Every parliamentary written question tabled by James Cartlidge this session, with the full answer and department. See how every department answers, or back to the MP page.
Showing 2,621–2,640 of 2,979 · Ministry of Defence
Pursuant to the Answer of 11 December to Question 18156 on Army: Vehicles, whether he plans to increase the numbers of Heavy Equipment Transporters procured as new track vehicles entering use in the Army.
There is no current plan to increase the number of Heavy Equipment Transporters (HET) procured as new track vehicles enter use in the Army. The number of HET provided under the existing service contract is deemed sufficient to meet the Army’s operational and training requirements.
Pursuant to the Answer of 17 December to Question 19375 on Strategic Defence Review, whether he plans to report the Strategic Defence Review to Parliament before 30 June 2025.
The Reviewers are reporting regularly on progress to the Prime Minister, Chancellor of the Exchequer and Defence Secretary and will make their final report to them in the spring of 2025. The Secretary of State for Defence will subsequently publish a version of that report to Parliament. It will then be implemented by the Ministry of Defence.
When he plans to respond to Question 17170 on Puma Helicopters tabled by the hon. Member for South Suffolk on 2 December 2024.
The Puma aircraft based in the Sovereign Base Areas (SBAs) on the island of Cyprus have historically supported emergency response across the SBAs, as well as providing firefighting, troop movement, training and defence engagement tasks. Defence is exploring options to fulfil some short-term capability gaps, before the H-145 platform enters service from 2026. Defence's Strategic Objectives will continue to be fulfilled.
How much funding he has allocated for urgent capability requirements for Estonia in (a) this financial year and (b) each of the next three financial years.
Urgent Capability Requirements (UCRs) are rapidly implemented capabilities delivered to the front line to meet urgent operational needs. The department cannot comment publicly on the specific costs associated with operations in Estonia, as the Ministry of Defence continues to deploy to this location and must protect operationally sensitive information. UCRs are reviewed on a rolling monthly basis to ensure the capability is still required and provides value for money.
With reference to the response of Lord Robertson to Question 1 in the Defence Committee Session on the Strategic Defence Review, HC 484 on 3 December 2024, if he will list the political parties that have made a formal written submission to the Strategic Defence Review.
In the Review's initial evidence-gathering phase, the Reviewers set out to consult widely, including with Parliament, the Defence community, academia, industry and our closest Allies and Partners, including NATO. We received several responses from UK political parties and cross-party committees with membership across several parties.
Whether he plans to allocate additional funding for the Long-Range Area Affects Programme in financial year (a) 2024-25 and (b) 2025-26.
The Long-Range Area Effects (LRAE) project is currently pre-concept. Defence is considering its wider Deep Fires options subject to outcomes of the Strategic Defence Review.
Whether he plans to implement all the recommendations in the Haythornthwaite Review into Armed Forces Incentivisation.
The Government is committed to renewing the nation’s contract with those who serve. We have already taken action including delivering the largest pay rise for our Armed Forces in over 20 years, expanding wraparound childcare support for Service families deployed overseas and introducing legislation to establish an independent Armed Forces Commissioner. We welcome the Haythornthwaite Report, which was published under the previous Government and have engaged with Rick Haythornthwaite to discuss our plans to deliver widespread improvements to service personnel life. This activity is being coordinated through a portfolio approach and includes numerous programmes and projects that directly address the report’s recommendations. Implementation will be incremental, with targeted improvements evaluated and then potentially scaled up to the wider workforce. Several longer-term programmes are also underway to drive the culture change needed to embrace a total reward approach.
Pursuant to the Answer of 16 December 2024 to Question 18982 on Ministry of Defence: Employers’ Contributions, how much HM Treasury will contribute towards the increased cost of National Insurance contributions for the Department in the next financial year.
As set out in the Autumn Budget, the Government has set aside funding to support the public sector with employer National Insurance Contributions. Details of the funding set aside for 2025-26, including its allocation, will be published in the usual way.
Pursuant to the Answer of 16 December to Question 19373 on Armed Forces: Private Education, how much of the (a) £95 million and (b) £104.4 million will be used to fund the uprating of CEA in (i) 2024-25, (ii) 2025-26, (iii) 2026-2027 and (iv) 2028-29.
