Written questions by Cartlidge.

With reference to page 45, clause 15, of the National Security Document 2025: Security for the British people in a dangerous world, whether the announced 2.6 percent of defence spending from 2027 will include any expenditure on resilience and security.

The National Security Strategy 2025 was published on 24 June 2025. It confirms that by combining an increase in funding with recognition of the vital contribution the Single Intelligence Account plays to our national defence, the UK will spend 2.6% on NATO qualifying defence spending from 2027. This 2.6% will be considered core defence spending.

Commonwealth and Development Affairs, pursuant to the Answer of 11 June 2025 to Question 59107 on Defence: Finance, if he will specify the total financial quantum of the elements of the FCDO’s programming budget referred to.

The Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO)'s non-Official Development Assistance budget primarily funds operating costs, including the UK's diplomatic capability, 24/7 consular services and rapid crisis response to support British nationals worldwide. The settlement also supports the FCDO's priorities across security, growth, migration and the UK's relationship with Europe, alongside constitutional obligations to the Overseas Territories. A portion of this funding will contribute to the UK's NATO-attributed defence spending, including FCDO-led programming in partnership with the Ministry of Defence and the Intelligence Community to counter cyber-attacks, election interference, disinformation and other threats to stability. The amount of the FCDO contribution is being worked though. It will not be included in the Defence budget for 2027.

Pursuant to the Answer of 11 December 2024 to Question 18148 on Lasers: Weapons, what progress he has made on developing (a) radio frequency directed energy weapons, (b) DragonFire laser and (c) other directed energy weapons for the protection of UK military bases on the (i) UK mainland and (ii) overseas.

Following the Strategic Defence Review, this Government has announced nearly £1 billion in further investment for Directed Energy Weapons (DEW), an example of how we will be at the leading edge of innovation and novel capabilities within NATO.We recently completed a trial of a radio frequency DEW demonstrator with the British Army, successfully engaging and defeating drones. DragonFire continues to progress and a recent trial saw us fire +300 times, proving consistency and reliability, and included 30 drone defeats and firings in adverse weather conditions. These trials generate vital evidence and learning needed to improve and adapt these systems, and together with our investment will bring DEW systems into service quickly, protecting our Armed Forces.DEW systems can be utilised for multiple military use cases. For operational security reasons, the Ministry of Defence does not comment on the specific protection of military bases.

Pursuant to the Answer of 11 June 2025 to Question 59131 on Intelligence Services: Finance, if she will specify the total financial quantum of the greater elements of the Single Intelligence Account spend referred to.

In line with practice among our allies, and recognising the increased contribution provided by our security and intelligence agencies on defence, we are including greater elements of the Single Intelligence Account spend in our NATO defence reporting. This will bring total NATO qualifying spending to 2.6% by 2027-28. NATO sets the definition for NATO qualifying defence spending, against which the Government reports, in line with guidance provided by NATO. The SIA budget is set out in the Spending Review 2025 document. (Spending Review 2025 document - GOV.UK) The inclusion of departmental spending that falls under NATO qualifying defence spending definitions will continue to be periodically reviewed in line with NATO guidance.

What progress his Department has made on the investigation into the security breach at RAF Brize Norton on 20 June 2025.

As per my statement on 23 June, an investigation is underway into the incident. The investigation is being led by Counter Terrorism Policing South-East. It would be inappropriate to comment further at this time.

Commonwealth and Development Affairs, pursuant to the Answer of 11 June 2025 to Question 59107 on Defence: Finance, whether the elements of FCDO’s programming budget will be formally included in the defence budget for 2027.

The Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO)'s non-Official Development Assistance budget primarily funds operating costs, including the UK's diplomatic capability, 24/7 consular services and rapid crisis response to support British nationals worldwide. The settlement also supports the FCDO's priorities across security, growth, migration and the UK's relationship with Europe, alongside constitutional obligations to the Overseas Territories. A portion of this funding will contribute to the UK's NATO-attributed defence spending, including FCDO-led programming in partnership with the Ministry of Defence and the Intelligence Community to counter cyber-attacks, election interference, disinformation and other threats to stability. The amount of the FCDO contribution is being worked though. It will not be included in the Defence budget for 2027.

