Topical Questions 2026-03-16

2026-03-16

TAGS
Response quality

Questions & Answers

Q1 Partial Answer
Bill Esterson Lab
Sefton Central
Evidence presented to the Energy Security and Net Zero Committee shows that if the war in Europe is expanded, Russian submarines pose a significant threat to oil and gas tankers, pipelines and installations in the North sea. What is the Government's plan to address this significant threat to our oil and gas supplies?
I praise my hon. Friend's chairmanship of the Committee. Russia poses an immediate and pressing threat to this country. The UK and allies' navies monitor, shadow and surveil activities of the Russian navy, and we are stepping up our surveillance of any activity close to our oil installations and pipelines.
Assessment & feedback
The response did not provide a specific plan but rather general measures that were already known.
Response accuracy
Q2 Partial Answer
Mark Francois Con
Rayleigh and Wickford
There are growing rumours that the Government plan to bring back their ill-fated Northern Ireland Troubles Bill to the Commons next week. If that is true, it will give us the perfect opportunity to debate the Prime Minister's links with Phil Shiner, the disgraced lawyer who was convicted of fraud and struck off for making multiple false allegations against British soldiers. The Northern Ireland Secretary has told the House repeatedly that there is no such thing as a vexatious prosecution. Do MOD Ministers now agree that that is not just naive but simply untrue, especially after the case of Phil Shiner —a man universally hated across the British Army?
There are two key roles that the Ministry of Defence plays within this legislation. The first is to ensure that we protect veterans throughout any legal process to do with Northern Ireland, and the second is to ensure that no one corrupts the system to try to rewrite history with a different narrative.
Assessment & feedback
The response did not address whether MOD Ministers agree about the vexatious prosecution issue.
Response accuracy
Q3 Partial Answer
Mark Francois Con
Rayleigh and Wickford
I was asking about the current Prime Minister, not the next one. After previously denying that the Prime Minister was instructed to act in a case against veterans by Phil Shiner, on 24 February the Veterans Minister had to come to the House and correct the record because the Prime Minister did, in fact, act for Phil Shiner in the al-Jedda case before the Appellate Committee of the House of Lords. That case effectively opened the floodgates for prosecutions against British Army veterans, which the troubles Bill now threatens to do all over again. To save the Veterans Minister having to come back here again and correct the record twice, can she or this Minister simply tell us why Labour is led by a man who partly made a living out of helping to put British Army soldiers and even their commanders in the dock?
I thank the hon. Member for the field promotion—he, obviously, has not had one. We have two roles: protecting veterans and ensuring that no one can rewrite history through the courts. We will push hard on that and deliver it for the veterans who deserve it.
Assessment & feedback
The response was more of an attack than a substantive answer.
Response accuracy
Q4 Partial Answer
Dan Carden Lab
Liverpool Walton
Our history is as a naval power, and immediate threats to the UK include threats to undersea cables, the activities of illegal Russian shadow tankers and the closure of the strait of Hormuz. For the shipbuilding industry to thrive on our shores, it needs consistent contracts throughout the year to ensure that we have the skills and workforce in place. What is the Minister doing to ensure that we get to that position?
I thank my hon. Friend for his advocacy for shipbuilding. That is precisely why this Government have brought together all Departments with a shipbuilding interest in a cross-Government effort to refresh our shipbuilding process, and why Defence is leading that work by delivering more orders for our shipyards.
Assessment & feedback
The response did not provide specifics on consistent contracts or workforce planning.
Response accuracy
Q5 Partial Answer
Julian Lewis Con
New Forest East
Successive Governments have refused compensation to the nuclear test veterans, but now the 's investigative journalist Susie Boniface has revealed documents showing that, in fact, levels of radiation were known to be much higher than the court was led to believe in a case in 2016. Will Ministers address this matter with the seriousness it deserves, while veterans are still suffering and the widows of veterans still lack any recognition or compensation?
The Government have reset the relationship with our nuclear test veterans and the organisations that support them, and we appreciate the vital contribution that they made to keeping this country safe. We remain absolutely committed to listening to their concerns and working collaboratively to address them.
