Written questions by Downie.

What assessment he has carried out of the condition of the main pier at DM Crombie.

The Royal Navy and Defence Infrastructure Organisation work closely to ensure that infrastructure is in place to ensure continuity of operations. DM Crombie remains a key support enabler for Defence and continues to offer operational flexibility to the RN and RFA Fleet along with Allied Partners operating in the North Sea, Euro-Atlantic and High North regions. For operational security reasons, the Royal Navy will not release the movements of Royal Navy and RFA vessels in and out of DM Crombie over the next five years, nor comment on the specific material condition of operational infrastructure at DM Crombie.

What assessment he has made of the potential impact of increased use of DM Crombie on transit time for Royal Navy ships patrolling the North Sea.

The Royal Navy and Defence Infrastructure Organisation work closely to ensure that infrastructure is in place to ensure continuity of operations. DM Crombie remains a key support enabler for Defence and continues to offer operational flexibility to the RN and RFA Fleet along with Allied Partners operating in the North Sea, Euro-Atlantic and High North regions. For operational security reasons, the Royal Navy will not release the movements of Royal Navy and RFA vessels in and out of DM Crombie over the next five years, nor comment on the specific material condition of operational infrastructure at DM Crombie.

What assessment he has made of the potential merits of adding refuelling capabilities at DM Crombie.

The Royal Navy and Defence Infrastructure Organisation work closely to ensure that infrastructure is in place to ensure continuity of operations. DM Crombie remains a key support enabler for Defence and continues to offer operational flexibility to the RN and RFA Fleet along with Allied Partners operating in the North Sea, Euro-Atlantic and High North regions. For operational security reasons, the Royal Navy will not release the movements of Royal Navy and RFA vessels in and out of DM Crombie over the next five years, nor comment on the specific material condition of operational infrastructure at DM Crombie.

What discussions have taken place regarding adding refuelling capabilities at DM Crombie.

The Royal Navy and Defence Infrastructure Organisation work closely to ensure that infrastructure is in place to ensure continuity of operations. DM Crombie remains a key support enabler for Defence and continues to offer operational flexibility to the RN and RFA Fleet along with Allied Partners operating in the North Sea, Euro-Atlantic and High North regions. For operational security reasons, the Royal Navy will not release the movements of Royal Navy and RFA vessels in and out of DM Crombie over the next five years, nor comment on the specific material condition of operational infrastructure at DM Crombie.

What assessment he has made of the potential merits of increasing the use of DM Crombie by Royal Navy ships to protect (i) the High North and (ii) North Sea subsurface cables.

The Royal Navy and Defence Infrastructure Organisation work closely to ensure that infrastructure is in place to ensure continuity of operations. DM Crombie remains a key support enabler for Defence and continues to offer operational flexibility to the RN and RFA Fleet along with Allied Partners operating in the North Sea, Euro-Atlantic and High North regions. For operational security reasons, the Royal Navy will not release the movements of Royal Navy and RFA vessels in and out of DM Crombie over the next five years, nor comment on the specific material condition of operational infrastructure at DM Crombie.

When he expects the pier at DM Crombie to be fully operational.

The Royal Navy and Defence Infrastructure Organisation work closely to ensure that infrastructure is in place to ensure continuity of operations. DM Crombie remains a key support enabler for Defence and continues to offer operational flexibility to the RN and RFA Fleet along with Allied Partners operating in the North Sea, Euro-Atlantic and High North regions. For operational security reasons, the Royal Navy will not release the movements of Royal Navy and RFA vessels in and out of DM Crombie over the next five years, nor comment on the specific material condition of operational infrastructure at DM Crombie.

When he expects the jetty at DM Crombie to be fully operational.

The Royal Navy and Defence Infrastructure Organisation work closely to ensure that infrastructure is in place to ensure continuity of operations. DM Crombie remains a key support enabler for Defence and continues to offer operational flexibility to the RN and RFA Fleet along with Allied Partners operating in the North Sea, Euro-Atlantic and High North regions. For operational security reasons, the Royal Navy will not release the movements of Royal Navy and RFA vessels in and out of DM Crombie over the next five years, nor comment on the specific material condition of operational infrastructure at DM Crombie.

