Written questions by Rosindell.

Whether he has had recent discussions with his US counterpart on the (a) future of AUKUS Pillar 2 cooperation and (b) potential UK participation in US-led advanced defence technology projects.

The Secretary of State for Defence has used his recent opportunities for dialogue with his US counterpart to emphasise the importance, now more than ever, of our deep ties and collaboration on security and defence. The UK continues to cooperate closely with the US within AUKUS Pillar 2, as well as bilaterally to develop advanced capabilities and increase interoperability between our forces.

What steps his Department is taking to help strengthen maritime security in the Caribbean region in (a) collaboration with British Overseas Territories and (b) other ways.

A Royal Naval ship maintains a persistent presence in the Caribbean where it contributes to regional security through the conduct of counter-illicit trafficking operations, humanitarian assistance and disaster relief as necessary during the Caribbean hurricane season, and wider defence engagement. Defence also provides direct assistance to the Overseas Territory Defence Regiments through the provision of equipment and training, including maritime capacity building. Defence maintains close relationships with independent states throughout the region and works in partnership with Canada, France, the Netherlands and the United States to align and conduct joint activity. The Ministry of Defence works closely with the Foreighn Commonwealth and Development Office as part of a cross-HMG approach to the UK’s Overseas Territories.

Whether he is taking steps with his (a) Australian and (b) US counterparts on the integration of quantum computing technologies under the AUKUS framework.

Quantum technologies remain one of the six areas of advanced capability collaboration being progressed as part of AUKUS Pillar Two. The Secretary of State for Defence alongside his AUKUS counterparts continues to support the development and integration of quantum technologies for positioning, navigation, and timing in military capabilities.

What steps he is taking to improve mental health support for active military personnel.

The Ministry of Defence (MOD) is committed to the health and wellbeing of our Armed Forces personnel. All Service personnel have access to mental health support throughout their career, including medical and non-medical services. For Armed Forces personnel requiring dedicated mental healthcare, the Defence Medical Services (DMS) provides a responsive, flexible, accessible, and comprehensive treatment service. The majority of patients who seek mental health care are managed by their GP; however, some with more complex needs will receive treatment from specialist mental health care services. The DMS is reshaping mental health provision to reduce waiting lists, improve timelines for patient recovery and refocus on earlier intervention. There will be a single point of access for specialist mental health networks allowing quicker access to initial assessment and earlier allocation to the right treatment pathway. DMS is increasing access to resources and online therapy to improve the care offered by GPs. Several non-medical interventions across Defence complement medical services, including key MOD initiatives such as the Defence Senior Leaders Mental Fitness and Resilience course (SLMFR), HeadFIT and the Annual Mental Fitness Brief (AMFB). Additionally, each of the single Services provide through career mental health and stress management training.

What recent discussions he has had with his Republic of Ireland counterpart on military cooperation on the island of Ireland.

The Secretary of State for Defence wrote to the new Tánaiste following his appointment in January 2025, congratulating him on his appointment, and the Chief of Defence Staff visited Ireland on 12 and 13 February, where he met the Chief of Staff of the Defence Forces and Secretary General of the Department of Defence.

What assessment he has made of the adequacy of the Royal Navy’s land-attack missile capability.

The Royal Navy has a potent land attack capability, equipped to strike from above, on, and beneath the water. This includes Tomahawk Land Attack Missiles launched from the Astute Class Submarines, Paveway IV precision guided bombs carried by the F-35B aircraft and the Naval Strike Missile, which is being fitted to surface ships.The Strategic Defence Review, announced in July 2024, will comprehensively evaluate all aspects of defence, including the Royal Navy's land attack capability.

What steps he is taking to help tackle illegal narcotic trade within the Caribbean Sea.

A Royal Navy ship is persistently deployed to the Caribbean. In conjunction with the US, this ship conducts counter illicit trafficking operations to directly intercept drug smugglers. In addition, a Royal Naval officer provides UK liaison to the US Joint Inter Agency Task Force (South) in Florida to ensure that we collaborate to best effect with allies.

If he will increase funding to the UK Maritime Component Command based at the Naval Support Facility in Bahrain.

Future funding decisions are subject to the ongoing Spending Review, and the outcome of the Strategic Defence Review.

What steps he has taken to improve retention of officers in the (a) Royal Navy, (b) Army and (c) Royal Air Force.

The new Government’s work in improving retention and recruitment is part of a package of measures aimed to renew the contract between the nation and those who serve. We are modernising and refining our policies and processes to attract, and then retain the best possible talent, highlighting that Defence is a modern, forward-facing employer which offers a valuable and rewarding career. Our aim is to attract and recruit more, as well as maximise the number of applicants that successfully enter and remain in Armed Forces employment. The retention measures we have introduced and in development are aimed at the widest possible audience where possible, whether that be Officer or Enlisted ranks, unless directed towards protecting specific operational capabilities. As part of this inclusive approach to retention we have already awarded the largest Armed Forces pay increase in 22 years, providing appropriate financial recognition to all personnel and additionally supporting the retention of key skills. The Ministry of Defence and Ministers recognise the significant sacrifices that our military families make in serving our nation, and more retention-positive measures have been introduced. As part of this we have protected the integrity of the Continuity of Education Allowance; the Secretary of State for Defence directed that the cap on current rates be lifted to support the means of mitigating the disruption to Service children’s education, caused by Service commitments involving frequent moves of the family home. The recent repurchase of the SFA estate from Annington Homes will enable the Ministry of Defence the freedom to embark on a substantive programme of redevelopment and improvement of our housing estate to provide quality homes for Service Families.Furthermore, we have extended Wraparound Childcare to families serving overseas which will potentially save up to £3,400 annually for Service families.

