Every parliamentary written question tabled by Andrew Rosindell this session, with the full answer and department. Back to the MP page.
Showing 21–40 of 155 · Ministry of Defence
Whether he has had discussions with his counterpart in (a) France and (b) New Zealand on EEZ enforcement in the Pitcairn Islands.
The Ministry of Defence regularly discusses regional security, including the security of our Overseas Territories, such as the Pitcairn Islands, with key regional partners including New Zealand and France.
For what reason the application windows for Commonwealth citizens seeking to join the Armed Forces are closed in some services; and when those windows will reopen.
Commonwealth citizens are, and always will be, an important and valued part of the UK Armed Forces and we have never stopped recruiting them. Citizens of over 40 Commonwealth countries are currently serving in the UK Armed Forces, and as at 1 October 2025, there were 5,510 Commonwealth personnel in the Trained and Trade Trained strength of the Regular Armed Forces. Commonwealth citizens applying to join the UK Armed Forces must have valid immigration permission to be in the UK during the selection process. For those not already in the UK, the Home Office allow Armed Forces applicants who have been invited to undergo selection, to enter the UK on the visitor route either via a visitor visa or an Electronic Travel Authorisation depending on their country of origin. Once successful applicants are recruited and begin their training, the Home Office exempts them from immigration control for the duration of their Regular service. The national security vetting (NSV) process is owned by the Cabinet Office, and the MOD must comply with it. As part of this, a UK (Great Britain and Northern Ireland) footprint is an integral part of the NSV process for joining the Armed Forces, and clearance levels vary depending on the Service, rank and role applied for. Where an applicant, regardless of nationality, has not resided in the UK continuously for the required period prior to their application additional checks may be needed. Each Service keeps these requirements under review. Due to an unprecedented volume of applications in August 2024, the Army is not currently accepting new applications from Commonwealth citizens, other than for those who wish to be musicians, whilst it processes those who have already applied. It is not possible at this stage to say when the application window will fully re-open, but Commonwealth citizens are continuing to join the Army. The Royal Navy continues to accept Expressions of Interest and the Royal Air Force continues to accept applications from Commonwealth citizens. There are currently no plans to review the maximum 1,350 Basic Training Start limit for Commonwealth citizens each Recruiting Year (1 March – 30 April). The number of Commonwealth citizens who are recruited each year within the 1,350 limit and for the Army, the additional 15% limit on the number of Commonwealth personnel serving in each cap badge, is adjusted as necessary by the three Services to meet their Service and operational needs. Commonwealth citizens serve on largely the same Terms of Service as their British and Irish counterparts including pay and pensions and have the same access to service accommodation and welfare support. The Ministry of Defence also works closely with the Home Office to ensure that non-UK personnel including Commonwealth citizens and their families benefit from specific immigration rules which enable them to enter, live, work and settle in the UK and become British citizens.
Whether his Department plans to review the annual cap of 1,350 Commonwealth recruits, in light of continued high demand from eligible applicants across the Commonwealth.
Commonwealth citizens are, and always will be, an important and valued part of the UK Armed Forces and we have never stopped recruiting them. Citizens of over 40 Commonwealth countries are currently serving in the UK Armed Forces, and as at 1 October 2025, there were 5,510 Commonwealth personnel in the Trained and Trade Trained strength of the Regular Armed Forces. Commonwealth citizens applying to join the UK Armed Forces must have valid immigration permission to be in the UK during the selection process. For those not already in the UK, the Home Office allow Armed Forces applicants who have been invited to undergo selection, to enter the UK on the visitor route either via a visitor visa or an Electronic Travel Authorisation depending on their country of origin. Once successful applicants are recruited and begin their training, the Home Office exempts them from immigration control for the duration of their Regular service. The national security vetting (NSV) process is owned by the Cabinet Office, and the MOD must comply with it. As part of this, a UK (Great Britain and Northern Ireland) footprint is an integral part of the NSV process for joining the Armed Forces, and clearance levels vary depending on the Service, rank and role applied for. Where an applicant, regardless of nationality, has not resided in the UK continuously for the required period prior to their application additional checks may be needed. Each Service keeps these requirements under review. Due to an unprecedented volume of applications in August 2024, the Army is not currently accepting new applications from Commonwealth citizens, other than for those who wish to be musicians, whilst it processes those who have already applied. It is not possible at this stage to say when the application window will fully re-open, but Commonwealth citizens are continuing to join the Army. The Royal Navy continues to accept Expressions of Interest and the Royal Air Force continues to accept applications from Commonwealth citizens. There are currently no plans to review the maximum 1,350 Basic Training Start limit for Commonwealth citizens each Recruiting Year (1 March – 30 April). The number of Commonwealth citizens who are recruited each year within the 1,350 limit and for the Army, the additional 15% limit on the number of Commonwealth personnel serving in each cap badge, is adjusted as necessary by the three Services to meet their Service and operational needs. Commonwealth citizens serve on largely the same Terms of Service as their British and Irish counterparts including pay and pensions and have the same access to service accommodation and welfare support. The Ministry of Defence also works closely with the Home Office to ensure that non-UK personnel including Commonwealth citizens and their families benefit from specific immigration rules which enable them to enter, live, work and settle in the UK and become British citizens.
