Written questions by Cartlidge.

With reference to the £3.5 billion defence export finance deal for Ukraine, announced on 18 July 2024, what estimate he has made of increases in the number of (a) drones and (b) other uncrewed systems available to the Ukrainian armed forces resulting from the new funding arrangements.

The UK is committed to increasing the quantity and quality of drones being provided to Ukraine, through national and international partnerships for example through the UK co-lead Drone Capability Coalition. We will deliver over 10,000 drones (both aerial and maritime) to Ukraine this financial year, with deliveries well underway. Due to rapid battlefield changes, these drones are being procured and iterated rapidly using the Ministry of Defence’s annual £3 billion of support to Ukraine, rather than the £3.5 billion defence export finance deal.

With reference to recommendation 1 of the report of the Kerslake Commission on Armed Forces Accommodation, whether he plans to commission an independent survey to (a) review service accommodation and (b) determine steps required to ensure all service accommodation meets standards set by his Department.

The Kerslake Commission on Armed Forces Housing was commissioned by the current Secretary of State and launched in February 2023. The Commission was asked to independently assess the condition of Ministry of Defence (MOD) accommodation and gather evidence to determine what changes are required to deliver lasting improvements. The Commission’s report –titled Homes Unfit for Heroes: the poor condition of Armed Forces accommodation and what needs to change – found that levels of satisfaction with accommodation among Service personnel have fallen to a record low; that poor housing conditions and poor housing services are cited as major reasons for a fall in overall satisfaction with Service life; and that this is affecting morale, recruitment and retention. The Government has inherited an accommodation provision which is unfit for our Armed Forces. Improving the standard of military housing is a priority for this Government. The MOD is now considering the recommendations of the Kerslake Commission report. In the King’s speech the Government announced the establishment of an Armed Forces Commissioner as a first step in improving service life. The Commissioner will be a direct point of contact for Serving personnel and their families to raise issues which impact Service life, including housing.

With reference to the Kerslake Commission on Armed Forces Housing's report entitled Homes unfit for heroes: The poor condition of armed forces accommodation and what needs to change published by, published in April 2024, what plans he has to quickly increase funding for Service Family Accommodation and Single Living Accommodation repair services.

The Kerslake Commission on Armed Forces Housing was commissioned by the current Secretary of State and launched in February 2023. The Commission was asked to independently assess the condition of Ministry of Defence (MOD) accommodation and gather evidence to determine what changes are required to deliver lasting improvements. The Commission’s report –titled Homes Unfit for Heroes: the poor condition of Armed Forces accommodation and what needs to change – found that levels of satisfaction with accommodation among Service personnel have fallen to a record low; that poor housing conditions and poor housing services are cited as major reasons for a fall in overall satisfaction with Service life; and that this is affecting morale, recruitment and retention. The Government has inherited an accommodation provision which is unfit for our Armed Forces. Improving the standard of military housing is a priority for this Government. The MOD is now considering the recommendations of the Kerslake Commission report. In the King’s speech the Government announced the establishment of an Armed Forces Commissioner as a first step in improving service life. The Commissioner will be a direct point of contact for Serving personnel and their families to raise issues which impact Service life, including housing.

With reference to page 37 of the report by the Kerslake Commission on Armed Forces Housing entitled Homes unfit for heroes: The poor condition of armed forces accommodation and what needs to change, published in April 2024, whether he plans to introduce a preventative maintenance regime.

The Kerslake Commission on Armed Forces Housing was commissioned by the current Secretary of State and launched in February 2023. The Commission was asked to independently assess the condition of Ministry of Defence (MOD) accommodation and gather evidence to determine what changes are required to deliver lasting improvements. The Commission’s report –titled Homes Unfit for Heroes: the poor condition of Armed Forces accommodation and what needs to change – found that levels of satisfaction with accommodation among Service personnel have fallen to a record low; that poor housing conditions and poor housing services are cited as major reasons for a fall in overall satisfaction with Service life; and that this is affecting morale, recruitment and retention. The Government has inherited an accommodation provision which is unfit for our Armed Forces. Improving the standard of military housing is a priority for this Government. The MOD is now considering the recommendations of the Kerslake Commission report. In the King’s speech the Government announced the establishment of an Armed Forces Commissioner as a first step in improving service life. The Commissioner will be a direct point of contact for Serving personnel and their families to raise issues which impact Service life, including housing.

