Written questions by Obese-Jecty.

With reference his Department's press release entitled Development of battle-winning hypersonic technology accelerated under new AUKUS deal, published on 18 November 2024, what progress he has made since in developing a hypersonic vehicle that can be used in a range of activities.

The Ministry of Defence's Hypersonics programme intends to deliver a weapon demonstrator by 2030. Under the current Strategic Outline Case approval, the current phase is planned to report in early 2027, which will inform future choices. The UK spent more than £400 million in the last financial year on hypersonic and long-range weapons, including joint projects with France, Germany, and Italy. On Hypersonics, this includes funding for developing technologies, testing, and academic skills and training. Notably, the £12 million contract for an Industry Mission Partner, let in December 2025, will speed up the programme by delivering engineering expertise to develop the design for the hypersonic Flight Test Vehicle. This will be demonstrated through flight testing before being adapted into prototype missiles able to operate at extreme speeds and temperatures required for hypersonic flight. In early 2025, UK scientists completed a major hypersonic propulsion test, enabled by close collaboration between UK Government, industry and US government. The propulsion system is set to power a cutting-edge hypersonic cruise missile concept. In all, 233 test runs were completed at a number of hypersonic speeds, marking a critical step forward in UK Defence capabilities.

What progress has he made in delivering Recommendation 12 of the Strategic Defence Review.

Implementation of the Strategic Defence Review (SDR) began immediately after the Government endorsed the SDR's 62 recommendations; the delivery of the recommendations remains priority business for the Department and significant progress has been made since the SDR was published last June. Examples include: Nuclear deterrence: The Prime Minister announced at the NATO Hague Summit (June 25) that the UK will purchase 12 new F-35A fighter jets and join NATO’s dual capable aircraft nuclear mission. SDR Recommendation (Rec) 30 UKDI: UK Defence Innovation was launched (July 25) to streamline the delivery of innovation technology to Armed Forces personnel through rapid investment, with an annual budget of £400 million. SDR Rec 7 Defence Exports: The UK Defence and Security Exports function was transferred from Department for Business and Trade to MOD (July 25); all staff have completed their migration to MOD systems. 2025 was the highest year for UK Defence exports in 40 years including landmark deals with Norway, worth £10 billion (T26 frigates; Aug 25), and Türkiye, worth £8 billion (Typhoons; October 25). SDR Rec 12 Defence Industrial Strategy: The Defence Industrial Strategy was published (September 25) to take forward the SDR’s vision for radical reforms, growth, innovation, industrial resilience and warfighting readiness – backed by nearly £800 million this parliament. SDR Rec 3 and 8 Always on munitions: Defence announced a new programme to build factories of the future (November 25) with at least 13 potential sites identified to manufacture munitions and explosives in the UK to create an always on capability. This is backed by £1.5 billion of new investment in this parliament and creating over 1,000 British jobs. SDR Rec 29 Housing: The Defence Housing Strategy 2025 (November 25) set out £9 billion of investment over the next decade to upgrade 40,000 Forces’ family homes. An ambitious programme of work to urgently fix 1,000 military homes was completed ahead of schedule (December 25). The programme of housing improvements, known as Raising the Minimum Standards, has seen significant work take place at service family homes across the UK. Legislation to establish a specialist arm’s length defence housing service is in the Armed Forces Bill, now in the Commons. SDR Rec 60 CyberEM Command: The Defence Cyber and Electromagnetic Force (DCEM Force) was established on time and is now up and running, within the Cyber and Specialist Operations Command (November 25). SDR Rec 51 MIS and DCIU: The Military Intelligence Services and Defence Counter-Intelligence Unit were launched on time, as part of a major overhaul of Defence’s intelligence organisations amid increasing threats to the UK and to keep Britain ahead of hostile states and terrorists (December 25). SDR Recs 54 and 56 Atlantic Bastion: The UK’s groundbreaking Atlantic Bastion programme was unveiled (December 25), which will make Britain more secure from Russian undersea threats in the North Atlantic through a transformation of the Royal Navy and its submarine-hunting capabilities into an advanced hybrid force. SDR vision: Hybrid Navy Gap Year: Plans to launch the new Armed Forces ‘Gap Year’ Foundation Scheme were announced (December 25) to give young people in the UK new opportunities to experience military service. SDR Rec 16 DDS: A public summary of the UK's first ever Defence Diplomacy Strategy was published (March 26) which lays the foundation for UK Defence to be more deliberate, targeted and coherent in deepening its international relationships with allies and partners to support defence and wider foreign policy. SDR Rec 21

What progress has he made in delivering Recommendation 15 of the Strategic Defence Review.

