Every parliamentary written question tabled by Luke Akehurst this session, with the full answer and department. See how every department answers, or back to the MP page.
Showing 21–40 of 145 · Ministry of Defence
What steps his Department is taking to help ensure that the economic benefits from the Ukraine drone package are distributed across all regions of the United Kingdom, including the North East of England; and what
In April 2026, the Department announced the biggest ever drone package for Ukraine, delivering at least 120,000 drones for Ukraine this year. Most of this spending will be with UK companies, several of which were selected through open and fair competition...
What assessment he has made of the threat posed by hostile drone activity to UK critical national infrastructure, what steps his Department is taking to develop (a) drone jamming and (b) electronic signal disrupt
I refer the hon. Member to the answer I gave him on 20 April 2026, to Question 125978.https://questions-statements.parliament.uk/written-questions/detail/2026-04-10/125978
What discussions his Department has had with UK (a) SMEs and (b) early-stage defence technology companies on developing (i) counter-drone and (ii) electronic warfare capabilities informed by lessons from Ukraine.
Procurement teams along with the National Armaments group routinely engage with Industry, including subject matter experts, to deliver the capability requirements of UK Armed Forces. These are informed by the current threat picture as well as lessons lear...
What assessment his Department has made of the potential merits of an expanded role for the Joint Expeditionary Force in European security over the coming years.
The Joint Expeditionary Force strengthens NATO by operating actively, routinely, and rapidly in the Northern hemisphere. As the threat to Europe grows more acute, JEF activity has grown in scale and ambition. Ex TARASSIS, the JEF’s flagship 2025 exercise,...
With reference to answer HL12150, what assessment his Department has made of the impact of the Procurement Act 2023 on increasing the volume of Ministry of Defence-related work for the UK ship-building sector.
The Government recognises the importance of a sovereign shipbuilding sector for our national and economic security. The Cabinet Office recently announced further policy updates on the Procurement Act 2023, listing shipbuilding as a sector for priority pro...
If his Department will increase the proportion of domestic sub-contractors used by Ministry of Defence contractors.
The Defence Industrial Strategy (DIS) is clear that a strong and resilient UK supply chain is critical to national security and economic value. The Ministry of Defence (MOD) will maximise the economic and social value of defence spending for the UK by sup...
What steps his Department has taken to support UK shipyards to tender for defence procurement contracts.
The Government recognises the importance of a sovereign shipbuilding sector for our national and economic security. The Cabinet Office recently announced further policy updates on the Procurement Act 2023, listing shipbuilding as a sector for priority pro...
Whether his Department plans to increase the proportion of Government ship-building contracts awarded to contractors manufacturing in UK shipyards.
The Government recognises the importance of a sovereign shipbuilding sector for our national and economic security. The Cabinet Office recently announced further policy updates on the Procurement Act 2023, listing shipbuilding as a sector for priority pro...
What assessment his Department has made of the risk to national security of outsourcing sensitive defence infrastructure to private sub-contractors accused of breaching sanctions against Russia.
The contract in question is a sub-contract awarded by Serco to procure 24 new vessels for the Royal Navy. It is part of the Defence Marine Services In-Port Services contract between the Ministry of Defence and Serco. The contract, which covers both in-por...
Whether subcontracting the construction of Royal Navy support vessels to a Dutch shipbuilder is consistent with the objectives of the National Shipbuilding Strategy.
The contract in question is a sub-contract awarded by Serco to procure 24 new vessels for the Royal Navy. It is part of the Defence Marine Services In-Port Services contract between the Ministry of Defence and Serco. The contract, which covers both in-por...
What steps his Department is taking to ensure that UK-based defence technology firms are able to remain internationally competitive with firms in allied countries.
The Defence Industrial Strategy (DIS) makes clear that strengthening UK defence firms’ international competitiveness depends on working closely with our allies. It promotes deeper collaboration through co‑research, co‑development and co‑production, helpin...