Assessment & feedback
The response was broad and lacked specific commitments or timelines for addressing the issue.
Response accuracy
Q6 Direct Answer
Alan Strickland Lab
Newton Aycliffe and Spennymoor
Having worked with the Defence Secretary to save the semiconductor plant in Newton Aycliffe in my constituency, I was proud the other week to meet Sam and Evan, two new apprentices who owe their opportunities directly to Government investment—but we want to go further. Can Ministers confirm that the MOD will continue to push hard to expand the number of jobs, apprenticeships and training opportunities, so that world-class factory delivers for local growth, as well as delivering sovereign supply for our nation?
Absolutely. Octric does a superb job in keeping our country safe, securing an essential supply of gear for our military. Since Octric came into MOD ownership, it has already recruited 33 additional staff, and we continue to support the company as it seeks to grow and build, in support of our national security.
Assessment & feedback
Response accuracy
Q7 Partial Answer
Christine Jardine Lib Dem
Edinburgh West
Context
A Ukrainian family in Edinburgh West expressed concern about the future of Ukraine due to the war in the Middle East and recent US loosening of sanctions on Russia.
A Ukrainian family that we managed to reunite visited my office on Friday. During the conversation, it became clear that they are concerned for the future of Ukraine, given the war in the middle east and the US now loosening the sanctions on Russia. What representations have been made to the American Government to underline the seriousness of that step and our commitment to Ukraine?
I hope the hon. Lady's constituents and other Ukrainian families will be reassured by the response this afternoon in the House. Despite all eyes being on the middle east, we are determined to continue to stand with Ukraine and to step up our support for Ukraine alongside allies including the US.
Assessment & feedback
Did not specify any specific representations or actions made towards the American Government regarding sanctions or commitment reinforcement.
Response accuracy
Q8 Partial Answer
Anna Dixon Lab
Shipley
Context
The ongoing conflict in the Middle East is highlighting the importance of drone technology. Businesses around Saltaire and Baildon are at the forefront of space technology and radio frequency, which are critical to drone warfare.
As the ongoing conflict in the middle east is demonstrating, drone technology is an essential military capability. Businesses around Saltaire and Baildon in my constituency are at the cutting edge of both space technology and radio frequency, which I know the Minister will understand are critical to drone warfare. What support is available to young people in my constituency and across West Yorkshire to gain the skills they need for those vital industries?
I am grateful for the conversation that my hon. Friend and I had last week about the importance of more skills for her constituency. We are investing £182 million in a defence skills package and rolling out defence technical excellence colleges across the United Kingdom. I am very happy to meet her to talk about this further, because we want to see more British companies invest in skills.
Assessment & feedback
Did not specify support for young people specifically for space technology or radio frequency industries.
Response accuracy
Q9 Partial Answer
Ian Roome Lib Dem
North Devon
Context
HMS Dragon left Portsmouth for Cyprus within six days of deployment, which is significantly faster than the normal six-week preparation period.
Last week, HMS Dragon left Portsmouth bound for Cyprus, having been prepared for deployment inside six days. The Royal Navy says that preparation would normally have taken six weeks. What can the Government do to ensure that more of our surface fleet is available when urgently needed?
The hon. Member is absolutely correct. We took a six-week programme of deep refit and rearmed in six days—a remarkable effort from both the industry and the Royal Navy. I doff my cap to what they have done. That ship is now sailing to the middle east. At times of crisis, we can move things faster.
Assessment & feedback
Did not specify concrete steps for ensuring more surface fleet availability in urgent situations.
Changed Subject
Response accuracy
Q10 Partial Answer
Johanna Baxter Lab
Paisley and Renfrewshire South
Context
The United Nations independent international commission of inquiry on Ukraine concluded that Russia has committed crimes against humanity in forcibly deporting Ukrainian children.
Last week, the United Nations independent international commission of inquiry on Ukraine concluded that Russia has been committing crimes against humanity in the forcible deportation of Ukrainian children. Last night, the film “Mr Nobody Against Putin” won best documentary feature at the Oscars for exposing how Russia seeks to turn Ukrainian children into Russian soldiers. Will my right hon. Friend outline what further work he is undertaking with colleagues in the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office to ensure that children are not used as weapons of war?
