Commons Sense

House of Commons · Ministers' Questions

Topical Questions 2026-07-06

Monday 6 July 2026 · 25 questions

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

Read the full transcript on Parliament.uk

At a glance

Answered 3 Partly answered 19 Not answered 0

Key points

  • Luke Evans asked about the Chagos deal and its implications for defence spending; the Minister responded by stating he is closely examining the details and will discuss it with American allies.
  • Luke Evans inquired about recognising and supporting veterans suffering from blast-induced or traumatic brain injuries; the Minister highlighted the UK's world-leading blast injury support, including a 3.65 million investment in cutting-edge scanning technology.
  • Blake Stephenson questioned the timeline for joint Anglo-Dutch amphibious ships to be operational; the Minister confirmed the Labour Government's ambition to bring back amphibious ships in collaboration with the Netherlands.

Topics (select to filter)

Questions & Answers

Q1 Luke Evans Con
Defence Foreign Affairs
Context

The new Defence Secretary is addressing his departmental responsibilities in Parliament.

Question

I am concerned about the clarity of the Chagos deal and its implications for defence spending. Will he confirm that it has been cancelled and that the billions allocated to Mauritius have been redirected to defence?

Answer from Dan Jarvis

It is a fair question. I am looking very closely at the detail, and I will discuss it with our American allies.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Did not confirm cancellation or redirection of funds

How: Looking Closely, Will Discuss

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Q2 Luke Evans Con
Veterans
Context

A constituent, Clint, suffered blast-related injuries and is campaigning for recognition and support from the MOD.

Question

What is the Minister doing to address the issue of recognising and supporting veterans like Clint who suffer from blast-induced or traumatic brain injuries? Will he meet me to discuss how services can be more integrated?

Answer from Calvin Bailey

Our blast injury support is world leading. We have invested £3.65 million in cutting-edge scanning technology, and we collaborate internationally to drive forward research on blast-induced and traumatic brain injuries. Our work complements wider efforts to ensure no veteran falls through the cracks.

Answered
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Q3 Blake Stephenson Con
Defence
Context

Co-operation between UK and Netherlands on a new amphibious fleet was announced in the defence investment plan.

Question

When can we expect the joint Anglo-Dutch amphibious ships to be operational, considering HMS Albion and HMS Bulwark are out of service?

Answer from Luke Pollard

This Labour Government is bringing back amphibious ships. We are working with the Netherlands to develop a joint capability, and our ambition is clear.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Did not provide specific timeline

How: Ambition Is Clear

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Q4 Alex Ballinger Lab
Defence
Context

Labour's strategic defence review committed to buying up to 12 attack submarines.

Question

Exactly how many attack submarines are being bought according to the details in the defence investment plan?

Answer from Luke Pollard

The defence investment plan sets out our intention to buy up to 12 SSN-AUKUS submarines. Their delivery is conditional on productivity improvements with BAE Systems at Barrow.

Answered
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Q5 James Cartlidge Con South Suffolk
Defence Economy Employment
Context

The Labour Government has secured record investment in the defence industry.

Question

How will the increased defence spending benefit jobs in Hartlepool's defence industry and the wider north-east?

Answer from Luke Pollard

We are determined to increase defence spending with British firms, and more of that spend will be seen in the north-east.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Did not provide specific benefits for Hartlepool or north-east jobs

How: Determined, More Spend

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Q6 Jonathan Brash Lab
Defence
Context

Discussion on the validity of using percentage of GDP to measure a country's defence expenditure.

Question

Does the Secretary of State accept that checking how much money a country spends on defence is done by looking at its percentage of GDP?

Answer from Luke Pollard

We are third-largest cash spender in NATO. At the spending review next year, we will set out an increase in defence spending. It is not just about what we spend but how and on what capabilities.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Did not directly confirm or deny use of GDP percentage

How: Third-Largest Cash, Will Review Next Year

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Q7 Amanda Martin Lab
Women & Equalities Veterans
Context

A recent survey found that 90% of serving forces members believe two weeks of paternity leave is insufficient.