Implementation of the Strategic Defence Review (SDR) began immediately after the Government endorsed the SDR's 62 recommendations; the delivery of the recommendations remains priority business for the Department and significant progress has been made since the SDR was published last June. Examples include: Nuclear deterrence: The Prime Minister announced at the NATO Hague Summit (June 25) that the UK will purchase 12 new F-35A fighter jets and join NATO’s dual capable aircraft nuclear mission. SDR Recommendation (Rec) 30 UKDI: UK Defence Innovation was launched (July 25) to streamline the delivery of innovation technology to Armed Forces personnel through rapid investment, with an annual budget of £400 million. SDR Rec 7 Defence Exports: The UK Defence and Security Exports function was transferred from Department for Business and Trade to MOD (July 25); all staff have completed their migration to MOD systems. 2025 was the highest year for UK Defence exports in 40 years including landmark deals with Norway, worth £10 billion (T26 frigates; Aug 25), and Türkiye, worth £8 billion (Typhoons; October 25). SDR Rec 12 Defence Industrial Strategy: The Defence Industrial Strategy was published (September 25) to take forward the SDR’s vision for radical reforms, growth, innovation, industrial resilience and warfighting readiness – backed by nearly £800 million this parliament. SDR Rec 3 and 8 Always on munitions: Defence announced a new programme to build factories of the future (November 25) with at least 13 potential sites identified to manufacture munitions and explosives in the UK to create an always on capability. This is backed by £1.5 billion of new investment in this parliament and creating over 1,000 British jobs. SDR Rec 29 Housing: The Defence Housing Strategy 2025 (November 25) set out £9 billion of investment over the next decade to upgrade 40,000 Forces’ family homes. An ambitious programme of work to urgently fix 1,000 military homes was completed ahead of schedule (December 25). The programme of housing improvements, known as Raising the Minimum Standards, has seen significant work take place at service family homes across the UK. Legislation to establish a specialist arm’s length defence housing service is in the Armed Forces Bill, now in the Commons. SDR Rec 60 CyberEM Command: The Defence Cyber and Electromagnetic Force (DCEM Force) was established on time and is now up and running, within the Cyber and Specialist Operations Command (November 25). SDR Rec 51 MIS and DCIU: The Military Intelligence Services and Defence Counter-Intelligence Unit were launched on time, as part of a major overhaul of Defence’s intelligence organisations amid increasing threats to the UK and to keep Britain ahead of hostile states and terrorists (December 25). SDR Recs 54 and 56 Atlantic Bastion: The UK’s groundbreaking Atlantic Bastion programme was unveiled (December 25), which will make Britain more secure from Russian undersea threats in the North Atlantic through a transformation of the Royal Navy and its submarine-hunting capabilities into an advanced hybrid force. SDR vision: Hybrid Navy Gap Year: Plans to launch the new Armed Forces ‘Gap Year’ Foundation Scheme were announced (December 25) to give young people in the UK new opportunities to experience military service. SDR Rec 16 DDS: A public summary of the UK's first ever Defence Diplomacy Strategy was published (March 26) which lays the foundation for UK Defence to be more deliberate, targeted and coherent in deepening its international relationships with allies and partners to support defence and wider foreign policy. SDR Rec 21

What progress has he made in delivering Recommendation 49 of the Strategic Defence Review.

Implementation of the Strategic Defence Review (SDR) began immediately after the Government endorsed the SDR's 62 recommendations; the delivery of the recommendations remains priority business for the Department and significant progress has been made since the SDR was published last June. Examples include: Nuclear deterrence: The Prime Minister announced at the NATO Hague Summit (June 25) that the UK will purchase 12 new F-35A fighter jets and join NATO’s dual capable aircraft nuclear mission. SDR Recommendation (Rec) 30 UKDI: UK Defence Innovation was launched (July 25) to streamline the delivery of innovation technology to Armed Forces personnel through rapid investment, with an annual budget of £400 million. SDR Rec 7 Defence Exports: The UK Defence and Security Exports function was transferred from Department for Business and Trade to MOD (July 25); all staff have completed their migration to MOD systems. 2025 was the highest year for UK Defence exports in 40 years including landmark deals with Norway, worth £10 billion (T26 frigates; Aug 25), and Türkiye, worth £8 billion (Typhoons; October 25). SDR Rec 12 Defence Industrial Strategy: The Defence Industrial Strategy was published (September 25) to take forward the SDR’s vision for radical reforms, growth, innovation, industrial resilience and warfighting readiness – backed by nearly £800 million this parliament. SDR Rec 3 and 8 Always on munitions: Defence announced a new programme to build factories of the future (November 25) with at least 13 potential sites identified to manufacture munitions and explosives in the UK to create an always on capability. This is backed by £1.5 billion of new investment in this parliament and creating over 1,000 British jobs. SDR Rec 29 Housing: The Defence Housing Strategy 2025 (November 25) set out £9 billion of investment over the next decade to upgrade 40,000 Forces’ family homes. An ambitious programme of work to urgently fix 1,000 military homes was completed ahead of schedule (December 25). The programme of housing improvements, known as Raising the Minimum Standards, has seen significant work take place at service family homes across the UK. Legislation to establish a specialist arm’s length defence housing service is in the Armed Forces Bill, now in the Commons. SDR Rec 60 CyberEM Command: The Defence Cyber and Electromagnetic Force (DCEM Force) was established on time and is now up and running, within the Cyber and Specialist Operations Command (November 25). SDR Rec 51 MIS and DCIU: The Military Intelligence Services and Defence Counter-Intelligence Unit were launched on time, as part of a major overhaul of Defence’s intelligence organisations amid increasing threats to the UK and to keep Britain ahead of hostile states and terrorists (December 25). SDR Recs 54 and 56 Atlantic Bastion: The UK’s groundbreaking Atlantic Bastion programme was unveiled (December 25), which will make Britain more secure from Russian undersea threats in the North Atlantic through a transformation of the Royal Navy and its submarine-hunting capabilities into an advanced hybrid force. SDR vision: Hybrid Navy Gap Year: Plans to launch the new Armed Forces ‘Gap Year’ Foundation Scheme were announced (December 25) to give young people in the UK new opportunities to experience military service. SDR Rec 16 DDS: A public summary of the UK's first ever Defence Diplomacy Strategy was published (March 26) which lays the foundation for UK Defence to be more deliberate, targeted and coherent in deepening its international relationships with allies and partners to support defence and wider foreign policy. SDR Rec 21

What progress has he made in delivering Recommendation 1 of the Strategic Defence Review.

