Topical Questions 2026-07-06
2026-07-06
TAGS
Response quality
Questions & Answers
Q1
Partial Answer
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Context
The new Defence Secretary is addressing his departmental responsibilities in Parliament.
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?
It is a fair question. I am looking very closely at the detail, and I will discuss it with our American allies.
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Assessment & feedback
Did not confirm cancellation or redirection of funds
Looking Closely
Will Discuss
Response accuracy
Q2
Direct Answer
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Context
A constituent, Clint, suffered blast-related injuries and is campaigning for recognition and support from the MOD.
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?
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.
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Assessment & feedback
Response accuracy
Q3
Partial Answer
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Context
Co-operation between UK and Netherlands on a new amphibious fleet was announced in the defence investment plan.
When can we expect the joint Anglo-Dutch amphibious ships to be operational, considering HMS Albion and HMS Bulwark are out of service?
This Labour Government is bringing back amphibious ships. We are working with the Netherlands to develop a joint capability, and our ambition is clear.
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Assessment & feedback
Did not provide specific timeline
Ambition Is Clear
Response accuracy
Q4
Direct Answer
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Context
Labour's strategic defence review committed to buying up to 12 attack submarines.
Exactly how many attack submarines are being bought according to the details in the defence investment plan?
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.
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Assessment & feedback
Response accuracy
Q5
Partial Answer
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Context
The Labour Government has secured record investment in the defence industry.
How will the increased defence spending benefit jobs in Hartlepool's defence industry and the wider north-east?
We are determined to increase defence spending with British firms, and more of that spend will be seen in the north-east.
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Assessment & feedback
Did not provide specific benefits for Hartlepool or north-east jobs
Determined
More Spend
Response accuracy
Q6
Partial Answer
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Context
Discussion on the validity of using percentage of GDP to measure a country's defence expenditure.
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?
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.
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Assessment & feedback
Did not directly confirm or deny use of GDP percentage
Third-Largest Cash
Will Review Next Year
Response accuracy
Q7
Partial Answer
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Context
A recent survey found that 90% of serving forces members believe two weeks of paternity leave is insufficient.
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?
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.
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Assessment & feedback
Did not commit to increasing paternity leave specifically
Happy To Engage
Exploring Further Support
Response accuracy
Q8
Partial Answer
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Context
More than half the capital budget is to be spent on the Defence Nuclear Enterprise.
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?
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.
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Assessment & feedback
Did not confirm if value for money analysis has been undertaken or improve parliamentary scrutiny
Triple Lock For Our Nuclear Deterrent
Response accuracy
Q9
Partial Answer
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Context
The defence investment plan was published last week.
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?
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.
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Assessment & feedback
Did not outline specific benefits for Harlow
Opportunities For Graduates And Apprentices
Response accuracy
Q10
Partial Answer
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Context
A veterans' buddy bench was unveiled in Sunbury Park.
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?
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.
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Assessment & feedback
Did not commit to encouraging other constituencies specifically
Look To Take On Those Ideas
Response accuracy
Q11
Partial Answer
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Context
A previously undisclosed fallout report showed radiation across inhabited areas of Christmas Island.
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?
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.
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Assessment & feedback
Did not confirm why evidence was not disclosed previously
Disclose The Document
Response accuracy
Q12
Partial Answer
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Context
The Army is conducting a review of its reserve basic training.
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?
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.
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Assessment & feedback
Did not commit to putting terms in Library or not closing barracks until review is complete
Decisions Are Yet To Be Made
Response accuracy
Q13
Partial Answer
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Context
The UN Human Rights Council estimates that the IDF have killed over 20,000 children and injured more than 44,000.
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?
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.
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Assessment & feedback
Did not give assurance on use of arms or commit to embargo
Suspended Licences
Response accuracy
Q14
Partial Answer
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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.
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?
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.
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Assessment & feedback
Did not clarify timeline, number of site assessment contracts, or NDA presence
Will Arrange A Meeting
Response accuracy
Q15
Partial Answer
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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.
Does the Minister find it justifiable, morally or legally, for British bases to continue transferring weapons to Israel during its ongoing conflict?
Licences for weapon transfers have been suspended where items might be used in Gaza operations, noting F-35 components. Licences are under continuous review.
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Assessment & feedback
Did not provide moral or legal stance on use of UK bases for weapons transfer
Licences Suspended
Under Continuous Review
Response accuracy
Q16
Partial Answer
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Context
The defence investment plan covers a 10-year period, but only nine years are detailed.
Is the plan indeed a 10-year one? If yes, does it assume a 3.5% spend on defence by 2035?
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.
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Assessment & feedback
Did not confirm if it assumes 3.5% GDP by 2035
Unknown Precise Platforms
Response accuracy
Q17
Partial Answer
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Context
The Lantern Trust and the Veterans Hub applied for Valour funding which would significantly benefit their services.
Will the Minister review applications from the Lantern Trust and Veterans Hub, and support the work of the Veterans Hub in Weymouth?
I look forward to visiting the Veterans Hub and am happy to review their application for Valour funding.
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Assessment & feedback
Did not commit explicitly to reviewing applications or supporting initiatives
Look Forward To Visiting
Response accuracy
Q18
Partial Answer
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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.
How does the Secretary explain the increase in welfare spending, foreign aid, and net zero commitments alongside a defence funding gap?
We are increasing defence spending. I do not accept what the hon. Lady is saying regarding Reform politicians accepting bribes from Russia.
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Assessment & feedback
Did not address welfare, aid, net zero or defence funding gap
Does Not Accept
Politicians Accepting Bribes
Response accuracy
Q19
Partial Answer
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Context
The defence investment plan includes a record spend of nearly £300 billion over four years, expected to benefit local supply chains.
How will the plan strengthen local supply chains and create jobs in Henry Tufnell's constituency?
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.
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Assessment & feedback
Did not detail economic benefits or job creation specifically
Will Receive Support
Response accuracy
Q20
Direct Answer
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Context
Civil compensation is disregarded from pension credit entitlement, but military compensation is not.
Would the Minister meet with Josh Babarinde and the family of Pauline Cole to address this compensation injustice?
I will meet with the hon. Gentleman and the family.
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Assessment & feedback
null
Response accuracy
Q21
Partial Answer
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Context
The North-East sends the highest proportion of young people to the armed forces but receives the lowest proportion of investment spend.
Will the Secretary meet with Chi Onwurah and colleagues from the region to address this disparity?
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.
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Assessment & feedback
Did not commit to addressing specific spending disparities
Look At What Opportunities Are Available
Response accuracy
Q22
Partial Answer
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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.
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?
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.
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Assessment & feedback
Committing to a new inquiry
Looking At This Matter
Response accuracy
Q23
Partial Answer
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Context
Concerns about the UK's reliance on imported food, particularly in scenarios where imports could be disrupted.
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?
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.
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Assessment & feedback
Specific reassurances on interdepartmental coordination for food security
Response accuracy
Q24
Partial Answer
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Context
The Department of Defence paid Jeffrey Donaldson £12,000 for peacekeeping consultancy work in Cameroon over the years 2018 and 2019.
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?
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.
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Assessment & feedback
Providing details on consultancy payments for MPs
I Am Not Aware Of The Detail
Response accuracy
Q25
Partial Answer
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Context
A freeze on civil service roles in the military was recently implemented, raising concerns about skills gaps and pressure on personnel.
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?
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.
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Assessment & feedback
Specific changes in recruitment freeze due to DIP publication
Looking At Creating More Efficiencies
Response accuracy