What assessment he has made of the potential impact of temporary recruitment pauses for Commonwealth citizens on staffing levels in the Army, Royal Navy, and Royal Air Force.
Commonwealth citizens are, and always will be, an important and valued part of the UK Armed Forces and we have never stopped recruiting them. Citizens of over 40 Commonwealth countries are currently serving in the UK Armed Forces, and as at 1 October 2025, there were 5,510 Commonwealth personnel in the Trained and Trade Trained strength of the Regular Armed Forces. Commonwealth citizens applying to join the UK Armed Forces must have valid immigration permission to be in the UK during the selection process. For those not already in the UK, the Home Office allow Armed Forces applicants who have been invited to undergo selection, to enter the UK on the visitor route either via a visitor visa or an Electronic Travel Authorisation depending on their country of origin. Once successful applicants are recruited and begin their training, the Home Office exempts them from immigration control for the duration of their Regular service. The national security vetting (NSV) process is owned by the Cabinet Office, and the MOD must comply with it. As part of this, a UK (Great Britain and Northern Ireland) footprint is an integral part of the NSV process for joining the Armed Forces, and clearance levels vary depending on the Service, rank and role applied for. Where an applicant, regardless of nationality, has not resided in the UK continuously for the required period prior to their application additional checks may be needed. Each Service keeps these requirements under review. Due to an unprecedented volume of applications in August 2024, the Army is not currently accepting new applications from Commonwealth citizens, other than for those who wish to be musicians, whilst it processes those who have already applied. It is not possible at this stage to say when the application window will fully re-open, but Commonwealth citizens are continuing to join the Army. The Royal Navy continues to accept Expressions of Interest and the Royal Air Force continues to accept applications from Commonwealth citizens. There are currently no plans to review the maximum 1,350 Basic Training Start limit for Commonwealth citizens each Recruiting Year (1 March – 30 April). The number of Commonwealth citizens who are recruited each year within the 1,350 limit and for the Army, the additional 15% limit on the number of Commonwealth personnel serving in each cap badge, is adjusted as necessary by the three Services to meet their Service and operational needs. Commonwealth citizens serve on largely the same Terms of Service as their British and Irish counterparts including pay and pensions and have the same access to service accommodation and welfare support. The Ministry of Defence also works closely with the Home Office to ensure that non-UK personnel including Commonwealth citizens and their families benefit from specific immigration rules which enable them to enter, live, work and settle in the UK and become British citizens.
Whether his Department plans to review eligibility and residency requirements for Commonwealth citizens applying to join the UK Armed Forces, particularly in relation to security vetting and immigration conditions.