Implementation of the Strategic Defence Review (SDR) began immediately after the Government endorsed the SDR's 62 recommendations; the delivery of the recommendations remains priority business for the Department and significant progress has been made since the SDR was published last June. Examples include: Nuclear deterrence: The Prime Minister announced at the NATO Hague Summit (June 25) that the UK will purchase 12 new F-35A fighter jets and join NATO’s dual capable aircraft nuclear mission. SDR Recommendation (Rec) 30 UKDI: UK Defence Innovation was launched (July 25) to streamline the delivery of innovation technology to Armed Forces personnel through rapid investment, with an annual budget of £400 million. SDR Rec 7 Defence Exports: The UK Defence and Security Exports function was transferred from Department for Business and Trade to MOD (July 25); all staff have completed their migration to MOD systems. 2025 was the highest year for UK Defence exports in 40 years including landmark deals with Norway, worth £10 billion (T26 frigates; Aug 25), and Türkiye, worth £8 billion (Typhoons; October 25). SDR Rec 12 Defence Industrial Strategy: The Defence Industrial Strategy was published (September 25) to take forward the SDR’s vision for radical reforms, growth, innovation, industrial resilience and warfighting readiness – backed by nearly £800 million this parliament. SDR Rec 3 and 8 Always on munitions: Defence announced a new programme to build factories of the future (November 25) with at least 13 potential sites identified to manufacture munitions and explosives in the UK to create an always on capability. This is backed by £1.5 billion of new investment in this parliament and creating over 1,000 British jobs. SDR Rec 29 Housing: The Defence Housing Strategy 2025 (November 25) set out £9 billion of investment over the next decade to upgrade 40,000 Forces’ family homes. An ambitious programme of work to urgently fix 1,000 military homes was completed ahead of schedule (December 25). The programme of housing improvements, known as Raising the Minimum Standards, has seen significant work take place at service family homes across the UK. Legislation to establish a specialist arm’s length defence housing service is in the Armed Forces Bill, now in the Commons. SDR Rec 60 CyberEM Command: The Defence Cyber and Electromagnetic Force (DCEM Force) was established on time and is now up and running, within the Cyber and Specialist Operations Command (November 25). SDR Rec 51 MIS and DCIU: The Military Intelligence Services and Defence Counter-Intelligence Unit were launched on time, as part of a major overhaul of Defence’s intelligence organisations amid increasing threats to the UK and to keep Britain ahead of hostile states and terrorists (December 25). SDR Recs 54 and 56 Atlantic Bastion: The UK’s groundbreaking Atlantic Bastion programme was unveiled (December 25), which will make Britain more secure from Russian undersea threats in the North Atlantic through a transformation of the Royal Navy and its submarine-hunting capabilities into an advanced hybrid force. SDR vision: Hybrid Navy Gap Year: Plans to launch the new Armed Forces ‘Gap Year’ Foundation Scheme were announced (December 25) to give young people in the UK new opportunities to experience military service. SDR Rec 16 DDS: A public summary of the UK's first ever Defence Diplomacy Strategy was published (March 26) which lays the foundation for UK Defence to be more deliberate, targeted and coherent in deepening its international relationships with allies and partners to support defence and wider foreign policy. SDR Rec 21

What progress has he made in delivering Recommendation 22 of the Strategic Defence Review.

Implementation of the Strategic Defence Review (SDR) began immediately after the Government endorsed the SDR's 62 recommendations; the delivery of the recommendations remains priority business for the Department and significant progress has been made since the SDR was published last June. Examples include: Nuclear deterrence: The Prime Minister announced at the NATO Hague Summit (June 25) that the UK will purchase 12 new F-35A fighter jets and join NATO’s dual capable aircraft nuclear mission. SDR Recommendation (Rec) 30 UKDI: UK Defence Innovation was launched (July 25) to streamline the delivery of innovation technology to Armed Forces personnel through rapid investment, with an annual budget of £400 million. SDR Rec 7 Defence Exports: The UK Defence and Security Exports function was transferred from Department for Business and Trade to MOD (July 25); all staff have completed their migration to MOD systems. 2025 was the highest year for UK Defence exports in 40 years including landmark deals with Norway, worth £10 billion (T26 frigates; Aug 25), and Türkiye, worth £8 billion (Typhoons; October 25). SDR Rec 12 Defence Industrial Strategy: The Defence Industrial Strategy was published (September 25) to take forward the SDR’s vision for radical reforms, growth, innovation, industrial resilience and warfighting readiness – backed by nearly £800 million this parliament. SDR Rec 3 and 8 Always on munitions: Defence announced a new programme to build factories of the future (November 25) with at least 13 potential sites identified to manufacture munitions and explosives in the UK to create an always on capability. This is backed by £1.5 billion of new investment in this parliament and creating over 1,000 British jobs. SDR Rec 29 Housing: The Defence Housing Strategy 2025 (November 25) set out £9 billion of investment over the next decade to upgrade 40,000 Forces’ family homes. An ambitious programme of work to urgently fix 1,000 military homes was completed ahead of schedule (December 25). The programme of housing improvements, known as Raising the Minimum Standards, has seen significant work take place at service family homes across the UK. Legislation to establish a specialist arm’s length defence housing service is in the Armed Forces Bill, now in the Commons. SDR Rec 60 CyberEM Command: The Defence Cyber and Electromagnetic Force (DCEM Force) was established on time and is now up and running, within the Cyber and Specialist Operations Command (November 25). SDR Rec 51 MIS and DCIU: The Military Intelligence Services and Defence Counter-Intelligence Unit were launched on time, as part of a major overhaul of Defence’s intelligence organisations amid increasing threats to the UK and to keep Britain ahead of hostile states and terrorists (December 25). SDR Recs 54 and 56 Atlantic Bastion: The UK’s groundbreaking Atlantic Bastion programme was unveiled (December 25), which will make Britain more secure from Russian undersea threats in the North Atlantic through a transformation of the Royal Navy and its submarine-hunting capabilities into an advanced hybrid force. SDR vision: Hybrid Navy Gap Year: Plans to launch the new Armed Forces ‘Gap Year’ Foundation Scheme were announced (December 25) to give young people in the UK new opportunities to experience military service. SDR Rec 16 DDS: A public summary of the UK's first ever Defence Diplomacy Strategy was published (March 26) which lays the foundation for UK Defence to be more deliberate, targeted and coherent in deepening its international relationships with allies and partners to support defence and wider foreign policy. SDR Rec 21

