Commons Sense

House of Commons · Ministers' Questions

Topical Questions

Monday 6 January 2025 · 20 questions

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

Read the full transcript on Parliament.uk

At a glance

Answered 13 Partly answered 7 Not answered 0

Key points

  • HMS Bulwark and HMS Albwark were retired, allowing resources to be focused on other capabilities.
  • The Government will engage continuously with nuclear test veterans to address records issues.
  • The Ministry of Defence will publish a defence housing strategy addressing improvements for military personnel housing.

Topics (select to filter)

Questions & Answers

Q1 Rebecca Smith Con South West Devon
Defence
Context

Concern over the amphibious assault capability gap due to scrapping HMS Albion and HMS Bulwark.

Question

Given the amphibious assault capability gap that we have as a result of scrapping—or, should I say, retiring—Devonport ships HMS Albion and HMS Bulwark, what commitment can the Secretary of State give that the green light will be given to building six multi-role support ships, and can he give a firm indication of when he hopes they will be in service?

Answer from The Minister for Defence Procurement and Industry (Maria Eagle)

HMS Bulwark and HMS Albion were not genuine capabilities. The decision allows us to focus resources on where they need to be: on the capabilities that we need to support our Marines and deal with our adversaries.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Commitment for approval and timeline for building six multi-role support ships

How: Changing Subject

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Q2 Harpreet Uppal Lab Huddersfield
Veterans
Context

A recent BBC documentary detailed the 60-year campaign of nuclear test veterans for disclosure of medical records and damages relating to radiation exposure, with a marked increase in rates of cancer and genetic damage.

Question

Will he please work closely with veterans to ensure that they get the justice that they deserve?

Answer from The Minister for Veterans and People (Al Carns)

We owe a debt to our nuclear test veterans, who delivered their service in a courageous and honourable way. I have already committed to looking into the records issue in detail, and to continuous engagement with all the charities and nuclear test veteran groups.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Firm indication of steps for justice and compensation

How: Changing Subject

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Q3 James Cartlidge Con South Suffolk
Defence Foreign Affairs
Context

Ministers have refused to disclose how much their Chagos deal will cost British taxpayers.

Question

Now we know why: the Mauritians want £800 million a year. Whatever the figure is, will the Secretary of State tell us what percentage of the cost of leasing back a base that we currently own will come from the Ministry of Defence budget?

Answer from The Secretary of State for Defence (John Healey)

I regret the Conservative carping over the Diego Garcia deal. The negotiations were started by Conservative Ministers, who conducted 11 rounds of negotiations. The agreement safeguards the effective operation of the joint UK-US base for at least 99 years.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Percentage of the cost from MoD budget

How: Changing Subject

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Q4 Paul Davies Lab Colne Valley
Defence Housing
Context

Military families have endured substandard housing with issues like damp and mould.

Question

Does the Minister agree that quality service housing is essential in recognising the commitment of our military personnel, and that bringing military homes back into public ownership marks the beginning of repairing our nation’s contract with them?

Answer from The Minister for Veterans and People (Al Carns)

I absolutely agree. This is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to change housing for our service families. It will save taxpayers £600,000 a day, and £230 million over the year.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Details on repairing contract with military personnel

How: Changing Subject

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Q5 Helen Maguire Lib Dem Epsom and Ewell
Defence
Context

No land-based anti-ballistic-missile systems to protect critical infrastructure, military bases or population centres.

Question

What steps is the Ministry of Defence taking to address the UK’s deficiencies in anti-ballistic-missile defences, and how are we preparing for potential hybrid attacks on our critical infrastructure?

Answer from The Minister for the Armed Forces (Luke Pollard)

It is important that the strategic defence review is able to report its recommendations. This Government back defence and will continue to do so, ensuring that those capability gaps are filled.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Specific steps for anti-ballistic-missile defences

How: Changing Subject

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Q6 Kirsteen Sullivan Labour (Co-op) Bathgate and Linlithgow
Women & Equalities Veterans
Context

Historic contributions of women in wartime, particularly those who worked in munitions factories.

Question

What steps is the Minister taking to ensure that the historic contributions of women in wartime are recognised? I am thinking particularly of those who worked in munitions factories, including the Linlithgow munitionettes.

Answer from The Minister for Veterans and People (Al Carns)

The essential role played by women throughout both major wars in delivering an industrial powerhouse to support our armed forces is not lost on the Government. I am happy to take this matter offline and discuss it in due course.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Immediate steps for recognition of contributions

How: Changing Subject

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Q7 Richard Tice Reform Boston and Skegness
Business & Trade
Context

Concern over procurement policy under the previous Government that did not recognise the UK steel industry as a strategic industry.

Question

Will the Secretary of State give a commitment that, unlike the previous Conservative Government, this Labour Government will buy British, including British Steel?