What assessment he has made of the effectiveness of force protection at (a) RAF Brize Norton and (b) all other UK military bases (i) on the UK mainland and (ii) overseas.

As per my statement on 23 June 2025, an investigation is underway into the incident. The Strategic Defence Review identified Brize Norton as needing investment. After many years of under-investment and hollowing out under the previous administration, we have identified this as an area requiring greater focus. Immediate measures were put in place following the incident to enhance existing security arrangements at RAF Brize Norton, with increased vigilance at all other sites. You will appreciate that we will not comment on the specifics of those arrangements. We have also directed a full review of security arrangements across all Defence sites.

What steps he is taking to reinforce the internal fencing at (a) RAF Brize Norton and (b) all other UK military bases (i) on the UK mainland and (ii) overseas.

As per my statement on 23 June 2025, an investigation is underway into the incident. The Strategic Defence Review identified Brize Norton as needing investment. After many years of under-investment and hollowing out under the previous administration, we have identified this as an area requiring greater focus. Immediate measures were put in place following the incident to enhance existing security arrangements at RAF Brize Norton, with increased vigilance at all other sites. You will appreciate that we will not comment on the specifics of those arrangements. We have also directed a full review of security arrangements across all Defence sites.

What steps he is taking to reinforce the perimeter at (a) RAF Brize Norton and (b) all other UK military bases (i) on the UK mainland and (ii) overseas.

As per my statement on 23 June 2025, an investigation is underway into the incident. The Strategic Defence Review identified Brize Norton as needing investment. After many years of under-investment and hollowing out under the previous administration, we have identified this as an area requiring greater focus. Immediate measures were put in place following the incident to enhance existing security arrangements at RAF Brize Norton, with increased vigilance at all other sites. You will appreciate that we will not comment on the specifics of those arrangements. We have also directed a full review of security arrangements across all Defence sites.

What discussions he has had with the Nursing and Midwifery Council on the potential impact of the use of nurse as a title for staff who are not qualified nurses on patient safety.

The Government recognises that the protection in law of certain professional titles is important for public safety. Protecting a title provides assurance to the public that the person using that title is competent and safe to practise. Although ‘registered nurse’ is a protected title, ‘nurse’ is currently not a protected title. The Government is aware of the concerns which this generates.On the 12 May we announced our intention to amend the criminal offence of ‘misuse of professional titles’ so that the title of ‘nurse’ is protected, as part of the Government’s professional regulation reform programme.The term ‘nurse’ is used across multiple professions, for example, ‘dental nurse’, ‘veterinary nurse’ and ‘nursery nurse’. It is not our intention to prevent the legitimate use of the title ‘nurse’ within these instances. The legislation will therefore include exemptions to allow other professionals to use the title legitimately, without the risk of prosecution.The Government will continue to work with key stakeholders, including the Nursing and Midwifery Council, on developing the protection of title offence.

Food and Rural Affairs, what assessment he has made of the potential long-term impact of the UK agreement with the EU, announced on 19 March 2025, on British farmers.

On the 19 May 2025, Defra published a methodology note setting out an assessment of the impact of a Sanitary and Phytosanitary agreement on the UK agricultural sector. This can be accessed here: Ad hoc analyses and data releases - GOV.UK.

Communities and Local Government, what assessment she has made of the merits of continuing to fund (a) Strategic Environment Assessments, (b) Habitat Regulations Assessment screening, (c) the costs of Independent Examination and (d) Neighbourhood Plan Referendums.