First, on behalf of the House may I congratulate my hon. Friend on receiving in Ukraine earlier this month the presidential Order of Merit for her work on this area? We are supporting a new tracing mechanism being used in Ukraine, and since September it has already identified an extra 600 children stolen by the Russians and forcibly held, and attempted indoctrination of the exact kind that my hon. Friend is campaigning against.
Assessment & feedback
Did not specify further work with colleagues in the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office.
Response accuracy
Q11 Partial Answer
Context
The Secretary of State avoided answering a previous question about confirming an order of Typhoons for the RAF.
Earlier I asked the Secretary of State if he would confirm an order of 25 Typhoons for the RAF after claiming the Government were backing British jobs, but the Minister for Defence Readiness and Industry deployed the power of waffle to avoid answering the question. Just to be absolutely clear, I did welcome Turkey's order of Typhoons, but, as I know and as he knows, it will not come anywhere near close to closing the skills gap between now and Tempest. Would the Secretary of State like to clarify this: will there be an order of 25 Typhoons for the RAF in the defence investment plan?
My hon. Friend the Minister for Defence Readiness and Industry did not just mention the record export deal that we managed to secure with Turkey—£8 billion-worth that will be boosting the British economy, principally in the hon. Gentleman's part of the north-west. The hon. Gentleman also fails to welcome the investment of half a billion pounds in new radars for the Typhoons.
Assessment & feedback
Did not confirm or deny the order of 25 Typhoons for RAF.
Changed Subject
Response accuracy
Q12 Partial Answer
Yuan Yang Lab
Earley and Woodley
Context
Reading has a large diaspora of Gurkha veterans, many facing issues in the UK.
Reading is home to a large diaspora of Gurkha veterans; we are proud of their service and grateful for their sacrifices. Following the recent elections in Nepal, will the Minister work with the new Nepalese leadership to address collaboratively the issues these Gurkha veterans still face in the UK, and will she visit with me their community centre in Reading—The Forgotten British Gurkha—to assure them that they are far from forgotten?
I thank my hon. Friend for raising that point. I know from my own time of service in the Army just how vital the Gurkhas are and their hugely high standards of professionalism. We in this country have a special relationship with them, which we must never, ever forget. I have met regularly, including recently, with representatives and will continue to do so, and I would love to visit her constituency.
Assessment & feedback
Did not specify collaboration with new Nepalese leadership or a specific visit plan.
Response accuracy
Q13 Partial Answer
Rachel Gilmour Lib Dem
Tiverton and Minehead
Context
Devon and Somerset host several British armed forces units. President Trump's comments about NATO highlight the importance of a strong UK defence.
In Devon and Somerset, we are home to some of the finest units of the British armed forces, from Devonport to Lympstone to 40 Commando at Norton Manor and to Royal Marines Barracks Chivenor in north Devon. The geopolitical tectonic plates are shifting, and President Trump's latest comments about NATO only underline the importance of a strong UK defence capability and strategic autonomy. It is often said that if you want peace, you must prepare for war, so after years in which successive Conservative Governments hollowed out our armed forces—QED—will the Minister outline how the Government intend to ensure that this country is properly equipped to defend itself in the event of a major conflict?
We invested £8 billion more in defence in our first year than the Conservative Government did in their last year, with a total of £270 billion into defence in this Parliament alone and a vision for the next 10 years set out in our strategic defence review.
Assessment & feedback
Did not specify concrete steps to ensure proper defence capability and strategic autonomy.
Response accuracy
Q14 Direct Answer
Michael Payne Lab
Gedling
Context
The Labour MP highlighted the government's actions in reversing a privatisation of military housing that cost billions.
In just 18 months this Government have ended the disastrous 1996 Tory privatisation of military housing, which cost the taxpayer billions of pounds. We have repaired 1,000 military homes in the poorest condition ahead of schedule, and we have kick-started a landmark £9 billion repair and renewal of 36,000 forces homes. Does the Minister agree that this is more action in 18 months than the last lot managed in 14 years?