What plans he has to upgrade the main jetty at DM Crombie.

The Royal Navy and Defence Infrastructure Organisation work closely to ensure that infrastructure is in place to ensure continuity of operations. DM Crombie remains a key support enabler for Defence and continues to offer operational flexibility to the RN and RFA Fleet along with Allied Partners operating in the North Sea, Euro-Atlantic and High North regions. For operational security reasons, the Royal Navy will not release the movements of Royal Navy and RFA vessels in and out of DM Crombie over the next five years, nor comment on the specific material condition of operational infrastructure at DM Crombie.

What role DM Crombie plays in the defence and protection of (i) the High North and (ii) subsurface cables in the North Sea.

The Royal Navy and Defence Infrastructure Organisation work closely to ensure that infrastructure is in place to ensure continuity of operations. DM Crombie remains a key support enabler for Defence and continues to offer operational flexibility to the RN and RFA Fleet along with Allied Partners operating in the North Sea, Euro-Atlantic and High North regions. For operational security reasons, the Royal Navy will not release the movements of Royal Navy and RFA vessels in and out of DM Crombie over the next five years, nor comment on the specific material condition of operational infrastructure at DM Crombie.

What advice is given to operators of offshore oil rigs and installations in the North Sea on steps to take in the event of threat or intimidation from Russian military assets.

The Ministry of Defence (MOD) does not provide training or advice to operators of offshore oil rigs and installations in the North Sea. The Department for Energy Security and Net Zero is responsible for the security of energy infrastructure. The MOD keeps Russian military capabilities and assets under continuous review as part of our routine defence intelligence and wider strategic assessment. This contributes to wider HMG efforts to reduce the vulnerability of networks and assets and ensure an effective response to disruptive incidents.

What assessment he has made of the threat to UK offshore energy assets from Russian military activities.

Russia poses a long-term, strategic threat to Euro-Atlantic security and the UK is taking measures to combat these threats with our Allies. The maritime domain is increasingly contested. Hostile states and non-state actors pose a growing threat to our critical infrastructure, including energy infrastructure. The Ministry of Defence constantly monitors activity within UK waters and its Economic Exclusion Zone to counter and deter detected threats. British warships frequently patrol and shadow foreign vessels throughout the UK marine area, including through the North Sea and increased surveillance of offshore oil and gas installations. This includes the Atlantic Bastion concept – a plan to scale and accelerate new and existing capabilities to defend underwater infrastructure. This is part of a comprehensive and integrated approach to deterring and defending against the range of threats we face.

What training his Department offers to operators of UK offshore energy assets on steps to take in the event of a threat from Russian military assets.

The Ministry of Defence (MOD) does not provide training or advice to operators of offshore oil rigs and installations in the North Sea. The Department for Energy Security and Net Zero is responsible for the security of energy infrastructure. The MOD keeps Russian military capabilities and assets under continuous review as part of our routine defence intelligence and wider strategic assessment. This contributes to wider HMG efforts to reduce the vulnerability of networks and assets and ensure an effective response to disruptive incidents.

What assessment he has made of the potential merits of naval protection for offshore energy installations in the UK Economic Zone.

The Ministry of Defence keeps the security of the UK's offshore energy installations and wider maritime critical national infrastructure under continuous review, working closely with other Government Departments, industry and international partners.The Royal Navy contributes to this through persistent presence, surveillance and deterrence activity in UK waters. We will continue to strengthen our ability to identify, deter and respond to threats as the risk picture evolves, working with allies and industry, and through development of the Royal Navy's Atlantic Bastion transformation programme.

When his Department last conducted an exercise to explore the threat against UK offshore energy assets from Russian military activities.

The Ministry of Defence (MOD) conducts regular planning and exercising of military responses to a multitude of threats, including those that impact the security of our critical maritime infrastructure. The MOD also works closely with other Government Departments to assess and respond to emerging threats to our offshore energy assets.

