Defence & Security
Commons business tagged with this topic — 50 items.
Upcoming (3)
- Oral questionsMon, 6 Jul 2026— Defence
Defence (including Topical Questions)
Ministers face questions on defence policy and current military operations. Topical questions allow MPs to raise urgent defence matters without advance notice, enabling scrutiny of the Defence Secretary on issues ranging from equipment readiness and military personnel welfare to operational commitments and defence spending priorities.
- Estimates DayMon, 29 Jun 2026
Estimates day (first allotted day). Cabinet Office (subject for debate: spending of the Cabinet Office on security and resilience) Northern Ireland Office (subject for debate: spending of the Northern Ireland Office) Home Office and Ministry of Justice (subject for debate: spending of the Home Office and Ministry of Justice on criminal justice)
Parliament will debate government spending across three departments: the Cabinet Office's security and resilience budget, the Northern Ireland Office's overall spending, and the Home Office and Ministry of Justice's criminal justice allocation. Estimates days allow opposition and backbench MPs to scrutinise departmental spending plans and priorities before they are formally approved.
- Oral evidenceMon, 29 Jun 2026
Foreign Affairs Committee: Jerusalem Holy Places
A private meeting of the Foreign Affairs Committee scheduled for 29 June 2026. The committee, which scrutinises the work of the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office and related defence and security matters, will meet behind closed doors. The specific agenda is not disclosed in this notice.
Past (47)
- Urgent questionThu, 25 Jun 2026
To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs if she will make a statement on the situation in Sudan and diplomatic efforts towards a ceasefire
Priti Patel, the Conservative shadow foreign secretary, has tabled an urgent question demanding a statement from the Foreign Secretary on the humanitarian and military crisis in Sudan and the government's diplomatic efforts to broker a ceasefire. Sudan has been wracked by civil conflict since April 2023, triggering one of the world's worst humanitarian emergencies. This urgent question tests whether the Labour government has an active strategy to end the fighting and protect British interests in the region.
- Oral evidenceWed, 24 Jun 2026
Scottish Affairs Committee: Securing Scotland’s Future: Defence Skills and Jobs
The Scottish Affairs Committee will take oral evidence on how Scotland can secure defence-related employment and develop skills for the sector. The inquiry examines the link between defence industry investment, job creation, and workforce development in Scotland, with particular focus on ensuring Scottish workers and businesses benefit from defence spending and manufacturing opportunities.
- Oral evidenceTue, 23 Jun 2026
International Development Committee: UK response to atrocity and conflict prevention and the role of the Integrated Security Fund
The International Development Committee will take oral evidence on how the UK uses development aid and security funding to prevent mass atrocities and armed conflict. The inquiry focuses specifically on the Integrated Security Fund, a government mechanism that blends diplomatic, defence, and development resources to intervene in fragile regions before violence escalates. The session examines whether this approach is effective and how taxpayers' money is being deployed.
- Westminster Hall debateTue, 23 Jun 2026
UK-Ireland cooperation on border security
A Westminster Hall debate on UK-Ireland cooperation on border security, sponsored by DUP MP Carla Lockhart. The debate will examine joint security arrangements between the two countries, cross-border policing and intelligence-sharing, and how both governments work together to prevent smuggling, human trafficking, and other cross-border crime. The debate reflects Northern Ireland's unique position as part of the UK with an open land border to an EU member state.
- Opposition Day DebateTue, 23 Jun 2026
Defence spending and readiness
The Conservative opposition will use an Opposition Day debate to scrutinise the government's defence spending levels and military readiness. The debate will focus on whether current spending commitments are adequate to meet modern security threats and maintain operational capability across the armed forces. This is a high-profile challenge to Labour's defence and budget priorities.
- LegislationMon, 22 Jun 2026
Armed Forces Bill: Remaining stages
The Commons will complete the remaining parliamentary stages of the Armed Forces Bill on 22 June 2026. This legislation governs the legal framework, governance, and operational structures of the UK's military forces. The bill will pass through final consideration and amendments before a third reading vote.