What is the current status of HMS Bulwark.

HMS Bulwark is undergoing regeneration as part of its disposal process in Devonport currently. The Ministry of Defence will make further announcements about HMS Bulwark in due course.

Commonwealth and Development Affairs, how much does she estimate the 0.2% of Gross National Income reduction in funding for Official Development Assistance from 2027 will amount to in pound sterling.

I refer the Hon Member to the statement made to the House by the Foreign Secretary on 19 March outlining the UK's Official Development Assistance (ODA) allocations for the period up to 2028-29, and to the accompanying documents setting out the detail of those allocations. I also refer him to the evidence provided by the Foreign Secretary and the Minister of State for International Development at the International Development Committee on 24 March, where they addressed questions at length about the Government's ODA policies and allocation decisions.

Commonwealth and Development Affairs, which projects will no longer be supported following the reduction in funding for Official Development Assistance in 2027.

I refer the Hon Member to the statement made to the House by the Foreign Secretary on 19 March outlining the UK's Official Development Assistance (ODA) allocations for the period up to 2028-29, and to the accompanying documents setting out the detail of those allocations. I also refer him to the evidence provided by the Foreign Secretary and the Minister of State for International Development at the International Development Committee on 24 March, where they addressed questions at length about the Government's ODA policies and allocation decisions.

With reference to the policy paper entitled Replacing animals in science: A strategy to support the development, validation and uptake of alternative methods, published on 11 November 2025 what progress has she made in implementing the Rawle Report recommendations.

The Home Office is working with the Animals in Science Regulation Unit, funders and wider stakeholders to progress implementation of the Rawle report recommendations. Specifically, the Animals in Science Committee, a ministerial advisory body, has been commissioned for advice on leading practice in delivery of the responsibilities of Animal Welfare and Ethical Review Bodies (AWERBs); addressing a key finding from the Rawle report.The Government will publish a delivery update, alongside key performance indicators on progress across all elements of the strategy, later in 2026.

What progress has he made in delivering Recommendation 9 of the Strategic Defence Review.

Implementation of the Strategic Defence Review (SDR) began immediately after the Government endorsed the SDR's 62 recommendations; the delivery of the recommendations remains priority business for the Department and significant progress has been made since the SDR was published last June. Examples include: Nuclear deterrence: The Prime Minister announced at the NATO Hague Summit (June 25) that the UK will purchase 12 new F-35A fighter jets and join NATO’s dual capable aircraft nuclear mission. SDR Recommendation (Rec) 30 UKDI: UK Defence Innovation was launched (July 25) to streamline the delivery of innovation technology to Armed Forces personnel through rapid investment, with an annual budget of £400 million. SDR Rec 7 Defence Exports: The UK Defence and Security Exports function was transferred from Department for Business and Trade to MOD (July 25); all staff have completed their migration to MOD systems. 2025 was the highest year for UK Defence exports in 40 years including landmark deals with Norway, worth £10 billion (T26 frigates; Aug 25), and Türkiye, worth £8 billion (Typhoons; October 25). SDR Rec 12 Defence Industrial Strategy: The Defence Industrial Strategy was published (September 25) to take forward the SDR’s vision for radical reforms, growth, innovation, industrial resilience and warfighting readiness – backed by nearly £800 million this parliament. SDR Rec 3 and 8 Always on munitions: Defence announced a new programme to build factories of the future (November 25) with at least 13 potential sites identified to manufacture munitions and explosives in the UK to create an always on capability. This is backed by £1.5 billion of new investment in this parliament and creating over 1,000 British jobs. SDR Rec 29 Housing: The Defence Housing Strategy 2025 (November 25) set out £9 billion of investment over the next decade to upgrade 40,000 Forces’ family homes. An ambitious programme of work to urgently fix 1,000 military homes was completed ahead of schedule (December 25). The programme of housing improvements, known as Raising the Minimum Standards, has seen significant work take place at service family homes across the UK. Legislation to establish a specialist arm’s length defence housing service is in the Armed Forces Bill, now in the Commons. SDR Rec 60 CyberEM Command: The Defence Cyber and Electromagnetic Force (DCEM Force) was established on time and is now up and running, within the Cyber and Specialist Operations Command (November 25). SDR Rec 51 MIS and DCIU: The Military Intelligence Services and Defence Counter-Intelligence Unit were launched on time, as part of a major overhaul of Defence’s intelligence organisations amid increasing threats to the UK and to keep Britain ahead of hostile states and terrorists (December 25). SDR Recs 54 and 56 Atlantic Bastion: The UK’s groundbreaking Atlantic Bastion programme was unveiled (December 25), which will make Britain more secure from Russian undersea threats in the North Atlantic through a transformation of the Royal Navy and its submarine-hunting capabilities into an advanced hybrid force. SDR vision: Hybrid Navy Gap Year: Plans to launch the new Armed Forces ‘Gap Year’ Foundation Scheme were announced (December 25) to give young people in the UK new opportunities to experience military service. SDR Rec 16 DDS: A public summary of the UK's first ever Defence Diplomacy Strategy was published (March 26) which lays the foundation for UK Defence to be more deliberate, targeted and coherent in deepening its international relationships with allies and partners to support defence and wider foreign policy. SDR Rec 21

