Written questions by Adam.

Whether the Strategic Defence Review provides for the use of autonomous weapons systems capable of selecting and engaging targets without human intervention.

Awaiting answer.

What steps his Department is taking to ensure meaningful human control is retained over decisions to use lethal force by weapons systems that incorporate artificial intelligence.

Awaiting answer.

What his policy is on international efforts to regulate lethal autonomous weapons systems.

Awaiting answer.

Whether his Department has considered the potential implications of awarding contracts to companies reportedly providing technological support to military operations that are alleged to violate international humanitarian law.

The Ministry of Defence (MOD) takes the proper use of public funds and compliance with international law extremely seriously. All contracts with Palantir are governed by strict commercial, legal and security controls to ensure that United Kingdom (UK) funding is used only for authorised Defence purposes. Robust oversight mechanisms, including due diligence, conflict-of interest checks and ongoing supplier governance ensure full compliance with our legal obligations and provide assurance that no public funds support any activity connected to violations of international law. The MOD applies strict legal, ethical and security checks before awarding any contract. As part of this process, we consider whether a supplier’s wider activities raise concerns, including any allegation of involvement in operations that could breach International Humanitarian Law. Where risks are identified, additional assurance and contractual controls are applied to ensure MOD capabilities are used only for lawful, authorised purposes under UK direction.

What steps his Department has taken to ensure that no UK public funds awarded to Palantir Technologies are used to support activities connected to violations of international law.

The Ministry of Defence (MOD) takes the proper use of public funds and compliance with international law extremely seriously. All contracts with Palantir are governed by strict commercial, legal and security controls to ensure that United Kingdom (UK) funding is used only for authorised Defence purposes. Robust oversight mechanisms, including due diligence, conflict-of interest checks and ongoing supplier governance ensure full compliance with our legal obligations and provide assurance that no public funds support any activity connected to violations of international law. The MOD applies strict legal, ethical and security checks before awarding any contract. As part of this process, we consider whether a supplier’s wider activities raise concerns, including any allegation of involvement in operations that could breach International Humanitarian Law. Where risks are identified, additional assurance and contractual controls are applied to ensure MOD capabilities are used only for lawful, authorised purposes under UK direction.

Which countries the armed forces provided training to in (a) 2023-24 and (b) 2024-25; and which armed service provided that training.

I refer the hon. Member to the answer given to his Question 60404 on 24 June, where I answered:The UK Armed Forces provided various forms of military training to around 120 countries in 2023- 24 and 140 countries in 2024-25. Our training provision is tailored to the specific needs of Allies and partners, spanning several branches across the Services to provide the relevant expertise needed. In the interests of national security and upholding trust and confidentiality with our international partnerships, it is not appropriate to provide a detailed breakdown of these countries, or the nature of that training. All training is carried out in adherence to International Humanitarian Law.

Which countries received training from the armed forces in (a) 2023-24 and (b) 2024-25; and which branch of the armed forces was responsible for delivering that training.

The UK Armed Forces provided various forms of military training to around 120 countries in 2023-24 and 140 countries in 2024-25. Our training provision is tailored to the specific needs of Allies and partners, spanning several branches across the Services to provide the relevant expertise needed. In the interests of national security and upholding trust and confidentiality with our international partnerships, it is not appropriate to provide a detailed breakdown of these countries, or the nature of that training. All training is carried out in adherence to International Humanitarian Law.

Pursuant to the Answer of 11 June 2025 to Question 56822 on Israel: Military Aid, what his policy is on providing military training to foreign armed forces (a) engaged in active conflict and (b) where there are alleged breaches of international humanitarian law.

The Ministry of Defence’s provision of assistance to foreign armed forces is assessed carefully on a case-by-case basis.UK training courses promote British values, including human rights, democracy and compliance with international humanitarian law.

Pursuant to the Answer of 11 June 2025 to Question 56822 on Israel: Military Aid, whether a human rights assessment was carried out before approving training for the Israel Defence Forces.

Fewer than five IDF personnel are currently enrolled in non-combat military academic courses in the UK. The UK has a long history of providing assistance to other nations in the security and justice fields and continues to do so around the world. The Ministry of Defence’s provision of such assistance is assessed carefully on a case-by-case basis. UK training courses promote British values, including human rights, democracy and compliance with international humanitarian law.

Pursuant to the Answer of 11 June 2025 to Question 56822 on Israel: Military Aid, how often his Department reviews its military training arrangements with the Israel Defence Forces.

The Ministry of Defence keeps under careful consideration its policy on training being provided in the UK. Fewer than five IDF personnel are currently enrolled in non-combat military academic courses in the UK.

Pursuant to the Answer of 11 June 2025 to Question 56822 on Israel: Military Aid, what the cost to his Department has been of training Israel Defence Forces personnel in each of the last five years.

Pursuant to the answer provided to Question 56822, there is no cost to the Ministry of Defence for Israel Defence Force personnel on UK training courses. The numbers are fewer than five people and I can confirm these are academic, non-combat education courses.

What protocols are in place over the deployment of US nuclear weapons stored at RAF Lakenheath.

It remains longstanding UK and NATO policy to neither confirm nor deny the presence of nuclear weapons at any given location.