- Ministerial statementMon, 22 Jun 2026
G7 Summit
Foreign Secretary David Lammy will brief MPs on outcomes and discussions from the G7 Summit, the annual meeting of the world's seven largest advanced economies. The statement will cover international coordination on economic policy, security challenges, and global governance issues that affect Britain's economic and diplomatic interests.
- LegislationWed, 17 Jun 2026
National Security (State Threats) Bill: Committee and Remaining Stages
The Commons will consider committee stage and remaining parliamentary stages of the National Security (State Threats) Bill. This legislation creates a new criminal offence and enforcement powers targeting espionage, sabotage, and hostile state activity against the UK. The bill tightens existing security law to counter threats from foreign powers and adversarial states.
- MotionWed, 17 Jun 2026
National Security (State Threats) Bill: Allocation of Time
This is a procedural motion to set a timetable for Commons debate on the National Security (State Threats) Bill. The motion, sponsored by Labour's Shabana Mahmood (Leader of the House), will determine how much time the Commons has to scrutinise and vote on the Bill's clauses and amendments. This is a routine but essential step before substantive debate can proceed on legislation that strengthens powers to counter state-sponsored threats to national security.
- LegislationWed, 17 Jun 2026
National Security (State Threats) Bill: Second Reading
The National Security (State Threats) Bill will complete all parliamentary stages in the Commons on a single day. This legislation creates new criminal offences and enforcement powers to counter threats from hostile state actors, including espionage, sabotage, and foreign interference in UK institutions. The bill gives security agencies expanded tools to investigate and prosecute state-sponsored threats while imposing obligations on specified sectors to report suspicious activity.
- Oral questionsTue, 16 Jun 2026— Foreign, Commonwealth and Development
Foreign, Commonwealth and Development (including Topical Questions)
This is a scheduled oral questions session on Foreign, Commonwealth and Development matters, held in the main Commons chamber. MPs will pose questions to the Foreign Secretary and departmental ministers about UK diplomatic, international development, and overseas policy priorities. The session may include topical questions on breaking international news or urgent foreign affairs issues.
- Urgent questionMon, 15 Jun 2026
To ask the Secretary of State for Defence if he will make a statement on the impact of the time taken to publish the Defence Investment Plan on the ability of the armed forces to defend the UK
Kemi Badenoch has tabled an urgent question asking the Defence Secretary to explain how delays in publishing the Defence Investment Plan affect the armed forces' ability to defend the UK. The Defence Investment Plan sets out multi-year spending priorities and procurement timelines for the military. The delay in publication creates uncertainty about funding and capability planning at a time when defence spending is a contested political issue between Labour and the Conservatives.
- Ministerial statementMon, 15 Jun 2026
Operational Update - Russian Shadow Fleet
Dan Jarvis will deliver a ministerial statement updating Parliament on the operational threat posed by Russia's shadow fleet—vessels used to evade international sanctions and transport oil outside legal frameworks. The statement will address how Britain is responding to this illicit maritime activity, which undermines sanctions enforcement and poses risks to legitimate shipping and maritime security.
- DebateMon, 15 Jun 2026
First Delegated Legislation Committee: The Russia (Sanctions) (EU Exit) (Amendment) Regulations 2026
Parliament will examine a delegated legislation update to the Russia sanctions regime established after the UK's exit from the EU. The amendment regulations adjust how UK sanctions on Russia are applied and enforced, likely responding to changed circumstances, new Russian conduct, or alignment with international partners' measures. This is a routine committee scrutiny of secondary legislation under the existing sanctions framework.
- Westminster Hall debateThu, 11 Jun 2026
Freedom of Religion or belief in Sudan
This Westminster Hall debate examines religious freedom and persecution in Sudan, where Christian minorities and other non-Muslim communities face severe restrictions and violence under the Islamist government. Jim Shannon (DUP) is sponsoring discussion of how the UK should respond to documented abuses of religious liberty in the country, including forced conversions, restrictions on worship, and targeted killings.