What progress has he made in delivering Recommendation 29 of the Strategic Defence Review.

Implementation of the Strategic Defence Review (SDR) began immediately after the Government endorsed the SDR's 62 recommendations; the delivery of the recommendations remains priority business for the Department and significant progress has been made since the SDR was published last June. Examples include: Nuclear deterrence: The Prime Minister announced at the NATO Hague Summit (June 25) that the UK will purchase 12 new F-35A fighter jets and join NATO’s dual capable aircraft nuclear mission. SDR Recommendation (Rec) 30 UKDI: UK Defence Innovation was launched (July 25) to streamline the delivery of innovation technology to Armed Forces personnel through rapid investment, with an annual budget of £400 million. SDR Rec 7 Defence Exports: The UK Defence and Security Exports function was transferred from Department for Business and Trade to MOD (July 25); all staff have completed their migration to MOD systems. 2025 was the highest year for UK Defence exports in 40 years including landmark deals with Norway, worth £10 billion (T26 frigates; Aug 25), and Türkiye, worth £8 billion (Typhoons; October 25). SDR Rec 12 Defence Industrial Strategy: The Defence Industrial Strategy was published (September 25) to take forward the SDR’s vision for radical reforms, growth, innovation, industrial resilience and warfighting readiness – backed by nearly £800 million this parliament. SDR Rec 3 and 8 Always on munitions: Defence announced a new programme to build factories of the future (November 25) with at least 13 potential sites identified to manufacture munitions and explosives in the UK to create an always on capability. This is backed by £1.5 billion of new investment in this parliament and creating over 1,000 British jobs. SDR Rec 29 Housing: The Defence Housing Strategy 2025 (November 25) set out £9 billion of investment over the next decade to upgrade 40,000 Forces’ family homes. An ambitious programme of work to urgently fix 1,000 military homes was completed ahead of schedule (December 25). The programme of housing improvements, known as Raising the Minimum Standards, has seen significant work take place at service family homes across the UK. Legislation to establish a specialist arm’s length defence housing service is in the Armed Forces Bill, now in the Commons. SDR Rec 60 CyberEM Command: The Defence Cyber and Electromagnetic Force (DCEM Force) was established on time and is now up and running, within the Cyber and Specialist Operations Command (November 25). SDR Rec 51 MIS and DCIU: The Military Intelligence Services and Defence Counter-Intelligence Unit were launched on time, as part of a major overhaul of Defence’s intelligence organisations amid increasing threats to the UK and to keep Britain ahead of hostile states and terrorists (December 25). SDR Recs 54 and 56 Atlantic Bastion: The UK’s groundbreaking Atlantic Bastion programme was unveiled (December 25), which will make Britain more secure from Russian undersea threats in the North Atlantic through a transformation of the Royal Navy and its submarine-hunting capabilities into an advanced hybrid force. SDR vision: Hybrid Navy Gap Year: Plans to launch the new Armed Forces ‘Gap Year’ Foundation Scheme were announced (December 25) to give young people in the UK new opportunities to experience military service. SDR Rec 16 DDS: A public summary of the UK's first ever Defence Diplomacy Strategy was published (March 26) which lays the foundation for UK Defence to be more deliberate, targeted and coherent in deepening its international relationships with allies and partners to support defence and wider foreign policy. SDR Rec 21

What progress has he made in delivering Recommendation 25 of the Strategic Defence Review.