What steps he has taken to ensure the continued presence of Royal Navy assets in the Middle East maritime theatre.

The Ministry of Defence keeps its force posture in the Middle East under continual review to safeguard the UK’s national security interests and operational requirements. We remain committed to working with our partners across the region. The Strategic Defence Review, due to be published in the Spring, will set out Defence’s strategic priorities and context for subsequent resource allocation, including informing the global distribution of Royal Navy assets.

What assessment he has made of the potential impact of changes in the level of funding for the Combined Cadet Force Association on its operation in the London Borough of Havering.

This Government’s commitment to supporting the school-based Combined Cadet Force and the Cadet Expansion Programme in schools remains unchanged. Therefore, we continue to invest £3.6 million per year in the programme so that more young people can enjoy the benefits of the cadet experience. In light of this, I have also directed that a review be undertaken to ascertain how we can deliver more cadet activity, and to do more for our cadets, both in schools and in wider communities.

What steps his Department is taking to support the cadet forces in (a) the London Borough of Havering, (b) Romford constituency and (c) England.

The Government is convinced of the benefits of cadets, not just for young people who participate, but for society as a whole. Participation in the Cadet Forces has significant positive impacts on young people, increasing their performance at school and improving their employment and career prospects. The Cadet Forces instil values and standards and provide the opportunity for young people to develop key skills including self-discipline, confidence, and resilience which equip them for life. The skills, confidence, and cultural capital that young people gain from being cadets improves their social mobility, and in terms of health and wellbeing alone, participation in the Cadet Forces produces an annual return on investment in the region of £95 million. For all of these reasons, we are committed to sustaining the Cadet Forces across the UK.

Whether stockpiles of NLAW armoury are being replenished.

Yes. In December 2022, a contract was signed for several thousand Next Generation Light Anti-Tank Weapon (NLAW) systems to be delivered to the UK Armed Forces, and deliveries have commenced.

If he will make an estimate of the number of weeks the UK could sustain continuous combat for before exhausting its 155mm shells stock.

Munition stockpile levels are actively reviewed balancing current holdings against threats, availability, industrial capacity and evolving technology. It is not however possible to comment on specific stockpile levels, as this information is operationally sensitive.

What steps he is taking to increase recruitment and retention in the Ministry of Defence Police.

Officer recruitment is dependent on a number of factors including operational need and changes in Defence priorities. As a result, our recruitment targets fluctuate throughout the year. Recruitment is kept under constant review and is driven by Defence requirements and takes account of the number of leavers and joiners at any given time. There are currently recruitment and retention issues affecting policing nationally. To counteract this, we target our recruitment campaigns in locations facing the most acute recruitment challenges, and we use a variety of outreach methods to promote opportunities to join the Force, including social media; events; briefings; and our recruitment website.

How many military personnel have (a) been recruited into the Armed Forces and (b) not passed basic training in each of the last 10 years.

The new Government inherited a very challenging recruitment and retention position for all Services, and has made improving recruitment and readiness of our Armed Forces an early priority. The Defence Secretary has already made announcements to improve recruitment and further announcements will be made by the Ministry of Defence in due course. The requested information is provided in the attached spreadsheet.

If he will take steps to streamline the recruitment for military personnel.

The new Government is focused upon improving Armed Forces recruitment, modernising and refining our policies and processes to attract the best possible talent. Recent policies have included a 35% pay increase for new recruits; one of the largest pay increases in the last 20 years for existing personnel; scrapping over 100 outdated medical policies; a commitment to create a new military direct-entry cyber pathway; and setting an ambition to make a conditional offer of employment to candidates within 10 days, and a provisional training start date within 30 days. These activities and their impacts will inform the development of the Armed Forces Recruitment Programme which is being implemented to further improve the speed with which highly motivated and capable people can join our Armed Forces.

How much his Department spent on external recruitment consultants in each of the last 5 years.

Since entering Government, we have taken immediate action to stop all non-essential Ministry of Defence consultancy spending. The information requested specifically on external recruitment consultants is not held centrally.

What steps his Department has taken with the Royal Navy to support the mental health of officers in the Royal Navy.

The Ministry of Defence and the Royal Navy (RN) have implemented several specific measures to promote the psychological wellbeing of officers, recognising the unique challenges they face, especially in high-stress operational environments.For those personnel requiring medical intervention, the Defence Medical Services (DMS) provide a responsive, flexible, accessible, and comprehensive treatment service. The DMS is reshaping mental health provision to reduce waiting lists, improve timelines for patient recovery and refocus on earlier intervention. This will provide a single point of access for specialist mental health networks allowing quicker access to initial assessment and earlier allocation to the right treatment pathway.Additionally, the RN provides mental health and stress management training, and continues to explore new initiatives to further enhance mental health support for all of our personnel.

What percentage of the Armed Forces’ budget was spent on diversity initiatives in 2023.

The cost of the main diversity initiatives undertaken by the Royal Navy, Army, Royal Air Force and UK Strategic Command during financial year 202-24 represented an average of 0.007% of their budgets.