- AdjournmentWed, 10 Jun 2026
Improving national resilience
An adjournment debate on national resilience, sponsored by Conservative MP David Reed. The debate allows Reed to raise concerns about how the UK prepares for and responds to major threats—whether natural disasters, security challenges, or infrastructure failures—and to press the government on its strategy for building resilience across the country. Adjournment debates do not lead to votes but give backbenchers a platform to scrutinise government policy and secure a ministerial response.
- LegislationWed, 10 Jun 2026
Remaining stages of the Railways Bill
Parliament will complete the remaining parliamentary stages of the Cyber Security and Resilience (Network and Information Systems) Bill, which updates the UK's framework for protecting critical digital infrastructure from cyber attacks. The bill modernises how the government regulates and supports organisations that run essential services—from energy and water to health and transport—to meet growing cyber threats. This is the final opportunity for MPs to debate and amend the legislation before it moves to the House of Lords.
- Urgent questionWed, 10 Jun 2026
To ask the Secretary of State for Defence if he will make a statement on the Defence Investment Plan
James Cartlidge has tabled an urgent question asking the Defence Secretary to make a statement on the Defence Investment Plan. The question seeks clarification on the government's spending commitments and strategic direction for military capabilities and infrastructure. This appears to probe Labour's defence budget priorities at a time when the party has promised to strengthen UK military readiness.
- Westminster Hall debateWed, 10 Jun 2026
Government support for human rights in Myanmar
This Westminster Hall debate, sponsored by former Conservative Chancellor Sir Jeremy Hunt, examines the UK government's stance on human rights conditions in Myanmar. The debate will scrutinise what diplomatic and other pressure the government is applying to address alleged abuses by Myanmar's military regime and whether current UK policy is sufficiently robust.
- Oral evidenceTue, 9 Jun 2026
Foreign Affairs Committee: Integrated Security Fund
The Foreign Affairs Committee will hear oral evidence on the Integrated Security Fund, a cross-government financing mechanism designed to coordinate spending on defence, diplomacy, and development to address shared security threats. The inquiry examines how the Fund pools resources across departments to improve Britain's strategic response to geopolitical challenges, particularly in relation to major powers and regional instability.
- Oral evidenceTue, 9 Jun 2026
Scottish Affairs Committee: Securing Scotland’s Future: Defence Skills and Jobs
The Scottish Affairs Committee will take oral evidence on how Scotland can develop and retain defence-sector skills and jobs. The inquiry examines the link between Scotland's defence industry capacity and wider economic opportunity, against a backdrop of skills shortages and competition for talent across the UK defence supply chain.
- Oral evidenceTue, 9 Jun 2026
Defence Committee: One-off Session on Ukraine
A private meeting of the House of Commons Defence Committee scheduled for June 2026. The Defence Committee is Parliament's primary oversight body for military and defence policy, scrutinising the Ministry of Defence, armed forces strategy, procurement, and operations. Private meetings are typically held for sensitive or classified discussions that cannot take place in open session.
- Ministerial statementTue, 9 Jun 2026
Middle East
Yvette Cooper, the Home Secretary, will make a ministerial statement to the Commons on Middle East affairs. The statement will address UK government policy, diplomatic initiatives, or responses to developments in the region, likely covering issues such as Israeli-Palestinian tensions, regional stability, or UK military or humanitarian involvement.
- Urgent questionMon, 8 Jun 2026
To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs if she will make a statement on the humanitarian situation in Cuba, following the US naval and financial blockade
Jeremy Corbyn has tabled an urgent question asking the Foreign Secretary to make a statement on the humanitarian crisis in Cuba, attributed to the decades-long US naval blockade and financial sanctions. The question seeks to draw government attention to the effects of these measures on Cuban civilians and to establish the UK's position on this longstanding geopolitical dispute.
- Urgent questionThu, 4 Jun 2026
To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs if she will make a statement on the recent deliberate attacks by Russia on civilian infrastructure , including apartment buildings and non-military targets
Conservative MP Sir John Whittingdale has tabled an urgent question asking the Foreign Secretary to make a statement on Russia's recent deliberate attacks on civilian infrastructure in Ukraine, including apartment buildings and non-military targets. The question seeks to put pressure on the government to address Russian attacks that violate international humanitarian law and kill civilians.