The last Government had 14 years to fix defence family housing and failed, delivering instead record low levels of satisfaction. We have reversed that disastrous privatisation of our military housing, we have a landmark housing strategy to renew or repair nine in 10 homes, and we are creating a new defence housing service.
Assessment & feedback
Response accuracy
Q15 Direct Answer
David Simmonds Con
Ruislip, Northwood and Pinner
Context
The MP highlighted a local business working with the Royal Navy to improve sailors' resilience.
My constituent, Vijay Odedra, has been telling me how his small business, CapnoTrainer, has been working with the Royal Navy to improve the fighting capacity and resilience of our sailors. While we wait for the defence investment plan, will the Secretary of State tell us what steps he has in mind to harness the innovation in our small and medium-sized enterprise sector?
I welcome the hon. Gentleman promoting a defence SME. There are defence SMEs in every constituency that do a good job. We created the Defence Office for Small Business Growth to support more SMEs in gaining defence contracts and to increase the direct spend that the Ministry of Defence has with them.
Assessment & feedback
Response accuracy
Q16 Direct Answer
Jayne Kirkham Lab Co-op
Truro and Falmouth
Context
The MP questioned the Office for National Statistics about considering removing the veterans question from the 2031 census.
The Office for National Statistics has confirmed that it is considering taking the veterans question off the census for 2031. Witnesses before the Select Committee on the Armed Forces Bill clearly thought that question provided important data about where our veterans are. Will the Secretary of State engage with the ONS to emphasise the importance of the veterans question?
My hon. Friend is exactly right to point out just how valuable that question is. It should be asked. It is valuable in setting out data to enable us to go forward.
Assessment & feedback
Response accuracy
Q17 Partial Answer
Ellie Chowns Green
North Herefordshire
Context
The MP referenced legislation previously proposed to ensure legal justification and viable objectives for military action.
In 2020, the now Prime Minister proposed legislation to ensure that any UK military action could take place only if there were a legal justification, a viable objective and the consent of the Commons. Does the Secretary of State endorse the principles outlined by his party leader, and will he therefore support my Armed Conflict (Requirements) Bill?
I am very happy to look at the hon. Lady's Bill, but in recent weeks the Prime Minister has reasserted exactly the basis on which any UK military forces are committed into conflict.
Assessment & feedback
Specific support for the Armed Conflict (Requirements) Bill not directly addressed
Looking At This
Response accuracy
Q18 Direct Answer
Peter Prinsley Lab
Bury St Edmunds and Stowmarket
Context
The MP expressed concern for US service personnel from RAF Lakenheath who faced a recent friendly fire incident.
Many United States service personnel from RAF Lakenheath and RAF Mildenhall live off base in Bury St Edmunds. Three planes from Lakenheath were shot down in friendly fire over Kuwait last week. Fortunately, the pilots were rescued. Mildenhall is home to a large fleet of aerial refuelling tankers. I do not know whether it was a tanker from Mildenhall that was lost, but I do know that there are six grieving families right now. Will the Secretary of State join me in extending our support and sincere condolences to our brave United States families?
I will indeed. My hon. Friend speaks for the House, and it is a message that I made sure the Secretary of War, Pete Hegseth, heard directly from me on behalf of the UK people.
Assessment & feedback
Response accuracy
Q19 Partial Answer
John Glen Con
Salisbury
Context
The MP questioned the Secretary of State about the rising demands on defence and the need for additional support.
The Secretary of State is a former distinguished Treasury Minister. Government is about taking decisions when things change. It is welcome that the Chancellor has addressed the heating oil crisis, but what will the Secretary of State do to make the Chancellor come to terms with the changes over the last few weeks, and to provide some additional support so that the defence investment plan will do justice to his ambitions?
The right hon. Gentleman is right about the rising demands on defence. That point was reflected in the Prime Minister's speech to the Munich conference last month, in which he said that hard power...is the currency of the age.
Assessment & feedback
Specific actions for additional support not detailed
Under Review
Response accuracy
Q20 Direct Answer
David Burton-Sampson Lab
Southend West and Leigh
Context
The MP visited Ukraine to observe the fourth anniversary of Putin's invasion.
