (b) Army and (c) Royal Air Force.

The new Government’s work in improving retention and recruitment is part of a package of measures aimed to renew the contract between the nation and those who serve. We are modernising and refining our policies and processes to attract, and then retain the best possible talent, highlighting that Defence is a modern, forward-facing employer which offers a valuable and rewarding career. Our aim is to attract and recruit more, as well as maximise the number of applicants that successfully enter and remain in Armed Forces employment. The retention measures we have introduced and in development are aimed at the widest possible audience where possible, whether that be Officer or Enlisted ranks, unless directed towards protecting specific operational capabilities. As part of this inclusive approach to retention we have already awarded the largest Armed Forces pay increase in 22 years, providing appropriate financial recognition to all personnel and additionally supporting the retention of key skills. The Ministry of Defence and Ministers recognise the significant sacrifices that our military families make in serving our nation, and more retention-positive measures have been introduced. As part of this we have protected the integrity of the Continuity of Education Allowance; the Secretary of State for Defence directed that the cap on current rates be lifted to support the means of mitigating the disruption to Service children’s education, caused by Service commitments involving frequent moves of the family home. The recent repurchase of the SFA estate from Annington Homes will enable the Ministry of Defence the freedom to embark on a substantive programme of redevelopment and improvement of our housing estate to provide quality homes for Service Families.Furthermore, we have extended Wraparound Childcare to families serving overseas which will potentially save up to £3,400 annually for Service families.

What steps he has taken to ensure the continued presence of Royal Navy assets in the Middle East maritime theatre.

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. The Strategic Defence Review, due to be published in the Spring, will set out Defence’s strategic priorities and context for subsequent resource allocation, including informing the global distribution of Royal Navy assets.

What assessment he has made of the potential impact of changes in the level of funding for the Combined Cadet Force Association on its operation in the London Borough of Havering.

This Government’s commitment to supporting the school-based Combined Cadet Force and the Cadet Expansion Programme in schools remains unchanged. Therefore, we continue to invest £3.6 million per year in the programme so that more young people can enjoy the benefits of the cadet experience. In light of this, I have also directed that a review be undertaken to ascertain how we can deliver more cadet activity, and to do more for our cadets, both in schools and in wider communities.