Commonwealth citizens are, and always will be, an important and valued part of the UK Armed Forces and we have never stopped recruiting them. Citizens of over 40 Commonwealth countries are currently serving in the UK Armed Forces, and as at 1 October 2025, there were 5,510 Commonwealth personnel in the Trained and Trade Trained strength of the Regular Armed Forces. Commonwealth citizens applying to join the UK Armed Forces must have valid immigration permission to be in the UK during the selection process. For those not already in the UK, the Home Office allow Armed Forces applicants who have been invited to undergo selection, to enter the UK on the visitor route either via a visitor visa or an Electronic Travel Authorisation depending on their country of origin. Once successful applicants are recruited and begin their training, the Home Office exempts them from immigration control for the duration of their Regular service. The national security vetting (NSV) process is owned by the Cabinet Office, and the MOD must comply with it. As part of this, a UK (Great Britain and Northern Ireland) footprint is an integral part of the NSV process for joining the Armed Forces, and clearance levels vary depending on the Service, rank and role applied for. Where an applicant, regardless of nationality, has not resided in the UK continuously for the required period prior to their application additional checks may be needed. Each Service keeps these requirements under review. Due to an unprecedented volume of applications in August 2024, the Army is not currently accepting new applications from Commonwealth citizens, other than for those who wish to be musicians, whilst it processes those who have already applied. It is not possible at this stage to say when the application window will fully re-open, but Commonwealth citizens are continuing to join the Army. The Royal Navy continues to accept Expressions of Interest and the Royal Air Force continues to accept applications from Commonwealth citizens. There are currently no plans to review the maximum 1,350 Basic Training Start limit for Commonwealth citizens each Recruiting Year (1 March – 30 April). The number of Commonwealth citizens who are recruited each year within the 1,350 limit and for the Army, the additional 15% limit on the number of Commonwealth personnel serving in each cap badge, is adjusted as necessary by the three Services to meet their Service and operational needs. Commonwealth citizens serve on largely the same Terms of Service as their British and Irish counterparts including pay and pensions and have the same access to service accommodation and welfare support. The Ministry of Defence also works closely with the Home Office to ensure that non-UK personnel including Commonwealth citizens and their families benefit from specific immigration rules which enable them to enter, live, work and settle in the UK and become British citizens.
What steps his Department is taking to encourage and support Commonwealth citizens to join the Armed Forces.
Commonwealth citizens are, and always will be, an important and valued part of the UK Armed Forces and we have never stopped recruiting them. Citizens of over 40 Commonwealth countries are currently serving in the UK Armed Forces, and as at 1 October 2025, there were 5,510 Commonwealth personnel in the Trained and Trade Trained strength of the Regular Armed Forces. Commonwealth citizens applying to join the UK Armed Forces must have valid immigration permission to be in the UK during the selection process. For those not already in the UK, the Home Office allow Armed Forces applicants who have been invited to undergo selection, to enter the UK on the visitor route either via a visitor visa or an Electronic Travel Authorisation depending on their country of origin. Once successful applicants are recruited and begin their training, the Home Office exempts them from immigration control for the duration of their Regular service. The national security vetting (NSV) process is owned by the Cabinet Office, and the MOD must comply with it. As part of this, a UK (Great Britain and Northern Ireland) footprint is an integral part of the NSV process for joining the Armed Forces, and clearance levels vary depending on the Service, rank and role applied for. Where an applicant, regardless of nationality, has not resided in the UK continuously for the required period prior to their application additional checks may be needed. Each Service keeps these requirements under review. Due to an unprecedented volume of applications in August 2024, the Army is not currently accepting new applications from Commonwealth citizens, other than for those who wish to be musicians, whilst it processes those who have already applied. It is not possible at this stage to say when the application window will fully re-open, but Commonwealth citizens are continuing to join the Army. The Royal Navy continues to accept Expressions of Interest and the Royal Air Force continues to accept applications from Commonwealth citizens. There are currently no plans to review the maximum 1,350 Basic Training Start limit for Commonwealth citizens each Recruiting Year (1 March – 30 April). The number of Commonwealth citizens who are recruited each year within the 1,350 limit and for the Army, the additional 15% limit on the number of Commonwealth personnel serving in each cap badge, is adjusted as necessary by the three Services to meet their Service and operational needs. Commonwealth citizens serve on largely the same Terms of Service as their British and Irish counterparts including pay and pensions and have the same access to service accommodation and welfare support. The Ministry of Defence also works closely with the Home Office to ensure that non-UK personnel including Commonwealth citizens and their families benefit from specific immigration rules which enable them to enter, live, work and settle in the UK and become British citizens.
What assessment he has made of the potential impact of prolonged deployment away from home locations on military and civilian personnel serving on Operation Interflex; and whether this will be considered in future medallic recognition decisions.