- Urgent questionWed, 3 Jun 2026
To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs if she will make a statement on the Israeli Defence Forces’ operations in Lebanon
An urgent question from Liberal Democrat MP Monica Harding asking the Foreign Secretary to make a statement on Israeli Defence Forces operations in Lebanon. The question seeks government clarity on UK policy toward the military situation and its implications for the region.
- Oral evidenceWed, 3 Jun 2026
Treasury Committee: Defence spending and finance
The Treasury Committee will hear oral evidence on how defence spending relates to Britain's broader fiscal position. The session will explore the financial implications of defence commitments, likely covering budget allocations, spending efficiency, and how defence fits within the government's overall economic strategy.
- Westminster Hall debateTue, 2 Jun 2026
Preparedness for national emergencies
A Westminster Hall debate on how prepared the UK is for major national emergencies, sponsored by Graeme Downie. The debate will examine civil contingency planning, the resilience of critical infrastructure and public services, and whether government systems can respond effectively to large-scale crises such as pandemics, natural disasters, or security threats.
- LegislationTue, 2 Jun 2026
Committee of the whole House on the Armed Forces Bill
Parliament will consider the Armed Forces Bill in committee of the whole House, a stage where MPs debate and amend the legislation in detail before it proceeds further. The bill covers the legal and operational framework governing the UK's armed forces, including service terms, discipline, welfare, and deployment authorities. This is a significant legislative moment where backbench amendments can reshape military law and policy.
- DebateTue, 2 Jun 2026
Third Delegated Legislation Committee: The draft Syria (Sanctions) (EU Exit) (Amendment) Regulations 2026
Parliament will scrutinise draft regulations that amend how the UK applies economic sanctions against Syria following Brexit. These regulations update the sanctions regime that was previously coordinated through EU law, now managed independently by the UK government. The committee will examine whether the powers and scope of the sanctions remain appropriate and effective.
- Oral questionsMon, 1 Jun 2026— Defence
Defence (including Topical Questions)
MPs will question the Defence Secretary on the work of the Ministry of Defence, with time reserved for topical questions on current defence issues. This is a regular accountability mechanism where backbench MPs can raise military operations, equipment procurement, service personnel welfare, and strategic defence challenges facing the UK.
- Ministerial statementThu, 21 May 2026
Middle East Update
A ministerial statement on Middle East developments will be delivered to the Commons by Hamish Falconer, the Labour MP for Lincoln. The statement will update Parliament on the government's position and policy responses to ongoing developments in the Middle East region, likely covering diplomatic, security, and trade considerations.
- AdjournmentThu, 21 May 2026
Imprisonment of Craig and Lindsay Foreman in Iran
Tony Vaughan will raise in the Commons the case of Craig and Lindsay Foreman, who are imprisoned in Iran. The adjournment debate will focus on securing their release and pressing the government to pursue diplomatic channels to free the British nationals.
- Urgent questionWed, 20 May 2026
To ask the Secretary of State for Business and Trade if he will make a statement regarding the Government’s decision to issue General Trade Licences for sanctioned processed oil products prohibited under the Russia (Sanctions) (EU Exit) Regulations 2019
An opposition MP is asking the government to explain why it has issued General Trade Licences allowing imports of processed oil products from Russia, despite these products being prohibited under existing UK sanctions law. The question challenges whether the government is weakening enforcement of Russia sanctions introduced after the EU exit, and seeks clarification on the policy rationale and scope of these licences.
- Oral evidenceWed, 20 May 2026
Business and Trade Sub-Committee on Economic Security, Arms and Export Controls: Critical minerals
A Business and Trade Sub-Committee meeting to examine economic security policy, military and defence exports, and arms control frameworks. The committee will scrutinise how the UK manages the intersection of trade, national security, and export regulation—particularly in sensitive sectors like defence technology and dual-use goods that can serve both civilian and military purposes.