Answer from The Secretary of State for Defence (John Healey)

Under previous procurement Ministers, the proportion was 4%. We will change that: the SDR will set out a plan to not just boost UK security, but strengthen the UK economy.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Specific commitment to buying British products

How: Changing Subject

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Q8 Tristan Osborne Lab Chatham and Aylesford
Defence
Context

BAE Systems recently announced an extra £200 million investment to support the F-35 programme, securing 200 jobs in Chatham and Aylesford.

Question

I am concerned about BAE Systems' recent announcement of an extra £200 million avionics investment for the F-35 programme, which will secure 200 jobs. Will the Minister commit to reviewing our investment in defence industry to ensure more jobs are secured by well-trained young people across the country? Additionally, can he visit the site to witness and celebrate this expansion?

Answer from The Minister for Defence Procurement and Industry (Maria Eagle)

Yes, she will make a commitment to visit the site. I agree with my hon. Friend: our defence industrial strategy will enhance incentives for long-term investment in the UK defence sector by encouraging private firms alongside public money. This will align national security imperatives and ensure necessary skills are secured.

Answered
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Q9 Pippa Heylings Lib Dem South Cambridgeshire
Defence
Context

The Defence Secretary announced a reduction in Army personnel to below 70,000 next year, the lowest level since 1793. The problem is not just recruitment but also retention, with more people leaving than joining.

Question

In October, the Defence Secretary said the number of Army personnel would drop to below 70,000 next year, the lowest level since 1793. With 15,000 people leaving and only 11,000 joining in 2023, will the Minister commit to addressing this recruitment-retention balance in this year’s strategic defence review?

Answer from Luke Pollard

It is true that we inherited a recruitment and retention crisis from the Conservatives. Morale was falling, but we are renewing the nation’s contract with those who serve, and there will be more announcements about addressing this in due course.

Answered
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Q10 Alex Barros-Curtis Lab Cardiff West
Defence Foreign Affairs
Context

Strengthening military alliances in Europe is a critical issue.

Question

I was encouraged by the Secretary of State's comments about strengthening ties with allies. Can the Minister elaborate on steps being taken to further strengthen collaboration with European allies during 2025?

Answer from Luke Pollard

Britain is back on the world stage, and we are deepening our defence relationships with our European allies through implementing agreements such as Trinity House between UK and Germany, new roadmaps like the UK-Estonia one, and refreshing the Lancaster House agreement with France.

Answered
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Q11 Sam Carling Lab North West Cambridgeshire
Defence Housing
Context

The Government has brought back military housing after a previous privatisation decision under the Tories. However, many homes are in poor condition.

Question

I commend the Government for bringing back military housing from private hands, but much of it is in a shocking state. What steps will the Government take to ensure military personnel live in decent homes?

Answer from Al Carns

The defence housing strategy will be published as part of the Strategic Defence Review in spring, addressing medium to long-term improvements for military housing.

Answered
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Q12 Douglas McAllister Lab West Dunbartonshire
Defence
Context

The naval base at Faslane and companies such as BAE Systems support thousands of jobs in the constituency. The minister is asked about growing an integrated, innovative, and resilient defence sector to address issues like skills shortages and strategic long-term partnerships.

Question

The naval base at Faslane and companies such as BAE Systems support thousands of jobs in my constituency. Does the Minister agree that we need to grow an integrated, innovative and resilient defence sector that will address problems such as skills shortages and the need for strategic long-term partnerships?

Answer from Maria Eagle

Yes.

Answered
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Q13 Lincoln Jopp Con Spelthorne
Defence
Context

The Minister for Defence Procurement and Industry is asked about the aspiration to reduce the number of MOD civil servants by 10% within this Parliament, as announced during a recent appearance at the Defence Committee.

Question

When the Secretary of State appeared at the Defence Committee recently, he was sitting alongside his permanent secretary when the permanent secretary announced that it was his aspiration to reduce the number of MOD civil servants by 10% within this Parliament. Does the Secretary of State recognise and welcome that aspiration?

Answer from John Healey

Yes, and I trust that the hon. Gentleman does too.

Answered
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Q14 Tom Hayes Lab Bournemouth East
Housing Veterans
Context

The Veterans Minister and the MP recently visited Bournemouth War Memorial Homes, a specialist social housing provider for veterans in the constituency. The question is about what the Government are doing to support such providers.

Question

The Veterans Minister and I recently visited Bournemouth War Memorial Homes, a specialist social housing provider for veterans in my constituency. Will the Minister outline what the Government are doing to support housing providers to buy or build homes for heroes across our country?

Answer from Al Carns

I thank my hon. Friend for the visit to Bournemouth to see that exemplar of how to house veterans. The Prime Minister has just announced £3.7 million of funding towards veterans’ housing and there will be more to come in due course.

