Written questions by Cartlidge.

How frequently the Covenant Community Action Group meets.

The Covenant Community Action Group meets quarterly and is co-Chaired by the Ministry of Defence and Forces in Mind Trust. The most recent meeting took place on 19 March 2025.

Pursuant to the Answer of 18 March to Question 36716 on Armed Forces: Housing, how many of the 9,000 Service personnel and their families benefitted from the delivery of damp and mould packages (a) between July 2023 and 4 July 2024 and (b) since 5 July 2024.

Over 9,000 damp and mould packages have been delivered since the Damp and Mould Taskforce was established in 2023, of which:a) 5,253 packages were delivered between July 2023 and 4 July 2024.b) 3,714 packages were delivered since 5 July 2024 to date.

What his policy on visa fees is for non-UK based veterans and their dependents who have served in the UK armed forces for four or more years.

This Government is committed to removing visa fees for non-UK veterans who have served our country for four or more years, and their dependents. The Ministry of Defence is actively working with the Home Office to take this forward.

Whether he has authorised any changes to the length of training undertaken by the Royal Air Force for pilot cohorts since 5 July 2024.

No significant changes to the length of pilot training courses have been made since 5 July 2024. Changes to the length of the training undertaken by Royal Air Force (RAF) pilots do not require authorisation by the Secretary of State for Defence. RAF training courses have a nominated individual who is appointed as the Training Requirements Authority (TRA), who authorises the courses through a Training Authorisation Document. The TRA adjusts training routinely based on feedback from trainees and to ensure training reflects the needs of the front-line.

What steps he is taking to increase the accountability of businesses that have signed the Armed Forces Covenant.

I have been fortunate enough to meet with many businesses and organisations that are both signed up and who are also interested in signing up to the Armed Forces Covenant. This Government is committed to fully extending the legal duty, which will increase education and awareness of the unique nature of Service. Defence Relationship Management provides direct engagement with employers across the UK through its account management team. This engagement supports employers in understanding the Armed Forces Covenant, developing bespoke and meaningful pledges, and progressing on to the Defence Employer Recognition Scheme where appropriate. The Ministry of Defence has policy in place to hold organisations to account known as the ‘the Covenant Test’, where ultimately, if a company fails the test, their right to utilise the Armed Forces Covenant title and branding can be removed.

What recent discussions he has had with businesses on the applicability of the Armed Forces Covenant.

I have been fortunate enough to meet with many businesses and organisations that are both signed up and who are also interested in signing up to the Armed Forces Covenant. This Government is committed to fully extending the legal duty, which will increase education and awareness of the unique nature of Service. Defence Relationship Management provides direct engagement with employers across the UK through its account management team. This engagement supports employers in understanding the Armed Forces Covenant, developing bespoke and meaningful pledges, and progressing on to the Defence Employer Recognition Scheme where appropriate. The Ministry of Defence has policy in place to hold organisations to account known as the ‘the Covenant Test’, where ultimately, if a company fails the test, their right to utilise the Armed Forces Covenant title and branding can be removed.

Whether he has made a recent assessment of the potential merits of constructing a UK-based space launch facility.

The European demand for satellite launches up to 2033 is forecast to be worth $50 billion. Capturing even 2% of this would bring around $1 billion in revenues for the UK economy. Positioning the UK with growing launch capabilities is a key part of our ambitions to be a global space player, and foster strategic independence. There would be value for the UK’s strategic independence in the long-term if this sector is able to flourish, in addition to the economic growth it will being. That is why we are supporting the development of a sustainable UK launch industry, collaborating with both industry and international partners. Additionally, the UK is involved in NATO's STARLIFT programme to enhance space launch capabilities within the alliance, ensuring preparedness for future launch requirements.

Pursuant to the Answer of 17 March 2025 to Question 37236 on Fleet Solid Support Ships: Procurement, whether that answer should refer to Multi Role Support Ships.

The answer given to the hon. Member is correct. The Multi Role Support Ship has been renamed the Multi Role Strike Ship (MRSS). MRSS will be a Royal Navy crewed warship with a combat system, self-defence and offensive capabilities. The amended name better reflects the platform’s function and does not indicate any change of requirement.

