Commons Sense

House of Commons · Ministers' Questions

Defence Estate Optimisation Programme

Monday 28 March 2022 · 2 questions

Summarised by AI from the official record, so it can contain mistakes.

Read the full transcript on Parliament.uk

At a glance

Answered 1 Partly answered 1 Not answered 0

Key points

  • The MOD continues its 25-year strategy for the Defence estate optimisation programme.
  • Seven surplus MOD sites have been sold, generating 141 million for reinvestment.
  • The MOD site in Winchester is set to close in 2026 for non-infantry training consolidation at Pirbright.

Topics (select to filter)

Questions & Answers

Q1 Steve Brine Con
Defence
Context

The Defence estate optimisation programme aims to modernise military facilities. Recent progress is under scrutiny.

Question

What recent progress has been made on the Defence estate optimisation programme? The MOD continues its 25-year strategy, including construction at three sites and completion of seven surplus site sales generating £141 million in receipts.

Answer from Jeremy Quin

The MOD continues to deliver on its 25-year strategy, completing construction at three sites and another six under construction. Seven surplus MOD sites have been sold generating £141 million for reinvestment in modern facilities.

Answered
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Q2 Steve Brine Con
Defence
Context

The Sir John Moore barracks in Steve Brine's constituency is marked for disposal under the Defence estate optimisation programme, causing anxiety among constituents.

Question

Does the Minister share my concern about losing a good facility at Winchester, given that current conflicts look very 20th century and require boots on the ground? The site will close in 2026 for non-infantry training consolidation at Pirbright.

Answer from Jeremy Quin

My hon. Friend is engaged with this MOD site set to close in 2026 for phase 1 non-infantry training consolidation at Pirbright, embracing digitalisation. Training numbers can be flexed and I will continue engaging on his concerns.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Concerns about losing a good facility in Winchester were acknowledged but no specific assurances or alternatives provided beyond ongoing engagement.

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