Question

I heard from serving personnel about the strain of starting a family while serving our country. A snapshot survey by Dad Shift found that 90% believed two weeks of paternity leave is not enough. Does the Minister agree increasing paternity leave would boost retention, strengthen resilience and give children a better start?

Answer from Calvin Bailey

I thank my hon. Friend for raising an important question. She is a champion of our servicepeople and we are grateful for her support. While service personnel are not covered by statutory paternity entitlements, the armed forces occupational paternity leave scheme provides equivalent arrangements. I am happy to engage with my hon. Friend on this matter to continue exploring further support.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Did not commit to increasing paternity leave specifically

How: Happy To Engage, Exploring Further Support

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Q8 Ellie Chowns Green
Defence Veterans
Context

More than half the capital budget is to be spent on the Defence Nuclear Enterprise.

Question

My constituents serve in the armed forces or are veterans. They want to know that the investment in the DIP is being spent cost-effectively. Given that more than half the capital budget is for the Defence Nuclear Enterprise, can the Secretary of State assure me value for money analysis has been undertaken?

Answer from Luke Pollard

The hon. Member will know the Labour Government were elected on a manifesto containing a triple lock for our nuclear deterrent. We will make sure the Defence Nuclear Enterprise provides value for money, increased deterrence against threats, and more job creation.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Did not confirm if value for money analysis has been undertaken or improve parliamentary scrutiny

How: Triple Lock For Our Nuclear Deterrent

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Q9 Christopher Vince
Defence
Context

The defence investment plan was published last week.

Question

I welcome my hon. and gallant Friend to the Front Bench and the publishing of the defence investment plan. Will the Minister outline how the additional £15 billion of MoD spending will benefit towns like Harlow?

Answer from Luke Pollard

Harlow was at the centre of my thinking when increasing defence spending. My hon. Friend and I have talked about brilliant defence companies in his constituency. Growth in defence spending offers opportunities for graduates and apprentices to have a career in defence.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Did not outline specific benefits for Harlow

How: Opportunities For Graduates And Apprentices

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Q10 Lincoln Jopp Con
Veterans
Context

A veterans' buddy bench was unveiled in Sunbury Park.

Question

On Armed Forces Day, I had the honour of unveiling a veterans' buddy bench in my constituency. The idea is that veterans go there and members of the public are encouraged to sit with them. Will Front Benchers encourage other constituencies to get a similar bench?

Answer from Calvin Bailey

I thank the hon. and gallant Member for that excellent idea. While we were away, Ministers showed support for veteran communities. I will look to take on those ideas and the one raised.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Did not commit to encouraging other constituencies specifically

How: Look To Take On Those Ideas

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Q11 Rebecca Long-Bailey Lab Salford and Eccles
Veterans
Context

A previously undisclosed fallout report showed radiation across inhabited areas of Christmas Island.

Question

The Minister's predecessor confirmed that in 2014 both the MOD and Government legal advisers were made aware of a previously undisclosed fallout report showing radiation in inhabited areas. Can the Minister confirm what work has been done to establish why this evidence was not disclosed?

Answer from Calvin Bailey

Let me say how deeply grateful we are to those who participated in the UK nuclear testing programme. Since taking office, I have worked hard to listen and meet the veterans. I aim to disclose the document my hon. Friend referred to as soon as possible.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Did not confirm why evidence was not disclosed previously

How: Disclose The Document

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Q12 Gareth Davies Con
Defence
Context

The Army is conducting a review of its reserve basic training.

Question

In a written answer, the Government revealed that the Army is conducting a review of its reserve basic training. Will the Secretary of State commit to putting the terms of reference for this review in the Library and not close Prince William barracks until the review is complete?

