Commons Sense

House of Commons · Ministers' Questions

National Resilience

Thursday 23 April 2026 · 4 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 4 Not answered 0

Key points

  • Government has published a new pandemic preparedness strategy based on Exercise Pegasus findings.
  • Prime Minister agreed that British military can board shadow fleet vessels passing through UK waters following sanctions on 544 vessels.
  • Department works closely with industry and international partners to protect networks against cyber-attacks, which rank the UK third globally in terms of frequency.

Topics (select to filter)

Questions & Answers

Q1 Rachel Gilmour Lib Dem Tiverton and Minehead
Defence Veterans
Context

The questioner noted a Russian-flagged ship anchoring near her constituency, highlighting the increasing proximity of adversaries to UK shores. She also referenced a concerning report that 95,0 95,000 veterans are missing from recall lists maintained by the Ministry of Defence.

Question

What steps he is taking to improve national resilience given that our adversaries are becoming emboldened and operating closer to home? Reports indicate the MOD has lost track of some 9 95,000 veterans on the recall list. How can the Government credibly claim to be strengthening national resilience when they lack basic data?

Answer from Dan Jarvis

The Government are taking decisive steps, as set out in the resilience action plan. Building on Exercise Pegasus findings, a new pandemic preparedness strategy was published last month. The Government will be able to board shadow fleet vessels passing through UK waters following sanctions on 544 vessels. I will carefully look at the hon. Lady's points and discuss them with colleagues.

Partly answered

Not addressed: The specific ask about missing veteran records was not directly addressed.

How: I Will Carefully Look At The Hon. Lady'S Points And Discuss Them With Colleagues.

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Q2 Rachel Gilmour Lib Dem Tiverton and Minehead
Defence Foreign Affairs
Context

The questioner highlighted a Russian-flagged ship anchoring near her constituency, indicating adversaries are operating closer to home. She also mentioned the Ministry of Defence losing track of 95,000 veterans on recall lists.

Question

Not long ago, a Russian-flagged ship anchored just two miles off the Minehead coast in my constituency, directly above critical transatlantic cables. Our adversaries are becoming emboldened and operating even closer to home. How can the Government credibly claim to be strengthening national resilience when they lack basic data required to mobilise those capable of serving?

Answer from Dan Jarvis

This matter is taken incredibly seriously. Following sanctions on 544 vessels, the Prime Minister has agreed that the British military will be able to board shadow fleet vessels passing through UK waters. I will look carefully at the hon. Lady's points and discuss them with colleagues in the Ministry of Defence.

Partly answered

Not addressed: The specific ask about missing veteran records was not directly addressed.

How: I Will Look Carefully At The Hon. Lady'S Points And Discuss Them With Colleagues.

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Q3 Matt Western Lab Warwick and Leamington
Context

The UK ranks third globally in cyber-attacks, according to the Minister. The questioner wants to know about steps taken to raise public awareness.

Question

We are the third most attacked nation globally when it comes to cyber-attacks. What steps is the Department taking to raise public awareness generally?

Answer from Dan Jarvis

We take these threats very seriously and continually monitor risks with our intelligence agencies. We work closely with industry and international partners to protect our networks. As I set out yesterday, we will continue to strengthen defences and remain resilient.

Partly answered

Not addressed: The specific ask about raising public awareness was not directly addressed.

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Q4 Lisa Smart Lib Dem Hazel Grove
Economy Agriculture & Rural Affairs
Context

Press reports indicate the risk of shortages in certain foods and medicines due to geopolitical tensions. The questioner asked about specific steps being taken to address these potential shortages.

Question

What specific steps are the Government taking to address potential shortages of food and medicine as a result of external shocks? How does the Minister plan to communicate with the public to ensure constituents have information and support?

Answer from Dan Jarvis

We are looking at how we can communicate issues effectively with the public. The Cabinet Office co-ordinates a whole-of-Government response and works closely on those issues with partners, including in the Ministry of Defence.

Partly answered

Not addressed: The specific ask about addressing potential shortages was not directly addressed.

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