Implementation of the Strategic Defence Review (SDR) began immediately after the Government endorsed the SDR's 62 recommendations; the delivery of the recommendations remains priority business for the Department and significant progress has been made since the SDR was published last June. Examples include: Nuclear deterrence: The Prime Minister announced at the NATO Hague Summit (June 25) that the UK will purchase 12 new F-35A fighter jets and join NATO’s dual capable aircraft nuclear mission. SDR Recommendation (Rec) 30 UKDI: UK Defence Innovation was launched (July 25) to streamline the delivery of innovation technology to Armed Forces personnel through rapid investment, with an annual budget of £400 million. SDR Rec 7 Defence Exports: The UK Defence and Security Exports function was transferred from Department for Business and Trade to MOD (July 25); all staff have completed their migration to MOD systems. 2025 was the highest year for UK Defence exports in 40 years including landmark deals with Norway, worth £10 billion (T26 frigates; Aug 25), and Türkiye, worth £8 billion (Typhoons; October 25). SDR Rec 12 Defence Industrial Strategy: The Defence Industrial Strategy was published (September 25) to take forward the SDR’s vision for radical reforms, growth, innovation, industrial resilience and warfighting readiness – backed by nearly £800 million this parliament. SDR Rec 3 and 8 Always on munitions: Defence announced a new programme to build factories of the future (November 25) with at least 13 potential sites identified to manufacture munitions and explosives in the UK to create an always on capability. This is backed by £1.5 billion of new investment in this parliament and creating over 1,000 British jobs. SDR Rec 29 Housing: The Defence Housing Strategy 2025 (November 25) set out £9 billion of investment over the next decade to upgrade 40,000 Forces’ family homes. An ambitious programme of work to urgently fix 1,000 military homes was completed ahead of schedule (December 25). The programme of housing improvements, known as Raising the Minimum Standards, has seen significant work take place at service family homes across the UK. Legislation to establish a specialist arm’s length defence housing service is in the Armed Forces Bill, now in the Commons. SDR Rec 60 CyberEM Command: The Defence Cyber and Electromagnetic Force (DCEM Force) was established on time and is now up and running, within the Cyber and Specialist Operations Command (November 25). SDR Rec 51 MIS and DCIU: The Military Intelligence Services and Defence Counter-Intelligence Unit were launched on time, as part of a major overhaul of Defence’s intelligence organisations amid increasing threats to the UK and to keep Britain ahead of hostile states and terrorists (December 25). SDR Recs 54 and 56 Atlantic Bastion: The UK’s groundbreaking Atlantic Bastion programme was unveiled (December 25), which will make Britain more secure from Russian undersea threats in the North Atlantic through a transformation of the Royal Navy and its submarine-hunting capabilities into an advanced hybrid force. SDR vision: Hybrid Navy Gap Year: Plans to launch the new Armed Forces ‘Gap Year’ Foundation Scheme were announced (December 25) to give young people in the UK new opportunities to experience military service. SDR Rec 16 DDS: A public summary of the UK's first ever Defence Diplomacy Strategy was published (March 26) which lays the foundation for UK Defence to be more deliberate, targeted and coherent in deepening its international relationships with allies and partners to support defence and wider foreign policy. SDR Rec 21

Pursuant to the Answer of 12 May 2025 to Question 51565 on Aircraft Carriers: Unmanned Air Systems, what progress he has made in assessing the potential merits of General Atomics MQ-9 as a candidate for the Royal Navy’s requirement for Carrier Strike Airborne Early Warning.

The General Atomics MQ9 and similar uncrewed systems remain under consideration for the Carrier Strike Airborne Early Warning requirement, consistent with the Royal Navy’s development of a Hybrid Air Wing. The investment decisions to support Strategic Defence Review recommendations are being developed by the Ministry of Defence and will be published in the Defence Investment Plan.

What progress has he made in delivering Recommendation 11 of the Strategic Defence Review.

Implementation of the Strategic Defence Review (SDR) began immediately after the Government endorsed the SDR's 62 recommendations; the delivery of the recommendations remains priority business for the Department and significant progress has been made since the SDR was published last June. Examples include: Nuclear deterrence: The Prime Minister announced at the NATO Hague Summit (June 25) that the UK will purchase 12 new F-35A fighter jets and join NATO’s dual capable aircraft nuclear mission. SDR Recommendation (Rec) 30 UKDI: UK Defence Innovation was launched (July 25) to streamline the delivery of innovation technology to Armed Forces personnel through rapid investment, with an annual budget of £400 million. SDR Rec 7 Defence Exports: The UK Defence and Security Exports function was transferred from Department for Business and Trade to MOD (July 25); all staff have completed their migration to MOD systems. 2025 was the highest year for UK Defence exports in 40 years including landmark deals with Norway, worth £10 billion (T26 frigates; Aug 25), and Türkiye, worth £8 billion (Typhoons; October 25). SDR Rec 12 Defence Industrial Strategy: The Defence Industrial Strategy was published (September 25) to take forward the SDR’s vision for radical reforms, growth, innovation, industrial resilience and warfighting readiness – backed by nearly £800 million this parliament. SDR Rec 3 and 8 Always on munitions: Defence announced a new programme to build factories of the future (November 25) with at least 13 potential sites identified to manufacture munitions and explosives in the UK to create an always on capability. This is backed by £1.5 billion of new investment in this parliament and creating over 1,000 British jobs. SDR Rec 29 Housing: The Defence Housing Strategy 2025 (November 25) set out £9 billion of investment over the next decade to upgrade 40,000 Forces’ family homes. An ambitious programme of work to urgently fix 1,000 military homes was completed ahead of schedule (December 25). The programme of housing improvements, known as Raising the Minimum Standards, has seen significant work take place at service family homes across the UK. Legislation to establish a specialist arm’s length defence housing service is in the Armed Forces Bill, now in the Commons. SDR Rec 60 CyberEM Command: The Defence Cyber and Electromagnetic Force (DCEM Force) was established on time and is now up and running, within the Cyber and Specialist Operations Command (November 25). SDR Rec 51 MIS and DCIU: The Military Intelligence Services and Defence Counter-Intelligence Unit were launched on time, as part of a major overhaul of Defence’s intelligence organisations amid increasing threats to the UK and to keep Britain ahead of hostile states and terrorists (December 25). SDR Recs 54 and 56 Atlantic Bastion: The UK’s groundbreaking Atlantic Bastion programme was unveiled (December 25), which will make Britain more secure from Russian undersea threats in the North Atlantic through a transformation of the Royal Navy and its submarine-hunting capabilities into an advanced hybrid force. SDR vision: Hybrid Navy Gap Year: Plans to launch the new Armed Forces ‘Gap Year’ Foundation Scheme were announced (December 25) to give young people in the UK new opportunities to experience military service. SDR Rec 16 DDS: A public summary of the UK's first ever Defence Diplomacy Strategy was published (March 26) which lays the foundation for UK Defence to be more deliberate, targeted and coherent in deepening its international relationships with allies and partners to support defence and wider foreign policy. SDR Rec 21

With reference to the policy paper entitled Replacing animals in science: A strategy to support the development, validation and uptake of alternative methods, published on 11 November 2025, what progress has she made in working with the Home Office to review how additional statistics, such as those on the numbers of animals used for creation and breeding of genetically altered animals, can lead to guidance on efficient breeding practices.