Answer from Louise Jones

The hon. Member has been a champion for his constituency, and we have had many exchanges on this subject. I confirm that all decisions about reserves will look at what best supports the force. Decisions are yet to be made.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Did not commit to putting terms in Library or not closing barracks until review is complete

How: Decisions Are Yet To Be Made

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Q13 Kim Johnson Lab
Foreign Affairs
Context

The UN Human Rights Council estimates that the IDF have killed over 20,000 children and injured more than 44,000.

Question

Barbaric targeting of Palestinian children by Israeli forces has received little media coverage. The UN report estimates IDF have killed over 20,000 children and injured over 44,000. Can the Minister give assurance that arms transferred through UK bases are not used to facilitate war crimes? When will she facilitate a full arms embargo?

Answer from Louise Jones

There has been an abhorrent loss of life; children must never be victims of war. We have already suspended licences for Israel where items might be used in military operations in Gaza.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Did not give assurance on use of arms or commit to embargo

How: Suspended Licences

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Q14 Calum Miller Lib Dem
Asylum & Refugees
Context

Local residents and service personnel in Calum Miller's constituency are concerned about a proposal to create an asylum center at MOD Bicester. The Minister previously promised transparency.

Question

Residents, including service personnel, are concerned by the proposed asylum center at MOD Bicester. Will the Minister clarify when MOD officials first spoke with Home Office; how many contracts have been issued for site assessment; and if there are non-disclosure agreements in place?

Answer from Luke Pollard

The Prime Minister asked Departments to support the cross-Government mission to close asylum hotels. The Ministry of Defence has made available unused military sites. I will arrange a meeting with my colleague, the Minister for Asylum, to discuss this further.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Did not clarify timeline, number of site assessment contracts, or NDA presence

How: Will Arrange A Meeting

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Q15 Neil Duncan-Jordan Lab
Defence Foreign Affairs
Context

The International Court of Justice ruled two years ago that Israel's presence in the Occupied Palestinian Territories is unlawful. British bases are used to transfer weapons.

Question

Does the Minister find it justifiable, morally or legally, for British bases to continue transferring weapons to Israel during its ongoing conflict?

Answer from Louise Jones

Licences for weapon transfers have been suspended where items might be used in Gaza operations, noting F-35 components. Licences are under continuous review.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Did not provide moral or legal stance on use of UK bases for weapons transfer

How: Licences Suspended, Under Continuous Review

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Q16 Ben Obese-Jecty Con
Defence
Context

The defence investment plan covers a 10-year period, but only nine years are detailed.

Question

Is the plan indeed a 10-year one? If yes, does it assume a 3.5% spend on defence by 2035?

Answer from Luke Pollard

It is a 10-year plan. The first four years are detailed due to known technology purchases, but the final five years focus on unspecified technologies like drones.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Did not confirm if it assumes 3.5% GDP by 2035

How: Unknown Precise Platforms

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Q17 Lloyd Hatton Lab
Veterans
Context

The Lantern Trust and the Veterans Hub applied for Valour funding which would significantly benefit their services.

Question

Will the Minister review applications from the Lantern Trust and Veterans Hub, and support the work of the Veterans Hub in Weymouth?

Answer from Calvin Bailey

I look forward to visiting the Veterans Hub and am happy to review their application for Valour funding.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Did not commit explicitly to reviewing applications or supporting initiatives

How: Look Forward To Visiting

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Q18 Sarah Pochin Reform
Defence Economy Foreign Affairs
Context

UK welfare bill increasing by £19 billion, £13 billion spent on foreign aid, and £15 billion committed to net zero schemes while the defence plan still has a funding gap of £4.7 billion.

Question

How does the Secretary explain the increase in welfare spending, foreign aid, and net zero commitments alongside a defence funding gap?

Answer from Luke Pollard

We are increasing defence spending. I do not accept what the hon. Lady is saying regarding Reform politicians accepting bribes from Russia.

Not addressed: Did not address welfare, aid, net zero or defence funding gap

How: Does Not Accept, Politicians Accepting Bribes

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Q19 Henry Tufnell Lab
Defence Economy Business & Trade
Context

The defence investment plan includes a record spend of nearly £300 billion over four years, expected to benefit local supply chains.

