The Westminster lensArchive · Written questions · 431 tabled · 409 answered

Written questions by Downie.

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.

Department:All (431)Ministry of Defence (151)Department for Work and Pensions (41)Department of Health and Social Care (31)Department for Transport (30)Department for Science, Innovation and Technology (25)Home Office (24)Department for Energy Security and Net Zero (23)Department for Business and Trade (18)Treasury (18)Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (15)Scotland Office (14)Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (14)

Showing 141151 of 151 · Ministry of Defence

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10 Oct 2024·Ministry of Defence·Answered
Asked

What discussions he has had with the Scottish Government on supporting skills development for Scottish workers to enable them to get jobs as part of the Submarine Dismantling Project.

Reply

The Ministry of Defence regularly engages with Scottish Government officials on the Submarine Disposals Programme, allowing constructive dialogue on a wide range of issues including jobs. Swiftsure, the first vessel to be disposed of, is being used as a d...

10 Oct 2024·Ministry of Defence·Answered
Asked

What steps he is taking to ensure long-term availability of submarine berths for repair and maintenance in (a) Scotland and (b) the UK.

Reply

The Government is committed to ensuring the availability of submarine berths to support submarine operations, which includes the Continuous at Sea Deterrent. We are focussed on the long-term infrastructure development of His Majesty’s Naval Base (HMNB) Cl...

10 Oct 2024·Ministry of Defence·Answered
Asked

What his Department's timetable is for deciding on the next steps for the Submarine Dismantling Project.

Reply

Swiftsure, the first submarine to be fully disposed of, is being used as a demonstrator to refine the dismantling and recycling processes under the Ministry of Defence's Submarine Dismantling Project. There will be a continual process of learning as Swift...

10 Oct 2024·Ministry of Defence·Answered
Asked

Whether his Department plans to publish a timetable for the implementation of the Submarine Dismantling Project.

Reply

Swiftsure, the first submarine to be fully disposed of, is being used as a demonstrator to refine the dismantling and recycling processes under the Ministry of Defence's Submarine Dismantling Project. There will be a continual process of learning as Swift...

10 Oct 2024·Ministry of Defence·Answered
Asked

When he expects the legacy nuclear powered submarine fleet to have been decommissioned.

Reply

Swiftsure, the first submarine to be fully disposed of, is being used as a demonstrator to refine the dismantling and recycling processes under the Ministry of Defence's Submarine Dismantling Project. There will be a continual process of learning as Swift...

10 Oct 2024·Ministry of Defence·Answered
Asked

What assessment he has made of the potential impact of the Submarine Dismantling Project on the economy in (a) Scotland and (b) the UK.

Reply

The Ministry of Defence regularly engages with Scottish Government officials on the Submarine Disposals Programme, allowing constructive dialogue on a wide range of issues including jobs. Swiftsure, the first vessel to be disposed of, is being used as a d...

30 Aug 2024·Ministry of Defence·Answered
Asked

What discussions he has had with international partners on the sale of Type 31 frigates.

Reply

The Ministry of Defence is actively supporting live and prospective export campaigns based on the Type 31 (with the export variant known as the Arrowhead 140) capability with support from the Department of Business and Trade. For example, the Secretary of State for Defence recently met his Polish counterpart where they discussed the Miecznik programme and its progress.

30 Aug 2024·Ministry of Defence·Answered
Asked

What his planned timetable is for the (a) design and (b) procurement of Type 32 frigates.

Reply

The Type 32 frigate programme remains in the concept phase and has not yet reached the level of maturity to allow publication of a specific design and procurement timetable.

30 Aug 2024·Ministry of Defence·Answered
Asked

What estimate he has made of the number of (a) welders and (b) electricians required to complete surface warship construction.

Reply

The Ministry of Defence has regular engagement across all aspects of surface warship construction, including the skills required to support it. This Government recognises the vital role Defence, and its skilled workforce, play not only in our national security but also to the economic prosperity and growth of the United Kingdom. The Strategic Defence Review will look at the approach to recruiting, educating, training and retaining the people needed across the whole of Defence, including industry.

30 Aug 2024·Ministry of Defence·Answered
Asked

How many Ukrainian naval ships are docked in UK waters; and what plans he has to return those ships to the Ukrainian navy for active service.

Reply

The Royal Navy transferred two Sandown class mine countermeasure vessels to the Ukrainian Navy last year, both of which are docked in the UK.The ships company are undergoing training and exercises with the Royal Navy and NATO partners to prepare them for future operations in the Black Sea. They are welcome to remain in the UK for as long as they need to.

18 Jul 2024·Ministry of Defence·Answered
Asked

What the status is of the contract for six new landing and assault craft for the Royal Marines; and when he expects those craft to enter service.

Reply

The Multi-Role Support Ship Programme is currently in its concept phase. The Royal Navy and Defence Equipment and Support Teams are currently conducting detailed work on requirements, design, and procurement strategy, informed by early industry engagement. The focus is on setting the programme up for success with work ongoing to ensure affordability. The Multi-Role Support Ship is anticipated to be in service in the early 2030s. It is too early to confirm details such as the precise in-service dates.

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Sources
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