The Home Office is responsible for the regulation and collection of statistics on the use of animals in science under the Animals (Scientific Procedures) Act 1986. The Home Office is working closely with the Department for Science, Innovation and Technology to consider how the existing and future collections of publication of additional statistics can continue to support good practice.This work is progressing as part of cross government collaboration to ensure that data collection, analysis and publication remain proportionate, scientifically meaningful and aligned with the objectives of the Replacing animals in science strategy, while maintaining the UK’s high standards of animal welfare and regulatory oversight.The Government will publish a delivery update, alongside key performance indicators on progress across all elements of the strategy, later in 2026.

What progress has he made in delivering Recommendation 33 of the Strategic Defence Review.

Implementation of the Strategic Defence Review (SDR) began immediately after the Government endorsed the SDR's 62 recommendations; the delivery of the recommendations remains priority business for the Department and significant progress has been made since the SDR was published last June. Examples include: Nuclear deterrence: The Prime Minister announced at the NATO Hague Summit (June 25) that the UK will purchase 12 new F-35A fighter jets and join NATO’s dual capable aircraft nuclear mission. SDR Recommendation (Rec) 30 UKDI: UK Defence Innovation was launched (July 25) to streamline the delivery of innovation technology to Armed Forces personnel through rapid investment, with an annual budget of £400 million. SDR Rec 7 Defence Exports: The UK Defence and Security Exports function was transferred from Department for Business and Trade to MOD (July 25); all staff have completed their migration to MOD systems. 2025 was the highest year for UK Defence exports in 40 years including landmark deals with Norway, worth £10 billion (T26 frigates; Aug 25), and Türkiye, worth £8 billion (Typhoons; October 25). SDR Rec 12 Defence Industrial Strategy: The Defence Industrial Strategy was published (September 25) to take forward the SDR’s vision for radical reforms, growth, innovation, industrial resilience and warfighting readiness – backed by nearly £800 million this parliament. SDR Rec 3 and 8 Always on munitions: Defence announced a new programme to build factories of the future (November 25) with at least 13 potential sites identified to manufacture munitions and explosives in the UK to create an always on capability. This is backed by £1.5 billion of new investment in this parliament and creating over 1,000 British jobs. SDR Rec 29 Housing: The Defence Housing Strategy 2025 (November 25) set out £9 billion of investment over the next decade to upgrade 40,000 Forces’ family homes. An ambitious programme of work to urgently fix 1,000 military homes was completed ahead of schedule (December 25). The programme of housing improvements, known as Raising the Minimum Standards, has seen significant work take place at service family homes across the UK. Legislation to establish a specialist arm’s length defence housing service is in the Armed Forces Bill, now in the Commons. SDR Rec 60 CyberEM Command: The Defence Cyber and Electromagnetic Force (DCEM Force) was established on time and is now up and running, within the Cyber and Specialist Operations Command (November 25). SDR Rec 51 MIS and DCIU: The Military Intelligence Services and Defence Counter-Intelligence Unit were launched on time, as part of a major overhaul of Defence’s intelligence organisations amid increasing threats to the UK and to keep Britain ahead of hostile states and terrorists (December 25). SDR Recs 54 and 56 Atlantic Bastion: The UK’s groundbreaking Atlantic Bastion programme was unveiled (December 25), which will make Britain more secure from Russian undersea threats in the North Atlantic through a transformation of the Royal Navy and its submarine-hunting capabilities into an advanced hybrid force. SDR vision: Hybrid Navy Gap Year: Plans to launch the new Armed Forces ‘Gap Year’ Foundation Scheme were announced (December 25) to give young people in the UK new opportunities to experience military service. SDR Rec 16 DDS: A public summary of the UK's first ever Defence Diplomacy Strategy was published (March 26) which lays the foundation for UK Defence to be more deliberate, targeted and coherent in deepening its international relationships with allies and partners to support defence and wider foreign policy. SDR Rec 21

When does he expect to deliver the Common Command Vessel for the Royal Navy.

Future capability plans for the Royal Navy are subject to the outcome of the Defence Investment Plan.

What progress has he made in delivering Recommendation 50 of the Strategic Defence Review.