What assessment he has made of the potential implications for his policies of Recommendation 8 of the report by the Kerslake Commission on Armed Forces Housing entitled Homes unfit for heroes: The poor condition of armed forces accommodation and what needs to change, published in April 2024.

The Kerslake Commission on Armed Forces Housing was commissioned by the current Secretary of State and launched in February 2023. The Commission was asked to independently assess the condition of Ministry of Defence (MOD) accommodation and gather evidence to determine what changes are required to deliver lasting improvements. The Commission’s report –titled Homes Unfit for Heroes: the poor condition of Armed Forces accommodation and what needs to change – found that levels of satisfaction with accommodation among Service personnel have fallen to a record low; that poor housing conditions and poor housing services are cited as major reasons for a fall in overall satisfaction with Service life; and that this is affecting morale, recruitment and retention. The Government has inherited an accommodation provision which is unfit for our Armed Forces. Improving the standard of military housing is a priority for this Government. The MOD is now considering the recommendations of the Kerslake Commission report. In the King’s speech the Government announced the establishment of an Armed Forces Commissioner as a first step in improving service life. The Commissioner will be a direct point of contact for Serving personnel and their families to raise issues which impact Service life, including housing.

What assessment he has made of the potential implications for his policies of Recommendation 5 of the report by the Kerslake Commission on Armed Forces Housing entitled Homes unfit for heroes: The poor condition of armed forces accommodation and what needs to change, published in April 2024.

The Kerslake Commission on Armed Forces Housing was commissioned by the current Secretary of State and launched in February 2023. The Commission was asked to independently assess the condition of Ministry of Defence (MOD) accommodation and gather evidence to determine what changes are required to deliver lasting improvements. The Commission’s report –titled Homes Unfit for Heroes: the poor condition of Armed Forces accommodation and what needs to change – found that levels of satisfaction with accommodation among Service personnel have fallen to a record low; that poor housing conditions and poor housing services are cited as major reasons for a fall in overall satisfaction with Service life; and that this is affecting morale, recruitment and retention. The Government has inherited an accommodation provision which is unfit for our Armed Forces. Improving the standard of military housing is a priority for this Government. The MOD is now considering the recommendations of the Kerslake Commission report. In the King’s speech the Government announced the establishment of an Armed Forces Commissioner as a first step in improving service life. The Commissioner will be a direct point of contact for Serving personnel and their families to raise issues which impact Service life, including housing.

What assessment he has made of the potential implications for his policies of Recommendation 2 of the report by the Kerslake Commission on Armed Forces Housing entitled Homes unfit for heroes: The poor condition of armed forces accommodation and what needs to change, published in April 2024.

The Kerslake Commission on Armed Forces Housing was commissioned by the current Secretary of State and launched in February 2023. The Commission was asked to independently assess the condition of Ministry of Defence (MOD) accommodation and gather evidence to determine what changes are required to deliver lasting improvements. The Commission’s report –titled Homes Unfit for Heroes: the poor condition of Armed Forces accommodation and what needs to change – found that levels of satisfaction with accommodation among Service personnel have fallen to a record low; that poor housing conditions and poor housing services are cited as major reasons for a fall in overall satisfaction with Service life; and that this is affecting morale, recruitment and retention. The Government has inherited an accommodation provision which is unfit for our Armed Forces. Improving the standard of military housing is a priority for this Government. The MOD is now considering the recommendations of the Kerslake Commission report. In the King’s speech the Government announced the establishment of an Armed Forces Commissioner as a first step in improving service life. The Commissioner will be a direct point of contact for Serving personnel and their families to raise issues which impact Service life, including housing.

What he plans to continue with the procurement of T4 bomb disposal robots.