Eligibility for the Wider Service Medal (WSM) in relation to Operation INTERFLEX was last reviewed by the Operational Recognition Board (ORB) on 20 November 2025. The Board recognises the challenges of prolonged separation for personnel serving on Operation INTERFLEX and Defence continues to support those affected. While this was considered during recent deliberations, prolonged separation alone does not qualify personnel for the WSM. UK-based military operations, including Operation INTERFLEX, are eligible for WSM consideration if accompanied by a compelling Operational Impact Statement (OIS). Although several OISs have been submitted, none have yet met the criteria for eligibility. Nevertheless, UK-based activities that deliver significant operational effect may be considered in future reviews. There are no plans to update WSM eligibility guidance at this time. The current criteria already provide flexibility for UK-based operations to be considered on a case-by-case basis, and the ORB remains open to recommending the WSM for such operations in the future.
Whether he plans to issue updated guidance to clarify the circumstances under which domestic military training operations, such as Operation Interflex, may qualify for medallic recognition.
Eligibility for the Wider Service Medal (WSM) in relation to Operation INTERFLEX was last reviewed by the Operational Recognition Board (ORB) on 20 November 2025. The Board recognises the challenges of prolonged separation for personnel serving on Operation INTERFLEX and Defence continues to support those affected. While this was considered during recent deliberations, prolonged separation alone does not qualify personnel for the WSM. UK-based military operations, including Operation INTERFLEX, are eligible for WSM consideration if accompanied by a compelling Operational Impact Statement (OIS). Although several OISs have been submitted, none have yet met the criteria for eligibility. Nevertheless, UK-based activities that deliver significant operational effect may be considered in future reviews. There are no plans to update WSM eligibility guidance at this time. The current criteria already provide flexibility for UK-based operations to be considered on a case-by-case basis, and the ORB remains open to recommending the WSM for such operations in the future.
Whether the criteria for awarding the Wider Service Medal permit the inclusion of operations conducted on UK territory.
Eligibility for the Wider Service Medal (WSM) in relation to Operation INTERFLEX was last reviewed by the Operational Recognition Board (ORB) on 20 November 2025. The Board recognises the challenges of prolonged separation for personnel serving on Operation INTERFLEX and Defence continues to support those affected. While this was considered during recent deliberations, prolonged separation alone does not qualify personnel for the WSM. UK-based military operations, including Operation INTERFLEX, are eligible for WSM consideration if accompanied by a compelling Operational Impact Statement (OIS). Although several OISs have been submitted, none have yet met the criteria for eligibility. Nevertheless, UK-based activities that deliver significant operational effect may be considered in future reviews. There are no plans to update WSM eligibility guidance at this time. The current criteria already provide flexibility for UK-based operations to be considered on a case-by-case basis, and the ORB remains open to recommending the WSM for such operations in the future.
Whether his Department has recently reviewed the eligibility of personnel supporting Operation Interflex for the Wider Service Medal.
Eligibility for the Wider Service Medal (WSM) in relation to Operation INTERFLEX was last reviewed by the Operational Recognition Board (ORB) on 20 November 2025. The Board recognises the challenges of prolonged separation for personnel serving on Operation INTERFLEX and Defence continues to support those affected. While this was considered during recent deliberations, prolonged separation alone does not qualify personnel for the WSM. UK-based military operations, including Operation INTERFLEX, are eligible for WSM consideration if accompanied by a compelling Operational Impact Statement (OIS). Although several OISs have been submitted, none have yet met the criteria for eligibility. Nevertheless, UK-based activities that deliver significant operational effect may be considered in future reviews. There are no plans to update WSM eligibility guidance at this time. The current criteria already provide flexibility for UK-based operations to be considered on a case-by-case basis, and the ORB remains open to recommending the WSM for such operations in the future.
With reference to the Answer of 15 January 2026 to Question 104140, whether her Department made an assessment on the security implications for the British Overseas Territories in the Caribbean following the US's intervention in Venezuela.
Alongside the FCDO and other Government Departments, we continue to monitor the security situation in the Caribbean and undertake regular assessments of the requirements for Defence support to those Overseas Territories.
Whether his Department has a preparedness plan for RAF ships to provide support to Anguilla in the case of natural disasters.
The Ministry of Defence works closely with the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office to ensure that preparedness plans are in place in the case of a natural disaster impacting the Overseas Territories in the Caribbean, including Anguilla.
What recent discussions he has had with (a) Ministerial colleagues and (b) external partners on the 25-year conservation plan for Akrotiri Salt Lake in the Sovereign Base Areas of Akrotiri and Dhekelia.