The estimated cost of Continuity of Education Allowance (CEA) for Financial Year (FY) 2024-25 is £95 million. This includes a £4 million increase for spring term 2025 as a result of the re-rating exercise done for December 2024, a response to the addition of VAT on independent schools. CEA with the current rates would be estimated to cost £104.4 million for a full year; however, estimating actual spend for FY 2025-26 is not possible as rates will be reviewed before the next academic year starting September 2025.
With reference to his Department’s press release entitled Major defence reforms launched, with new National Armaments Director to tackle waste and boost industry, published on 25 October 2024, what the remuneration package will be for the new National Armaments Director role; and how that package will differ from the current one.
The National Armaments Director (NAD) will be a Senior Civil Servant appointment.Currently the Chief Executive Officer of Defence Equipment and Support (DE&S) acts as the UK representative that is responsible for ensuring DE&S delivers the right equipment in line with NATO Conference of NAD (CNAD) requirements. Apart from continuing to be the UK representative on several NATO boards, all other responsibilities of the role will be new.Recruitment of the future NAD is ongoing, and we expect to invite applications shortly. Details of the new NAD duties and responsibilities and the associated renumeration package will be available in the job description once published.
With reference to his Department's press release entitled Major defence reforms launched, with new National Armaments Director to tackle waste and boost industry, published on 25 October 2024, how the new National Armaments Director (NAD) role will defer in practice in their (a) duties and (b) responsibilities from the current NAD role.
The National Armaments Director (NAD) will be a Senior Civil Servant appointment.Currently the Chief Executive Officer of Defence Equipment and Support (DE&S) acts as the UK representative that is responsible for ensuring DE&S delivers the right equipment in line with NATO Conference of NAD (CNAD) requirements. Apart from continuing to be the UK representative on several NATO boards, all other responsibilities of the role will be new.Recruitment of the future NAD is ongoing, and we expect to invite applications shortly. Details of the new NAD duties and responsibilities and the associated renumeration package will be available in the job description once published.
With reference to his Department's press release entitled Major defence reforms launched, with new National Armaments Director to tackle waste and boost industry, published on 25 October 2024, what the rank of the National Armaments Director will be.
The National Armaments Director (NAD) will be a Senior Civil Servant appointment.Currently the Chief Executive Officer of Defence Equipment and Support (DE&S) acts as the UK representative that is responsible for ensuring DE&S delivers the right equipment in line with NATO Conference of NAD (CNAD) requirements. Apart from continuing to be the UK representative on several NATO boards, all other responsibilities of the role will be new.Recruitment of the future NAD is ongoing, and we expect to invite applications shortly. Details of the new NAD duties and responsibilities and the associated renumeration package will be available in the job description once published.
Pursuant to the Answer of 14 October 2024 to Question 6342 on Skynet, whether SKYNET 6A satellite procurement remains on schedule.
Airbus Defence and Space has not changed their estimate for the launch date for the Skynet 6A satellite since the answer to Question 6342 was provided on 14 October 2024.
What plans he has for the redeployment of the Sky Sabre GBAD capability based in Rzeszow following the conclusion of Op STIFFTAIL.
Sky Sabre, the UK’s Medium range air defence capability that was deployed under Op STIFFTAIL, is now returning to the UK to undergo a period of reconstitution. There are a number of options for redeployment under consideration but there has been no decision at this time. A combination of capabilities and effects remain in place to ensure that all UK troops deployed overseas remain protected from an air defence perspective and the UK continues to meet its NATO commitments. The UK remains committed to the security of Poland and NATO’s Eastern Flank through and continues to work closely with Poland to identify and deliver bilateral and multilateral operations and exercises.
Pursuant to the Answer of 14 October 2024 to Question 7495 on Global Combat Air Programme, what comparative estimate he has made of the future delivery timeline of the Tempest platform as a (a) uncrewed and (b) piloted platform.
AI and autonomous technologies are developing rapidly and the Global Combat Air Programme (GCAP) core platform is being designed to incorporate them as they mature. We assess that pilots will still have a crucial role to play when GCAP comes into service and that their role, and the overall capability of the aircraft, will be augmented substantially by AI and autonomous technologies. For example, extensive use will be made of these technologies to task sensors, triage data, and analyse combat situations more quickly. How and when we incorporate these cutting-edge technologies will be driven by their maturity and ongoing assessments as to what best enables us to fight and win most effectively in highly contested environments.The cost and time to ensure safety, training, and certification of these technologies is being refined through modelling and operational analysis. As the focus is on bringing into service a capability that is initially both piloted and involves substantial AI/autonomous technology, distinct estimates for a crewed versus an uncrewed capability have not been made. The crewed aircraft being developed by the Global Combat Air Programme will operate in a future combat air system that includes uncrewed capabilities. AI and autonomous technology will also be central to the development of these collaborative uncrewed capabilities. Analysis and assessment of procurement options for collaborative uncrewed capabilities to complement Typhoon, F35 and GCAP aircraft is underway. We are in regular discussions with our Italian and Japanese partners on these issues, as together we seek to ensure we are ready to exploit technological opportunities for our joint military and industrial advantage.
