Every parliamentary written question tabled by Graeme Downie this session, with the full answer and department. See how every department answers, or back to the MP page.
Showing 101–120 of 151 · Ministry of Defence
What Royal Navy surface ships have shadowed suspected Russian spy ships (a) in and (b) near UK territorial waters in each of the last five years.
The Royal Navy continuously monitors UK waters and are ready to respond to the presence of Russian vessels. Specific detail cannot be confirmed for reasons of safeguarding national security.
How many Royal Navy ships have shadowed suspected Russian spy ships (a) in and (b) near UK territorial waters in each of the last five years.
The Royal Navy continuously monitors UK waters and are ready to respond to the presence of Russian vessels. Specific detail cannot be confirmed for reasons of safeguarding national security.
What representations he has received from the German Government on the sale of Eurofighter Typhoons to Turkey.
We hold regular discussions with Germany on a range of issues related to equipment and joint programmes. The UK is supportive of the prospective sale of Eurofighter Typhoon to Turkey, as its next fighter platform. We continue to discuss our ongoing bid for Turkey to procure Typhoon with the other Eurofighter Partner Nations, including Germany.
How many hours Royal Navy ships have spent shadowing suspected Russian spy ships (a) in and (b) near UK territorial waters in each of the last five years.
The Royal Navy continuously monitors UK waters and are ready to respond to the presence of Russian vessels. Specific detail cannot be confirmed for reasons of safeguarding national security.
What assessment he has made of the effectiveness of the participation of UK forces in Exercise Joint Viking.
Exercise Joint Viking was an effective demonstration of the Commando Force and all of its constituent personnel. The exercise met its aims as force elements successfully conducted invaluable amphibious training, utilising new equipment in environmentally relevant climatic conditions. This exercise positively rehearsed existing crisis response options alongside the Norwegians and other NATO allies.
What estimate he has made of the cost of Royal Navy shadowing of suspected Russian spy ships (a) in and (b) near UK territorial waters in each of the last five years.
The Royal Navy continuously monitors UK waters and are ready to respond to the presence of Russian vessels. Specific detail cannot be confirmed for reasons of safeguarding national security.
When he plans to announce next steps for the Submarine Dismantling Programme.
The demonstrator submarine, SWIFTSURE, remains on track to be fully dismantled by the end of 2026. There are six further defueled Pressurised Water Reactor 1 (PWR1) submarines awaiting dismantling in Rosyth. Further announcements about dismantling the remaining PWR1 submarines will be made at the appropriate time.
How many times the Royal Navy has shadowed suspected Russian spy ships (a) in and (b) near UK territorial waters in each of the last five years.
The Royal Navy continuously monitors UK waters and are ready to respond to the presence of Russian vessels. Specific detail cannot be confirmed for reasons of safeguarding national security.
What support he provides for people with long term health conditions trying to access discounts on water charges when the supply is provided on behalf of his Department.
The Ministry of Defence does not provide additional support for people with long term health conditions to access discounts on water charges when the supply is provided on behalf of the Department.
When the new support hub for SMEs will be operational.
I refer the hon. Member to the answer I gave on 10 March 2025 to the hon. Member for South Suffolk (James Cartlidge) to Question 34903.
Whether he has discussions with international counterparts in NATO on the report entitled SkyShield: a practical security guarantee for Ukraine by CEPA, published on 17 March 2025.
The Defence Secretary regularly speaks with his NATO and international counterparts, including on our collective support to Ukraine's armed forces in response to Russia's illegal and unprovoked invasion. With reference to the report entitled SkyShield, we are working with the Coalition of the Willing for potential security assurances for Ukraine.
Whether he has had discussions with (a) the RAF and (b) defence industry suppliers on the replacement of the Hawk training jet.
I refer the hon. Member to the answer I gave on 3 December 2024 to the hon. Member for Huntingdon (Ben Obese-Jecty) to Question 15292.
Whether he has had discussions with (a) the RAF and (b) defence suppliers on he future of the RAF fast jet training aircraft.
I refer the hon. Member to the answer I gave on 3 December 2024 to the hon. Member for Huntingdon (Ben Obese-Jecty) to Question 15292.
When he last held discussions with the (a) Scottish Government and (b) (i) further and (ii) higher education sector in Scotland to encourage the effective supply of skills for the defence industrial sector from Scotland.
This Government recognises the critical importance of attracting new entrants into the defence sector in order to ensure we have the skilled workforce needed to sustain a vibrant, innovative and competitive defence industrial base. While discussions with the Scottish Government and education establishments in Scotland have not been held by the Secretary of State for Defence, the Ministry of Defence welcomes engagement and consultation with stakeholders across the United Kingdom to ensure our defence sector has the right people and skills to meet the challenges of the future.
What bases in the UK will have capability to hold Dreadnought class submarines for (a) repairs and (b) maintenance by 2035.
There is a strategy in place to upgrade infrastructure and provide suitable docking for the new Dreadnought Class submarines across existing UK naval bases and dockyards. 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.
How many docks will be required to hold Dreadnought submarines by 2035.
There is a strategy in place to upgrade infrastructure and provide suitable docking for the new Dreadnought Class submarines across existing UK naval bases and dockyards. 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.
When he plans to announce the next stages of the Type 83 Destroyer programme.
The next stage of the Type 83 Destroyer programme, which is one element of the Future Air Dominance System (FADS) programme, will be announced following the completion of the Strategic Defence Review.
How many docks in the UK are able to hold Dreadnought class submarines for (a) repairs and (b) maintenance.
There is a strategy in place to upgrade infrastructure and provide suitable docking for the new Dreadnought Class submarines across existing UK naval bases and dockyards. 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.
What assessment his Department has made of the potential security risk posed by Chinese-made electric vehicles being used by (a) senior officers and (b) other security officials.
The Ministry of Defence (MOD) takes the security of defence assets and people very seriously, and has been working with other Government Departments to investigate any potential threats to national security and to ensure that policies and procedures take account of the potential threats from all types of vehicle, not just those made in China. Best practice guidance has been issued to staff clarifying appropriate behaviour for all drivers and passengers in vehicles to protect them from potential threats. The MOD is keeping this policy area under review.
What assessmenhis Department has made of the (a) prevalence of and (b) security risks posed by Chinese-manufactured technology used in UK defence procurement and supply chains.
The Ministry of Defence (MOD) welcomes foreign trade where it allows us to provide our Armed Forces with the equipment they require, meets our stringent legal and regulatory requirements and does not compromise our national security.Transactions continue to be monitored where there are potential national security concerns from any country, and the Department will investigate and apply appropriate mitigations where required. Furthermore, the MOD regularly reviews its critical supply chains to identify and mitigate risks to defence capability.