The Sovereign Base Areas Administration oversees the conservation plan for the Akrotiri Salt Lake, specifically through the ‘Akrotiri Peninsular Environmental Management Plan’. This was prepared in 2012 with the input and cooperation of local communities, non-Government organisations, and agencies of the Republic of Cyprus. Activity within this plan has been undertaken with technical and project support from cross-Government partners, including the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs.
Pursuant to the Answer of 17 October 2025 to Question 79283, if he will make an assessment of (a) the effectiveness of hydrographic surveys to improve the safety of navigation in Antarctic waters and (b) the potential merits of increasing the capacity for conducting these surveys.
The UK Hydrographic Office, an Executive Agency of the MOD, provides products to support the safety of navigation at sea for the UK's Waters, including its Overseas Territories and Crown Dependencies - they draw this data from multiple sources including international partners under the auspices of the International Hydrographic Organisation's Hydrographic Commission for Antarctica. The Royal Navy's Ice Patrol Ship, HMS Protector, also carries out hydrographic surveys in Antarctic waters. The difficulties of gaining high quality data in such a remote and environmentally challenging region are significant and the season for data collection is short. Therefore, there is strong cross-governmental coordination to ensure more frequently visited areas of the British Antarctic Territory are prioritised.
If he will publish a breakdown of funding provided to the Sovereign Base Areas of Akrotiri and Dhekelia from the APPOLLO programme; and if he will make an assessment of the effectiveness of this funding.
The APOLLO programme is delivering seismically compliant infrastructure and living accommodation across the Sovereign Base Areas (SBAs). Under the APOLLO programme, to date, construction has taken place across both the Western (including Akrotiri) and Eastern (including Dhekelia) Sovereign Base Areas. This has resulted in the provision of a new primary school, operational buildings, Defence family housing, and a passenger and freight handling facility. This investment serves to reduce seismic risk, strengthen operational capability, and help improve quality of life for Defence personnel and their families. All Defence spending commitments, including the APOLLO programme, are currently under review as part of the Defence Investment Plan. As a result, we are unable to publish a breakdown of current and planned funding provided to the SBAs.
With reference to section 5 of his Department's policy paper entitled The Strategic Defence Review 2025 - Making Britain Safer: secure at home, strong abroad, published on 8 July 2025, what assessment he has made of potential impact of possible threats on the Antarctic Treaty system.
The Government’s vision to maintain the UK’s role as a leader in Antarctica and an active participant in the Antarctic Treaty system was set out in the UK Antarctic Strategy to 2035, published on 1 December 2025. The Ministry of Defence undertakes regular assessments of the requirements for Defence to support UK interests in the Antarctic, including upholding the Antarctic Treaty System.
How many deportations took place from the SBAs in (a) 2026, (b) 2025, (c) 2024 and (d) 2023.
No deportations have taken place directly from the Sovereign Base Areas in 2023, 2024, 2025 or 2026.
Pursuant to the answer of 16 July 2025 to UIN 66298, what recent discussions he has had with the SBAs and the Republic of Cyprus on crime and immigration.
The Sovereign Base Areas Administration and British High Commission Nicosia enjoy the practical support and cooperation of the Republic of Cyprus on issues of crime and immigration. Recent priorities have included tackling people smuggling networks, breaking up serious & organised criminal gangs, and the implementation of relevant parts of the UK/EU Withdrawal Agreement.
What assessment he has made of the effectiveness of the implementation of the Immigration (Amendment) Ordinance 2025 on the SBAs of Akrotiri and Dhekelia.
The Immigration (Amendment) Ordinance 2025 has been implemented effectively. The amendments addressed operational gaps and improved clarity for Sovereign Base Areas Customs and Immigration officers, while ensuring alignment with the Republic of Cyprus in line with the UK’s Treaty of Establishment commitments.
What progress he has made on the Bilateral Defence Co-operation Programme between the SBAs and the Republic of Cyprus.
The UK continues to share a strong Defence relationship with the Republic of Cyprus. This cooperation is underpinned by our Bilateral Defence Cooperation Plan, which is collaboratively reviewed level by Cypriot and UK Ministries of Defence. Our cooperation within this framework has grown year-on-year: it includes training, capability development, and crisis planning, as well as collaboration on domestic and regional challenges.