How many Typhoons will deploy to Poland in the spring as part of NATO Enhanced Air Policing.
The UK continues to fully support its commitment to NATO’s rotational enhanced air policing model. The UK will be deploying six x Typhoon to Poland for a 4-month block in 2025 alongside a partner Swedish force of Gripen to provide a quick reaction force to defend NATO airspace in accordance with the Supreme Allied Commander Europe's regional plans.
Pursuant to the Answer of 14 October 2024 to Question 7495 on Global Combat Air Programme, what comparative estimate he has made of the (a) cost and (b) time taken for (i) safety, (ii) training and (iii) certification from delivering the Tempest platform as (A) uncrewed and (B) piloted.
AI and autonomous technologies are developing rapidly and the Global Combat Air Programme (GCAP) core platform is being designed to incorporate them as they mature. We assess that pilots will still have a crucial role to play when GCAP comes into service and that their role, and the overall capability of the aircraft, will be augmented substantially by AI and autonomous technologies. For example, extensive use will be made of these technologies to task sensors, triage data, and analyse combat situations more quickly. How and when we incorporate these cutting-edge technologies will be driven by their maturity and ongoing assessments as to what best enables us to fight and win most effectively in highly contested environments.The cost and time to ensure safety, training, and certification of these technologies is being refined through modelling and operational analysis. As the focus is on bringing into service a capability that is initially both piloted and involves substantial AI/autonomous technology, distinct estimates for a crewed versus an uncrewed capability have not been made. The crewed aircraft being developed by the Global Combat Air Programme will operate in a future combat air system that includes uncrewed capabilities. AI and autonomous technology will also be central to the development of these collaborative uncrewed capabilities. Analysis and assessment of procurement options for collaborative uncrewed capabilities to complement Typhoon, F35 and GCAP aircraft is underway. We are in regular discussions with our Italian and Japanese partners on these issues, as together we seek to ensure we are ready to exploit technological opportunities for our joint military and industrial advantage.
How many (a) offensive drones and (b) drones primarily for logistical use were procured for Ukraine (i) in 2022, (ii) in 2023, (iii) from 1 January 2024 to 5 July 2024 and (iv) since 5 July 2024.
Since February 2022, the UK has provided over 4,000 drones to Ukraine covering a broad range of capabilities including intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance, logistical and strike drones for both the land and maritime domain. Most of these drones are offensive drones; either directly providing lethal effect or enabling lethal effect. Of these drones, a minority were primarily for logistical use. In addition, the UK led International Fund for Ukraine, has provided over 400 drones to Ukraine covering a broad range of capabilities. Most of these drones are offensive drones; either directly providing lethal effect or enabling lethal effect. Of these drones, a minority were primarily for logistical use. This government is steadfast in our commitment to support Ukraine for as long as it takes. On 10 July 2024 the Prime Minister announced that the UK will provide Ukraine with £3 billion a year of military support for as long as it is needed.
How many anti-tank weapons were procured for Ukraine (a) in 2022, (b) in 2023, (c) from 1 January 2024 to 5 July 2024 and (d) since 5 July 2024.
Since 2022, we have provided more than 15,000 anti-tank weapons to Ukraine. This Government is steadfast in our commitment to support Ukraine for as long as it takes. On 10 July 2024 the Prime Minister announced that the UK will provide Ukraine with £3 billion a year of military support for as long as it is needed.
How many small arms munitions were procured for Ukraine (a) in 2022, (b) in 2023, (c) from 1 January 2024 to 5th July 2024 and (d) since 5 July 2024.
Since 2022, we have provided more than 10 million small arms munitions to Ukraine.This government is steadfast in our commitment to support Ukraine for as long as it takes. On 10 July 2024 the Prime Minister announced that the UK will provide Ukraine with £3 billion a year of military support for as long as it is needed.