- Debate on the AddressWed, 20 May 2026
Conclusion of the debate on the King’s Speech: defence readiness
MPs will conclude their debate on defence readiness, which forms part of the wider King's Speech debate on the Address. This is a set-piece parliamentary occasion where members discuss the government's legislative programme as outlined by the monarch. The defence readiness segment will examine the state of UK armed forces capability, military preparedness, and the government's defence priorities going forward.
- Oral evidenceTue, 19 May 2026
Defence Committee: Afghan Data Breach and Resettlement Schemes
The Defence Committee will take oral evidence on a data breach affecting Afghan resettlement schemes and the security implications of handling sensitive personal information from Afghan relocations. The inquiry examines how the breach occurred, what data was exposed, and whether the government's resettlement programmes have adequate safeguards to protect vulnerable refugees.
- Oral evidenceMon, 18 May 2026
Environmental Audit Committee: National security assessment and COP-17
The Environmental Audit Committee will hear oral evidence on how national security considerations affect the UK's climate commitments and preparations for COP-17 (the 17th UN climate conference). The inquiry examines the tension between meeting net-zero targets and securing defence and critical infrastructure resilience, particularly around clean energy supply chains, critical minerals, and military emissions.
- Ministerial statementThu, 14 May 2026
National Security
Secretary of State for Defence Dan Jarvis will make a ministerial statement to the Commons on matters of national security. The statement will outline the government's position on security threats, defence priorities, or related policy developments, allowing MPs to question the minister and debate the government's approach.
- Westminster Hall debateWed, 29 Apr 2026
Government support for human rights in Burma
This Westminster Hall debate, sponsored by Labour MP Rushanara Ali, will examine UK government policy and support for human rights protections in Burma (Myanmar). The debate will scrutinise what measures the government is taking to promote human rights and address concerns about the political and humanitarian situation in the country, particularly following the 2021 military coup.
- Oral evidenceTue, 28 Apr 2026
Foreign Affairs Committee: Work of the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office
The Foreign Affairs Committee will scrutinise the work and priorities of the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO). This oral evidence session examines the department's performance in managing UK foreign policy, international development, and diplomatic operations across its global network.
- Westminster Hall debateTue, 28 Apr 2026
UK-India Technology Security Initiative
A Westminster Hall debate on the UK-India Technology Security Initiative, exploring enhanced technological and security cooperation between the UK and India. The debate will examine the strategic partnership's scope, implementation, and implications for both nations' technological sovereignty and defence capabilities.
- Oral evidenceTue, 28 Apr 2026
Defence Committee: Defence in the High North
The Defence Committee is holding an oral evidence session to examine UK defence strategy and capabilities in the High North region, which encompasses Arctic and sub-Arctic areas including waters around Greenland, Iceland, and northern Scandinavia. This inquiry focuses on understanding military preparedness, NATO operations, and strategic challenges in this increasingly geopolitically significant area as Russia expands its Arctic presence.
- Oral evidenceThu, 23 Apr 2026
Foreign Affairs Committee: Work of the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office
The Foreign Affairs Committee will hear oral evidence on the work and performance of the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO). This scrutiny session examines how the department is delivering UK foreign policy, international development, and diplomatic objectives across all regions and sectors.
- DebateThu, 23 Apr 2026
Select Committee on the Armed Forces Bill: Consideration of the Bill
A General Committee of the House of Commons is considering the Armed Forces Bill following its review by a Select Committee. This stage involves detailed examination and amendment of the bill's clauses, which will reform how the UK's military services are structured, regulated, and supported.
- DebateThu, 23 Apr 2026
Select Committee on the Armed Forces Bill: Consideration of the Bill
A General Committee of the Commons is considering the Armed Forces Bill in detail, clause by clause. This is a crucial stage where MPs scrutinise proposed changes to military law, personnel rules, operations, and defence governance before the bill returns to the full House.
- Oral evidenceWed, 22 Apr 2026
Business and Trade Sub-Committee on Economic Security, Arms and Export Controls: Critical minerals
The Business and Trade Sub-Committee on Economic Security, Arms and Export Controls is holding an oral evidence session on critical minerals. This will examine the UK's supply chain, geopolitical risks, and strategic dependence on critical minerals essential for renewable energy, defence, and manufacturing sectors.