Following the Spending Review, my Department announced that it is unable to commission new neighbourhood planning support services for 2025 onwards. We will ensure that local planning authorities continue to be appropriately funded for their neighbourhood planning function, including funding for neighbourhood planning examinations and conducting referenda. Local planning authorities can continue to provide other forms of support to neighbourhood planning groups, including in relation to carrying out strategic environment assessments and habitats regulation assessments where they are needed.

With reference to the announcement of the security review into the defence estate in connection to the security breach at RAF Brize Norton, on 20 June 2025, what steps he is taking to increase security (a) RAF bases (b) Army bases and (c) Royal Navy bases.

As per my statement on Monday 23 June, an investigation is underway into the incident. Work has initially focused on Brize Norton but extends to all UK bases. The SDR identified Brize Norton as needing investment. After many years of under-investment and hollowing out under the previous administration, we have identified this as an area requiring greater focus. Further plans will be announced in due course after the completion of the review.

With reference to the announcement of a security review into the defence estate in connection to the security breach at RAF Brize Norton, on 20 June 2025, when the review will (a) report to him and (b) be shared with parliamentarians.

As per my statement on Monday 23 June, an investigation is underway into the incident. Work has initially focused on Brize Norton but extends to all UK bases. The SDR identified Brize Norton as needing investment. After many years of under-investment and hollowing out under the previous administration, we have identified this as an area requiring greater focus. Further plans will be announced in due course after the completion of the review.

With reference to the announcement of the security review into the defence estate in connection to the security breach at RAF Brize Norton, on 20 June 2025, which bases will be covered by the review.

As per my statement on Monday 23 June, an investigation is underway into the incident. Work has initially focused on Brize Norton but extends to all UK bases. The SDR identified Brize Norton as needing investment. After many years of under-investment and hollowing out under the previous administration, we have identified this as an area requiring greater focus. Further plans will be announced in due course after the completion of the review.

With reference to the announcement of the security review into the defence estate in connection to the security breach at RAF Brize Norton, on 20 June 2025, who will conduct that review.

As per my statement on Monday 23 June, an investigation is underway into the incident. Work has initially focused on Brize Norton but extends to all UK bases. The SDR identified Brize Norton as needing investment. After many years of under-investment and hollowing out under the previous administration, we have identified this as an area requiring greater focus. Further plans will be announced in due course after the completion of the review.

With reference to the announcement of the security review into the defence estate in connection to the security breach at RAF Brize Norton, on 20 June 2025, how he will prioritise the order in which bases are reviewed.

As per my statement on Monday 23 June, an investigation is underway into the incident. Work has initially focused on Brize Norton but extends to all UK bases. The SDR identified Brize Norton as needing investment. After many years of under-investment and hollowing out under the previous administration, we have identified this as an area requiring greater focus. Further plans will be announced in due course after the completion of the review.

What progress his Department has made on the refit of HMS Dragon.

HMS Dragon has completed her Power Improvement Project (PIP) upkeep, which includes installation of three new diesel generators, an additional high voltage switchboard and broader control system dependencies.HMS Dragon has returned to the Fleet having achieved Materiel Assessment Inspection on 1 May 2025.

Whether he plans to publish a defence command paper to outline how his Department plans to implement the Strategic Defence Review.

This Government endorses the Strategic Defence Review’s (SDR) vision and accepts all 62 recommendations. The implementation of the Review’s recommendations will form part of the main business of the Department and will be executed through a whole of UK Defence effort. A Defence Investment Plan, which will be published in the autumn, will take the SDR’s strategic direction and its costed recommendations, including on capabilities, and turn that into a line-by-line delivery plan.

Whether he has a strategy to implement the Strategic Defence Review.

Yes. This Government endorses the Strategic Defence Review’s vision and accepts all 62 recommendations. The implementation of the Review’s recommendations will form part of the main business of the Department and will be executed through a whole of UK Defence effort. We will develop a new Defence Investment Plan to take onboard the Review’s vision and recommendations and turn them into a line-by-line delivery plan.