Answered
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Q15 Julia Lopez Con Hornchurch and Upminster
Defence
Context

There were reports of NATO worries that the UK is not contributing enough to the European defensive shield, leaving us vulnerable. The question is about assurance regarding the speed of addressing capability gaps in strategic defence review.

Question

There were reports over the weekend of NATO worries that the UK is not contributing enough to the European defensive shield. That leaves us vulnerable to a missile attack. I hear what the Minister has said about the strategic defence review, but what assurance can he provide that he will look at our defence spending commitments with sufficient speed to provide good enough defence for our country?

Answer from Luke Pollard

The hon. Lady is right to raise the capability gaps that this Government inherited from the Government she served in. The strategic defence review is looking at those capability gaps and at what is needed to protect ourselves and our allies in the future. When that is set out later in the spring, she will be able to see how we plan to address those gaps, ensuring that we support British industry while also addressing the security challenges that we and our allies face.

Answered
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Q16 Oliver Ryan Labour (Co-op) Burnley
Defence Foreign Affairs
Context

The MP is a supporter of the British-American alliance but asks about assessment made due to recent tweets from people associated with the incoming US Administration regarding exposure of our defence capabilities.

Question

As a great supporter of the British-American alliance, I am disappointed to have to ask this question, but, given some of the recent tweets from people associated with the incoming US Administration, what assessment has the Secretary of State made of the UK’s exposure of our defence capabilities, given that there may be some changes in the White House?

Answer from John Healey

The US is the closest ally of this country, and this country is the closest security ally of the US. That has been for case the decades—it has withstood the ups and downs of the political cycle on both sides of the Atlantic—and we as a Government will work closely with the incoming US Administration.

Answered
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Q17 Robin Swann Ulster Unionist Party South Antrim
Defence Northern Ireland
Context

The hon. Gentleman raises the issue of defence spend with Northern Ireland small and medium-sized enterprises, which last year accounted for only £3 million.

Question

Defence spend with Northern Ireland small and medium-sized enterprises last year accounted for only £3 million. What will the Secretary of State and the Minister do to proactively increase that spend with Northern Ireland SMEs?

Answer from Maria Eagle

The hon. Gentleman makes an important point. I hope that our defence industrial strategy, in enabling SMEs to access contracts and work for the MOD more easily, will increase that number substantially.

Answered
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Q18 Jayne Kirkham Labour (Co-op) Truro and Falmouth
NHS Veterans
Context

The MP asks about the figures for the incidence of blood cancers and sarcomas in veterans and current service personnel who have crewed particular military helicopters.

Question

Will the Minister agree to meet me to discuss the figures for the incidence of blood cancers and sarcomas in veterans and current service personnel who have crewed particular military helicopters?

Answer from Al Carns

Given the concerns around exposure to exhaust fumes and the importance that we place on safety, the MOD is this month initiating the testing of the exhaust emissions of in-service helicopters to ensure that we are meeting our duty of care for personnel. Nevertheless, I would also like to meet my hon. Friend to discuss the issue further.

Answered
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Q19 Nick Timothy Con West Suffolk
Defence
Context

Following the Christmas day attack on Finnish sea cables, the question is about assessment made of the threat to British interconnectors and identification of individual Minister responsible for their security.

Question

Following the Christmas day attack on Finnish sea cables, what assessment has the Defence Secretary made of the threat to British interconnectors? Which individual Minister is ultimately responsible for their security?

Answer from John Healey

The Finnish investigation into what caused the damage to the Estlink 2 cable is continuing, but many analysts conclude that it is likely that the Eagle S was the cause. That reinforces the case for Operation Nordic Warden, which I confirmed to the House in response to an earlier question. It is being run from the Northwood standing joint forces headquarters and will cover a number of areas of interest, including areas where we have British undersea cables.

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Q20 Graeme Downie Lab Dunfermline and Dollar
Defence
Context

The MP visited HMS Swiftsure at Rosyth in his constituency, a former Royal Navy submarine now being safely and securely dismantled by Babcock as a pilot project of the submarine dismantling programme.

Question

I recently visited HMS Swiftsure at Rosyth in my constituency, a former Royal Navy submarine now being safely and securely dismantled and recycled by Babcock, as a pilot project of the submarine dismantling programme. Will the Minister provide an update on the programme, which could secure hundreds of jobs in Dunfermline and Dollar by dealing with similar submarines at Rosyth over the coming decades?

Answer from Maria Eagle

My hon. Friend will be aware that despite the fact we have had nuclear submarines since 1980, we have never dismantled one, so there is a lot of work to be done. What is happening with Swiftsure is very encouraging and will hopefully provide many jobs in dismantling nuclear submarines. I hope my hon. Friend will be happy with that reply.

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