Question

How will the plan strengthen local supply chains and create jobs in Henry Tufnell's constituency?

Answer from Luke Pollard

My hon. Friend's constituency will receive support via Wales defence growth deal and programmes at Cawdor barracks, as well as help for SMEs in places like Castlemartin.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Did not detail economic benefits or job creation specifically

How: Will Receive Support

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Q20 Josh Babarinde Lib Dem
Veterans
Context

Civil compensation is disregarded from pension credit entitlement, but military compensation is not.

Question

Would the Minister meet with Josh Babarinde and the family of Pauline Cole to address this compensation injustice?

Answer from Calvin Bailey

I will meet with the hon. Gentleman and the family.

Answered

Not addressed: null

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Q21 Chi Onwurah Lab Newcastle upon Tyne Central
Defence
Context

The North-East sends the highest proportion of young people to the armed forces but receives the lowest proportion of investment spend.

Question

Will the Secretary meet with Chi Onwurah and colleagues from the region to address this disparity?

Answer from Luke Pollard

I will be very happy to meet with her and other north-east colleagues to look at opportunities available in the £298 billion defence investment plan over four years.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Did not commit to addressing specific spending disparities

How: Look At What Opportunities Are Available

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Q22 Tessa Munt Lib Dem Wells
Defence
Context

Former Defence Secretary and Scotland Secretary both claimed they were misled about the Chinook helicopter disaster, leading to calls for a fresh inquiry into the incident.

Question

Surely the Secretary of State must support the Chinook Justice Campaign families' long-standing pleas for a fresh inquiry into why their family members were put on that particular flight?

Answer from Calvin Bailey

I am very close to some of the families who lost family members on that Chinook. I am sympathetic to their point but we are looking at this matter at the moment and will make sure the questions raised are answered. I agree to meet her.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Committing to a new inquiry

How: Looking At This Matter

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Q23 Chris Hinchliff Lab
Economy Brexit Agriculture & Rural Affairs
Context

Concerns about the UK's reliance on imported food, particularly in scenarios where imports could be disrupted.

Question

What reassurances can Ministers give that they are leading conversations across Government to ensure that if push comes to shove, the UK has the necessary food security to stand on its own two feet?

Answer from Luke Pollard

Food security is national security. We are investing in the hybrid Navy to keep the strait of Hormuz open because importing, be it food or energy, is vital to our security. That is why we are investing in new capabilities.

Not addressed: Specific reassurances on interdepartmental coordination for food security

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Q24 Jim Allister TUV
Defence Parliamentary Procedure
Context

The Department of Defence paid Jeffrey Donaldson £12,000 for peacekeeping consultancy work in Cameroon over the years 2018 and 2019.

Question

Today the Department confirmed to me in a written answer that over the years 2018 and 2019, the Ministry of Defence paid almost £12,000 to Jeffrey Donaldson in respect of a peacekeeping consultancy for the Cameroons. How common is it that sitting Members of Parliament are paid consultancy fees, and who else has been paid?

Answer from Dan Jarvis

I am not aware of the detail that the hon. and learned Member raises, but if he would like to write to me, I will look very carefully at it.

Not addressed: Providing details on consultancy payments for MPs

How: I Am Not Aware Of The Detail

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Q25 Damien Egan Lab
Defence
Context

A freeze on civil service roles in the military was recently implemented, raising concerns about skills gaps and pressure on personnel.

Question

I would like to ask about the recruitment freeze on civil service roles in the military. Will it change as a result of the publication of the DIP, and how are skills gaps to be addressed to limit pressure on military personnel?

Answer from Luke Pollard

I know that my hon. Friend represents a large number of constituents who work at Defence Equipment and Support at Abbey Wood, and do so really well. In the DIP, we have set out our support for the whole team effort between civilians and military personnel, and are looking at creating more efficiencies and using new technologies to do so.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Specific changes in recruitment freeze due to DIP publication

How: Looking At Creating More Efficiencies

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