I am answering the question as ‘to ask the Secretary of State for Defence, whether he plans to continue with the procurement of T4 bomb disposal robots.’ The Ministry of Defence is continuing its procurement of the T4 bomb disposal robot through Defence Equipment and Support, with the first of 50 T4 units being delivered by the end of 2024.

What steps his Department plans to take to ensure the Strategic Defence Review engages with each nation of the UK.

Defence is central not only to the security of the UK, but also to our shared prosperity and economic growth. This Strategic Defenc Review is to be the UK’s review - not just the Government's. The reviewers will consult widely including serving military, veterans, elected representatives, the Defence community, academia and industry across the entirety of the UK.

What steps he plans to take to ensure the Strategic Defence Review team engages fully with UK defence industry (a) primes and (b) SMEs.

The Strategic Defence Review will determine the roles, capabilities and reforms required by UK Defence to meet the challenges, threats and opportunities of the twenty-first century. It will consider the state of the defence technological and industrial base, and the contribution of Defence to the Government’s growth mission. The reviewers will consult widely, including with Parliament, the Defence community, academia, and industry including Primes and SMEs. Defence Ministers met with industry primes and SMEs as a priority in the first weeks of this new Government.

How many high level experts will participate in the Strategic Defence Review.

The Prime Minister has commissioned the Strategic Defence Review, which will be overseen by the Defence Secretary and headed by three external Reviewers. The lead Reviewer will be Lord Robertson of Port Ellen, with General Sir Richard Barrons and Dr Fiona Hill CMG as the other Reviewers. The Reviewers will select a small Defence Review Team (DRT) to support their work. The DRT will comprise of senior experts from inside and outside Defence, working closely with other Government Departments, notably HM Treasury.

With reference to his Department's press release entitled New era for defence: government launches root and branch review of UK Armed Forces, published on 16 July 2024, how his Department defines a NATO-first defence polcicy.

NATO is the cornerstone of UK and Euro-Atlantic security and our commitment to the Alliance is unshakeable. The UK will continue to make a leading contribution to NATO through our commitment of forces and capabilities, contribution to NATO exercises and operations and defence investment. Further details of our approach will be set out in the Strategic Defence Review.

If he will make an assessment of the potential merits of inviting the Minister for Veterans’ Affairs to Cabinet.

My Rt Hon Friend the Defence Secretary represents veterans at Cabinet. He is supported by my Hon Friend the Member for Birmingham Selly Oak, a former distinguished Royal Marine Officer, whose appointment as Minister for Veterans and People reflects this Government’s commitment to delivering for veterans alongside the wider Defence community. This Government will work to ensure veterans and their families get access to the health, housing, employment and other support they need.

What his planned timetable is for securing a defence and security agreement with Germany.

The Secretary of State for Defence travelled to Berlin on 24 July to sign a joint declaration with German Minister of Defence on enhanced defence cooperation between the UK and Germany. The UK and Germany have agreed shared priority objects for cooperation, including strengthening defence industries, reinforcing Euro-Atlantic security, enhancing inter-operability, addressing emerging threats, supporting Ukraine, and cooperation on long-range capabilities Our nations consider closer defence cooperation as an important first step in a new relationship between Germany and the United Kingdom.

What his expected timetable is to negotiate a new UK-EU security agreement.

As we reset our relations with European partners, the Prime Minister and Ministers have already held positive discussions with EU counterparts, including at the European Political Community Summit at Blenheim. Agreeing an ambitious and broad-ranging new security pact with the EU, is a cross-Government priority, and the Government will seek to negotiate in due course. The Ministry of Defence will ensure the pact strengthens security for the UK and EU, underpins closer cooperation between us on threats we collectively face, and complements our unshakable commitment to NATO.

With reference to the policy paper entitled Integrated Review Refresh 2023: Responding to a more contested and volatile world, published on 13 March 2023, if he will make an assessment of the adequacy of the policies set out in that paper on the Indo-Pacific.