What assessment he has made of the threat posed to the UK by Russian hypersonic-capable missile systems operated by the Russian Northern Fleet.

The Ministry of Defence keeps Russian military capabilities and investment under continuous review. We work closely with our NATO Allies to understand the implications of Russian military capability development for Alliance security. NATO is strengthening its deterrence and defence as a result of the increasing threat from Russia and will continue to adapt as necessary. Hypersonic missiles are just one type of many Russian air and missile capabilities. In light of the increasing threat the UK faces, His Majesty's Government announced up to £1 billion of investment for Integrated Air and Missile Defence in the Strategic Defence Review. This is part of a comprehensive and integrated approach to deterring and defending against the range of strategic threats we face.

What assessment his Department has made of the potential implications for its policies of recent upgrades to the Russian Northern Fleet, including the commissioning of Borei-A class ballistic missile submarines and modernization of surface combatants such as Admiral Nakhimov.

The Ministry of Defence keeps Russian military capabilities and investment under continuous review. We work closely with our NATO Allies to understand the implications of Russian military capability development for Alliance security. NATO is strengthening its deterrence and defence as a result of the increasing threat from Russia and will continue to adapt as necessary. Hypersonic missiles are just one type of many Russian air and missile capabilities. In light of the increasing threat the UK faces, His Majesty's Government announced up to £1 billion of investment for Integrated Air and Missile Defence in the Strategic Defence Review. This is part of a comprehensive and integrated approach to deterring and defending against the range of strategic threats we face.

What analysis his Department has conducted on the strategic implications for NATO of Russia’s enhanced Arctic infrastructure, including air base expansions and deployment of advanced air defence systems such as S-400 on Novaya Zemlya.

The Ministry of Defence keeps Russian military capabilities and investment under continuous review. We work closely with our NATO Allies to understand the implications of Russian military capability development for Alliance security. NATO is strengthening its deterrence and defence as a result of the increasing threat from Russia and will continue to adapt as necessary. Hypersonic missiles are just one type of many Russian air and missile capabilities. In light of the increasing threat the UK faces, His Majesty's Government announced up to £1 billion of investment for Integrated Air and Missile Defence in the Strategic Defence Review. This is part of a comprehensive and integrated approach to deterring and defending against the range of strategic threats we face.

What assessment he has made of the level of threat posed by Russia’s Arctic naval modernisation programme, including the introduction of armed icebreaking patrol vessels, on UK and allied maritime security in the High North.

The Ministry of Defence keeps Russian military capabilities and investment under continuous review. We work closely with our NATO Allies to understand the implications of Russian military capability development for Alliance security. NATO is strengthening its deterrence and defence as a result of the increasing threat from Russia and will continue to adapt as necessary. Hypersonic missiles are just one type of many Russian air and missile capabilities. In light of the increasing threat the UK faces, His Majesty's Government announced up to £1 billion of investment for Integrated Air and Missile Defence in the Strategic Defence Review. This is part of a comprehensive and integrated approach to deterring and defending against the range of strategic threats we face.

What discussions he has had with allies in the High North on the threat posed by Russia’s arctic naval modernisation programme.

The Ministry of Defence keeps Russian military capabilities and investment under continuous review. We work closely with our NATO Allies to understand the implications of Russian military capability development for Alliance security. NATO is strengthening its deterrence and defence as a result of the increasing threat from Russia and will continue to adapt as necessary.

What his planned timescale is for the provision of the Contingent Docking Facility at Rosyth.

The preliminary plans for infrastructure upgrades at Rosyth Dockyard have been approved and industry has been engaged to begin processing the scheme design. Once the scheme design is complete, final costs for the project will be negotiated. The work will include the requirement to deliver a Contingent Docking Facility at Rosyth Dockyard for HMS Dreadnought during its sea trials. The planned timescale for the provision of the Contingent Docking Facility will coincide with Dreadnought’s exit from Barrow. For operational security reasons further details cannot be released as to do so could be used to undermine the security and capability of our Armed Forces.