Implementation of the Strategic Defence Review (SDR) began immediately after the Government endorsed the SDR's 62 recommendations; the delivery of the recommendations remains priority business for the Department and significant progress has been made since the SDR was published last June. Examples include: Nuclear deterrence: The Prime Minister announced at the NATO Hague Summit (June 25) that the UK will purchase 12 new F-35A fighter jets and join NATO’s dual capable aircraft nuclear mission. SDR Recommendation (Rec) 30 UKDI: UK Defence Innovation was launched (July 25) to streamline the delivery of innovation technology to Armed Forces personnel through rapid investment, with an annual budget of £400 million. SDR Rec 7 Defence Exports: The UK Defence and Security Exports function was transferred from Department for Business and Trade to MOD (July 25); all staff have completed their migration to MOD systems. 2025 was the highest year for UK Defence exports in 40 years including landmark deals with Norway, worth £10 billion (T26 frigates; Aug 25), and Türkiye, worth £8 billion (Typhoons; October 25). SDR Rec 12 Defence Industrial Strategy: The Defence Industrial Strategy was published (September 25) to take forward the SDR’s vision for radical reforms, growth, innovation, industrial resilience and warfighting readiness – backed by nearly £800 million this parliament. SDR Rec 3 and 8 Always on munitions: Defence announced a new programme to build factories of the future (November 25) with at least 13 potential sites identified to manufacture munitions and explosives in the UK to create an always on capability. This is backed by £1.5 billion of new investment in this parliament and creating over 1,000 British jobs. SDR Rec 29 Housing: The Defence Housing Strategy 2025 (November 25) set out £9 billion of investment over the next decade to upgrade 40,000 Forces’ family homes. An ambitious programme of work to urgently fix 1,000 military homes was completed ahead of schedule (December 25). The programme of housing improvements, known as Raising the Minimum Standards, has seen significant work take place at service family homes across the UK. Legislation to establish a specialist arm’s length defence housing service is in the Armed Forces Bill, now in the Commons. SDR Rec 60 CyberEM Command: The Defence Cyber and Electromagnetic Force (DCEM Force) was established on time and is now up and running, within the Cyber and Specialist Operations Command (November 25). SDR Rec 51 MIS and DCIU: The Military Intelligence Services and Defence Counter-Intelligence Unit were launched on time, as part of a major overhaul of Defence’s intelligence organisations amid increasing threats to the UK and to keep Britain ahead of hostile states and terrorists (December 25). SDR Recs 54 and 56 Atlantic Bastion: The UK’s groundbreaking Atlantic Bastion programme was unveiled (December 25), which will make Britain more secure from Russian undersea threats in the North Atlantic through a transformation of the Royal Navy and its submarine-hunting capabilities into an advanced hybrid force. SDR vision: Hybrid Navy Gap Year: Plans to launch the new Armed Forces ‘Gap Year’ Foundation Scheme were announced (December 25) to give young people in the UK new opportunities to experience military service. SDR Rec 16 DDS: A public summary of the UK's first ever Defence Diplomacy Strategy was published (March 26) which lays the foundation for UK Defence to be more deliberate, targeted and coherent in deepening its international relationships with allies and partners to support defence and wider foreign policy. SDR Rec 21

What progress has he made in delivering Recommendation 10 of the Strategic Defence Review.

Implementation of the Strategic Defence Review (SDR) began immediately after the Government endorsed the SDR's 62 recommendations; the delivery of the recommendations remains priority business for the Department and significant progress has been made since the SDR was published last June. Examples include: Nuclear deterrence: The Prime Minister announced at the NATO Hague Summit (June 25) that the UK will purchase 12 new F-35A fighter jets and join NATO’s dual capable aircraft nuclear mission. SDR Recommendation (Rec) 30 UKDI: UK Defence Innovation was launched (July 25) to streamline the delivery of innovation technology to Armed Forces personnel through rapid investment, with an annual budget of £400 million. SDR Rec 7 Defence Exports: The UK Defence and Security Exports function was transferred from Department for Business and Trade to MOD (July 25); all staff have completed their migration to MOD systems. 2025 was the highest year for UK Defence exports in 40 years including landmark deals with Norway, worth £10 billion (T26 frigates; Aug 25), and Türkiye, worth £8 billion (Typhoons; October 25). SDR Rec 12 Defence Industrial Strategy: The Defence Industrial Strategy was published (September 25) to take forward the SDR’s vision for radical reforms, growth, innovation, industrial resilience and warfighting readiness – backed by nearly £800 million this parliament. SDR Rec 3 and 8 Always on munitions: Defence announced a new programme to build factories of the future (November 25) with at least 13 potential sites identified to manufacture munitions and explosives in the UK to create an always on capability. This is backed by £1.5 billion of new investment in this parliament and creating over 1,000 British jobs. SDR Rec 29 Housing: The Defence Housing Strategy 2025 (November 25) set out £9 billion of investment over the next decade to upgrade 40,000 Forces’ family homes. An ambitious programme of work to urgently fix 1,000 military homes was completed ahead of schedule (December 25). The programme of housing improvements, known as Raising the Minimum Standards, has seen significant work take place at service family homes across the UK. Legislation to establish a specialist arm’s length defence housing service is in the Armed Forces Bill, now in the Commons. SDR Rec 60 CyberEM Command: The Defence Cyber and Electromagnetic Force (DCEM Force) was established on time and is now up and running, within the Cyber and Specialist Operations Command (November 25). SDR Rec 51 MIS and DCIU: The Military Intelligence Services and Defence Counter-Intelligence Unit were launched on time, as part of a major overhaul of Defence’s intelligence organisations amid increasing threats to the UK and to keep Britain ahead of hostile states and terrorists (December 25). SDR Recs 54 and 56 Atlantic Bastion: The UK’s groundbreaking Atlantic Bastion programme was unveiled (December 25), which will make Britain more secure from Russian undersea threats in the North Atlantic through a transformation of the Royal Navy and its submarine-hunting capabilities into an advanced hybrid force. SDR vision: Hybrid Navy Gap Year: Plans to launch the new Armed Forces ‘Gap Year’ Foundation Scheme were announced (December 25) to give young people in the UK new opportunities to experience military service. SDR Rec 16 DDS: A public summary of the UK's first ever Defence Diplomacy Strategy was published (March 26) which lays the foundation for UK Defence to be more deliberate, targeted and coherent in deepening its international relationships with allies and partners to support defence and wider foreign policy. SDR Rec 21