Commons Sense

House of Commons · Ministers' Questions

Ajax Programme

Monday 13 June 2022 · 3 questions

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

Read the full transcript on Parliament.uk

At a glance

Answered 0 Partly answered 3 Not answered 0

Key points

  • The Ajax programme is a troubled programme with issues being independently tested.
  • The Ministry of Defence has withheld 1.1 billion in payments since December 2020.
  • Independent trials are ongoing, and results will inform future decisions regarding the programme.

Topics (select to filter)

Questions & Answers

Q1 John Spellar Lab
Defence
Context

The question arises from concerns over delays and issues in the Ajax programme, which have been highlighted by the Defence Committee and Public Accounts Committee. The programme has faced significant challenges since 2020.

Question

What assessment he has made of the effectiveness of the Ajax vehicles programme? The Ajax programme is a troubled programme. Unfortunately, we have not had any indication that the fundamental problems have been resolved, and the Army is facing a dangerous gap in capacity. Will he either announce that he will scrap the failed programme or give us an early, fixed and firm timetable for such a decision?

Answer from Ben Wallace

The Ajax programme is a troubled programme. We are independently testing issues arising with the programme and must ensure evidence-based steps. The MOD has withheld payment since December 2020, amounting to £1.1 billion less than scheduled by December 2021. General Dynamics wants resolution, but we need evidence before proceeding.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Provided no clear timeline or decision on scrapping the programme

How: We Are Independently Testing Issues Arising With The Programme

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Q2 John Spellar Lab
Defence
Context

Concerns over delays and issues in the Ajax programme persist, despite previous assessments from the Public Accounts Committee. The programme faces significant challenges and potential gaps in military capacity.

Question

Will he either announce that he will scrap the failed programme or give us an early, fixed and firm timetable for such a decision? Stick or twist, Secretary of State?

Answer from Ben Wallace

We agree with many PAC recommendations. We are testing issues arising from the programme and will ensure evidence-based steps. Payment withheld since December 2020, amounting to £1.1 billion less than scheduled by December 2021.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Did not provide a clear decision or timeline regarding scrapping the programme

How: We Are Testing Issues And Will Ensure Evidence-Based Steps

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Q3 Chris Evans Labour (Co-op) Caerphilly
Defence Wales
Context

The Ajax programme delays have led to significant financial impacts in Wales, causing anxiety among workers and the wider economy. Local suppliers are also affected.

Question

When will the Government give an answer on what they will do about Ajax? Anybody who has had anything to do with Ajax will say that, after 12 years, enough is enough and a decision must be taken.

Answer from Ben Wallace

We understand workforce frustration in Wales. We proceed based on science and evidence, bound by contract with General Dynamics. Independent trials are ongoing; results will inform next steps.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Did not provide a clear decision or timeline regarding the programme's future

How: We Proceed Based On Science And Evidence

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