What changes his Department has made to defence procurement since 2024 to reduce barriers to entry for non-traditional defence suppliers, including businesses specialising in software, artificial intelligence, an
The Ministry of Defence (MOD) has taken significant strides in our approach to defence procurement since 2024, as laid out in both the Defence Industrial Strategy and in a recent Gov.UK notice titled “Ministry of Defence small and medium-sized enterprise ...
What steps his Department is taking to improve access to defence research and development funding for small and medium-sized businesses specialising in software, artificial intelligence, and data analytics.
UK Defence Innovation (UKDI) has been established to harness UK ingenuity and boost military technology, as part of the Government’s drive to turbocharge innovation in defence and deliver growth as part of the Plan for Change. UKDI will be fully operation...
What assessment his Department has made of the potential impact of neo-prime defence companies on returns on investment for defence procurement.
As outlined in the Defence Industrial Strategy, the Ministry of Defence needs to look beyond traditional defence companies to redefine the industrial base, reflecting the deep range of partners and expertise both within our traditional defence sector but ...
How his Department defines novel technologies, with regard to the commitment in the Strategic Defence Review that at least 10 per cent of equipment spending be allocated to such technologies.
The Government has set out its ambition for the Ministry of Defence to spend at least 10% of its equipment procurement budget on novel technologies, including areas such as uncrewed and autonomous systems and AI-enabled capabilities. Work is currently ong...
How his Department intends to evaluate progress towards increasing the proportion of defence spending directed towards emerging technologies during this Parliament.
The Defence Industrial Strategy (DIS) highlights the need for an innovative defence industry that adapts to changing warfare by utilising data, software, procurement, exports, innovation, and R&D to promote UK science and emerging technologies, includ...
What assessment his Department has made of the role of software firms in advancing defence research and development, compared to traditional prime defence contractors.
The Department recognises that software firms are increasingly vital to defence research and development, providing specialised expertise and innovation in areas such as artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, and data analytics. While traditional prime c...
What assessment the Department has made of the industrial lead times associated with establishing UK small arms manufacturing capacity for Project GRAYBURN, including facilities, specialist machinery, and workforce requirements.
Project GRAYBURN is in the formal concept phase and therefore the scope, timeline and complexity are yet to be determined. Project GRAYBURN will deliver against the Defence Industrial Strategy and our strategic partnership with industry will generate new long-term skilled jobs, including in STEM, and increase our industrial capacity and resilience.
What assessment he has made of the potential implications for (a) his Department’s policies and (b) the Strategic Defence Review of Ukraine’s use of rapidly developed battlefield technologies, particularly in relation to accelerating UK capability development.
I refer the hon. Member to the answer I gave on 31 March 2026 to Question 123249 to the hon. Member for Basildon and Billericay (Mr Holden).
What plans he has to help ensure increased investment in defence innovation and supply chains arising from lessons learned in Ukraine for regional areas including North Durham.
The Ministry of Defence (MOD) has established UK Defence Innovation (UKDI) which represents a fundamental transformation of how the Ministry of Defence (MOD) approaches innovation.Learning lessons from Ukraine as well as other international partners UKDI will act and operate differently, ruthlessly prioritising to focus on the areas with most potential, with significant freedoms to contract with speed, simplicity, and flexibility, harnessing and bolstering the competitiveness of the UK’s tech sector. UKDI has established Regional and Devolved Authorities Engagement Teams across the UK to systematically identify and nurture dual-use innovation from SMEs, mid-tier companies, and academic spin-outs. The core mission of the Regional and Devolved Authorities Engagement Teams is to deliver targeted outreach, support business development, foster supply chain collaboration, and accelerate the commercialisation of emerging technologies aligned with Defence and National Security priorities. These teams will facilitate regional access to defence-focused loans, investors, and venture builder services, while gathering critical market intelligence for MOD and National Security stakeholders.