As an early priority for this Government the Defence Secretary hosted the Deputy Prime Minister and Defence Minister of Australia to reaffirm the Government’s commitment to AUKUS and our Indo-pacific partners. The Strategic Defence Review (SDR) will identify ways to nurture the UK's defence ties to the Indo-Pacific region, and to do this will consider existing policy and consult widely, drawing on expertise including from the Defence community, Parliament, academia and industry.

Whether he plans to respond to the review entitled Agency and Agility: Incentivising people in a new era - a review of UK Armed Forces incentivisation, published on 19 June 2023.

People form the core of our Defence capability and we recognise the urgent need to transform the way we support all Defence’s people and their families, from recruitment through to retirement and beyond.​ The new Government has met with Rick Haythornthwaite to explain our approach and emphasise our commitment to meeting the challenges set out in his generational review. The publication of a formal response to the report is now a priority.The core principles and recommendations of the review will be central to the recently launched Strategic Defence Review. This will require a new and novel approach to determining the requirements for the UK’s Defence and the recommendations within the Haythornthwaite Review of UK Armed Forces Incentivisation (HRAFI) are already shaping how we deliver this.As a core principle of the HRAFI report, the importance of developing a ‘People Value Proposition’ approach is fully accepted. Consequently, work is underway to map and articulate the ‘whole’ landscape of tangible and intangible elements of the ‘Offer’, ‘Reward’ and ‘Fulfilment’. Housing and Welfare are part of this work, as are all other areas that influence how valued and supported our people and their families feel.

With reference to the Haythornthwaite Review of UK Armed Forces Incentivisation, whether he has made an assessment of the potential merits of developing "people value propositions" for housing and welfare service.

People form the core of our Defence capability and we recognise the urgent need to transform the way we support all Defence’s people and their families, from recruitment through to retirement and beyond.​ The new Government has met with Rick Haythornthwaite to explain our approach and emphasise our commitment to meeting the challenges set out in his generational review. The publication of a formal response to the report is now a priority.The core principles and recommendations of the review will be central to the recently launched Strategic Defence Review. This will require a new and novel approach to determining the requirements for the UK’s Defence and the recommendations within the Haythornthwaite Review of UK Armed Forces Incentivisation (HRAFI) are already shaping how we deliver this.As a core principle of the HRAFI report, the importance of developing a ‘People Value Proposition’ approach is fully accepted. Consequently, work is underway to map and articulate the ‘whole’ landscape of tangible and intangible elements of the ‘Offer’, ‘Reward’ and ‘Fulfilment’. Housing and Welfare are part of this work, as are all other areas that influence how valued and supported our people and their families feel.

What role the Armed Forces Commissioner will play in delivering his Department’s response to the Kerslake Commission.

The new Government is grateful for the work and contribution of the Kerslake Commission. Improving the condition of military housing is a priority for this Government. The Armed Forces Commissioner's remit will include all aspects of Service life which are raised by Service personnel and their family, including Service accommodation, however, responsibility for implementation and improvements to Service accommodation is for the Ministry of Defence.

What his planned timetable is for establishing an Armed Forces Commissioner.

The Armed Forces Commissioner is the first in a series of steps that will be taken by the new Government to improve Service life and renew the contract between the nation and those who serve. The Armed Forces Commissioner will be a direct point of contact for Service personnel and their families to raise issues which impact on service life. The Armed Forces Commissioner will have the power to investigate individual complaints and to proactively launch independent reviews into issues affecting Service personnel and their families more widely, and to lay those reports before Parliament. The new Commissioner will have a right of access to information, sites and personnel in order to fulfil their role. The Commissioner will incorporate the functions currently undertaken by the Service Complaints Ombudsman. The Armed Forces Commissioner will strengthen Parliamentary oversight of issues facing our Armed Forces personnel and their families. The Commissioner will be subject to pre-appointment scrutiny by the Defence Select Committee and will report directly to Parliament, not ministers, via an annual report. There will be opportunities to debate all aspects of the role, remit and operation of Armed Forces Commissioner when the Government brings forward the Legislation outlined in the King’s Speech. Details on budget, pay, grade, staffing and office location will be set out in due course.