Last month, I joined several Members from across the House in Ukraine for the fourth anniversary of Putin's illegal invasion. The mood was very different from the previous year, after an extremely harsh winter and Putin's bombardment of the power networks. Can the Secretary of State give assurances that we will not only stand by Ukraine with everything going on in the middle east, but help them and support them in fixing key infrastructure, so that 400,000 people in Kyiv are not living without power?
My hon. Friend is right, and I welcome the visit that he paid to Ukraine. We are indeed doing what we can to help Ukraine defend its critical civilian infrastructure targeted by Putin, and we are stepping up our military support to Ukraine in the way I have reported to the House today.
Assessment & feedback
Response accuracy
Q21 Partial Answer
Wendy Morton Con
Aldridge-Brownhills
Context
The MP visited Ukraine and questioned the impact of UK's decision on US's stance towards supporting Ukraine.
I have just returned from visiting Ukraine last week. It is clear to me that Ukraine still needs help with procurement of missiles, interceptors and sanctions on the shadow fleet, but the role of the US also remains critical. Does the Secretary of State think that it really helps persuade the US to stay strong on Ukraine, when, as a close ally, the UK U-turns over the use of our air bases to attack Iran?
The decision to accept the fresh US request to use our bases in order to strike Iran's missile location was clearly set out at the time. I welcome—the House welcomes—her visit to Ukraine.
Assessment & feedback
Impact on US support for Ukraine not directly addressed
Under Review
Response accuracy
Q22 Partial Answer
Richard Baker Lab
Glenrothes and Mid Fife
Context
The question follows last week's announcement of defence investment in Scotland, focusing on the Programme Euston at Faslane.
Following last week's welcome announcement of defence investment in Scotland, will the Minister provide an update on the plan to take forward Programme Euston at Faslane? Does he agree that the skilled workforce at the Methil yard in my constituency, which was saved by this Government, will provide excellent capacity to deliver that vital contract?
I thank my hon. Friend for his continued advocacy. I have met him—and will no doubt meet him again very soon—to discuss this. We will continue to invest in shipbuilding infrastructure across the UK. As we approach decisions on Programme Euston, we will be sure to keep the House informed.
Assessment & feedback
Did not confirm if Methil yard workforce would provide excellent capacity for Programme Euston
Response accuracy
Q23 Partial Answer
Danny Chambers Lib Dem
Winchester
Context
There is widespread concern about the Government's decision to shut Army Training Regiment Winchester, which trains 20% of troops.
Has an impact assessment been carried out, and have the Government spoken with commanders at Pirbright and Winchester to ensure that they can not only maintain training capacity but increase it if necessary?
The Government undertake detailed impact work. I can assure the hon. Gentleman that there is no impact on training capability. I am pleased to say that we are increasing the number of people who are starting training—no thanks to the previous Government.
Assessment & feedback
Did not confirm if discussions were held with commanders or if impact assessment has been completed
Response accuracy
Q24 Partial Answer
Frank McNally Lab
Coatbridge and Bellshill
Context
A new partnership between New College Lanarkshire and Cairnhill Structures aims to give local people a start in engineering trades.
What steps will my right hon. Friend take to promote similar schemes across Scotland?
I praise New College Lanarkshire for its work. That is precisely why we wanted to invest in not one but two Scottish defence technical excellence colleges. I hope that the Scottish Government will be able to match the commitment that this Labour Government have made to deliver for young people in Scotland, as my hon. Friend says.
Assessment & feedback
Did not provide specific steps or commitments to promote similar schemes
Response accuracy
Q25 Partial Answer
Harriet Cross Con
Gordon and Buchan
Context
The strategic defence review did not specifically mention moveable offshore assets such as platforms, floating production storage and offloading units or rigs.
Can the Secretary of State confirm that they will be considered as part of our energy security, and what will the Ministry of Defence do to ensure their security now and in the future?
On the contrary, the strategic defence review placed greater emphasis on the need to step up our homeland security and defence. That includes the critical undersea infrastructure on which we depend.
Assessment & feedback
Did not address offshore energy infrastructure specifically mentioned in the question
Changed Subject Entirely
Response accuracy