If he plans to have discussions with local government on the implementation of the Armed Forces Covenant.

The Ministry of Defence’s Covenant Team has utilised its established local Government engagement structures to inform proposals for the Armed Forces Covenant Duty extension. Officials have undertaken an extensive research and engagement programme, including hosting roundtable discussions and other workshops with more than 150 stakeholders, including local Government organisations.

Pursuant to the Answer of 14 March to Question 37252 on Defence: Finance, what the real terms equivalent of that cash figure is.

The Government’s commitment to increase defence investment to 2.5% of GDP by 2027 will result in a £13.4 billion increase to defence spending in cash terms in 2027/28 compared to 2024/25. The final real terms equivalent will depend on inflation rates between this year and 2027.

What steps he is taking to increase the retention of engineers in the (a) Royal Navy, (b) British Army and (c) Royal Air Force.

I refer the hon. Member to the answer given by my hon. Friend the Minister for Veterans and People (Alistair Carns) on 13 January 2025 to Question 21528 to the right hon. Member for Gosport (Dame Caroline Dinenage).

What steps he is taking to increase UK sovereign capability in the defence space sector.

The Ministry of Defence is supporting the Government's ambition to strengthen the UK's space sector. Through major investments from Defence, including £1.5 billion over 10 years in Defence space technologies and £5 billion over a similar period in satellite communications through the SKYNET programme, we have supported the development of technology and economic growth opportunities for the sector. Initiatives like ISTARI, a satellite constellation for Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance, will boost operational independence using unique technology developed in the UK. Collaboration with industry, academia, and Government is ongoing to ensure the necessary infrastructure, skilled personnel, satellites, ground stations and operators are in place for sovereign capability.

How many E-7 Wedgetail aircraft are expected to enter service in the Royal Air Force.

I refer the hon. Member to the answer I gave on 25 July 2024 to Question 432 to the hon Member for North Durham (Luke Akehurst).

Whether he has placed any orders for decoy cruise missile-like weapons since 5 July 2024.

No such procurements have been undertaken in this period, but our requirements are kept under constant review to ensure that our Armed Forces have the battle-winning capabilities they need.

Whether his Department has set a formal target date for the decommissioning of all conventional crewed mine hunting vessels in use by the Royal Navy.

The Royal Navy is gradually phasing out its traditionally crewed and complex mine countermeasure vessels, as modern, autonomous systems are delivered. We do not routinely comment on the timeline for the decommissioning of vessels.

When MQ-9B protector will reach (a) initial and (b) full operating capability.

The Protector Programme expects to declare Initial Operating Capability this year. The projected date for Full Operating Capability is yet to be established.

When he expects the sustainment contract for E-7 Wedgetail to be signed.

The sustainment contract for E-7 Wedgetail will be established once the Full Business Case is approved. I also refer the hon. Member to the answer I gave on 5 February 2025 to Question 26433 to the right hon. Member for Rayleigh and Wickford (Mark Francois).

What his target date is for RNMB ARIADNE to reach (a) Initial Operating Capability and (b) Full Operating Capability.

Royal Navy Motor Boat (RNMB) ARIADNE is currently undergoing trials and testing prior to transition to operations. The Royal Navy does not comment on future availability and the dates of Initial Operating Capability and Full Operating Capability will be reached in due course.

What the target in service date is for MQ-9B Protector.

I refer the hon Member to the answer I gave to Question 25381 on 28 January 2025, to the hon Member for Paisley and Renfrewshire South (Johanna Baxter). There has been no delay to the Protector Programme In-Service date.

Whether he has a target date for Proteus to reach minimum deployable capability.

There is currently no target date for PROTEUS to reach a minimum deployable capability under the existing contract. A large-scale PROTEUS type UAS currently sits outside of the funded Agile work package that UK Ministry of Defence and the Royal Navy (via SPEARHEADS) has placed with Leonardo Helicopters Yeovil, to develop a Technology Demonstrator. As part of the Maritime Aviation Transformation Strategy, the current contract aims to develop technologies and grow evidence across the Defence Lines of Development to inform future investment decisions via the appropriate commercial strategy.