Written questions by Snowden.

What role the Office of Defence Exports (ODE) will play in securing government-to-government defence export deals; and what targets have been set for the ODE in its first year.

As the Defence Industrial Strategy makes clear “The new Office of Defence Exports (ODE) means responsibility for defence exports has been unified under the control of the MOD. This creates a government-to-government exports offer which reflects what our allies and our industry need”. The ODE will, therefore, play a central role in securing Government-to-Government defence export deals, working closely with Other Government Departments. Design work for the Exports function is well underway. Initial stand up is expected no later than end October 2025 with full implementation – including the development of performance measures - continuing over the next 12 months.

What steps his Department is taking to ensure equitable regional distribution of defence investment under the new Defence Industrial Strategy.

The Defence Industrial Strategy contains a number of policy offerings designed to support and bolster the defence industrial base across the nations and regions of the UK. This includes the five Defence Growth Deals that were announced in Plymouth, South Yorkshire, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland. The Defence Growth Deals are just one element of the commitment we have made to the nations and regions of the UK and the Defence Investment Plan which will be published this autumn, will work to ensure that defence is investing in the most appropriate way to support defence and defence-adjacent companies and deliver growth for the whole of the UK.

Whether he has made an assessment of the potential security risks posed to military sites by (a) what3words and (b) other digital mapping platforms.

Defence is committed to maintaining the highest standards of security and will continue to adapt and respond to all threats to safeguard our national defence capabilities. While we are unable to comment on specific security arrangements including the security risks posed by what3words and other digital mapping platforms, I can assure the hon. Member that we take the security of our sites extremely seriously and we are continually reviewing and updating our security measures.

What assessment he has made of the potential impact of the use of Weeton Barracks for transitional accommodation on (a) military training operations and (b) the availability of housing for service personnel and their families.

Weeton Barracks has been occupied by 1st Battalion The Lancashire Regiment since 2024. It was not used as transitional accommodation for Afghans. I can reassure the hon. Gentleman that only surplus Service Family Accommodation was allocated as part of the Afghan Relocation Programme. There has been no impact caused by the Afghan Relocation Programme on military training operations or the availability of housing for Service personnel at Weeton Barracks. The Afghan Entitled Persons (EPs) are expected to have vacated the Surplus SFA by the end of November 2025. Following the vacation of the Afghan EPs, the properties will be refurbished as required and made available for allocation to Service personnel.

What steps he plans to take to return of Weeton Barracks to its original military function; and what his planned timetable is for the complete withdrawal of ARAP-related residents.

Weeton Barracks has been occupied by 1st Battalion The Lancashire Regiment since 2024. It was not used as transitional accommodation for Afghans. I can reassure the hon. Gentleman that only surplus Service Family Accommodation was allocated as part of the Afghan Relocation Programme. There has been no impact caused by the Afghan Relocation Programme on military training operations or the availability of housing for Service personnel at Weeton Barracks. The Afghan Entitled Persons (EPs) are expected to have vacated the Surplus SFA by the end of November 2025. Following the vacation of the Afghan EPs, the properties will be refurbished as required and made available for allocation to Service personnel.

Whether his Department has made an assessment of the potential merits of commemoration the contribution of British famers to national security (a) through their service in the Home Guard and (b) supervision of prisoners of war during the Second World War.

The Ministry of Defence has made no such assessment. Farmers played an important role in the national effort to defeat Nazism, including through their service in the Home Guard and the supervision of prisoners of war. Farmers who undertook actual military service during the Second World War would have had their eligibility for appropriate military honours and awards considered in the immediate post-war period, alongside all other military personnel. However, any commemoration of the contribution made by farmers to national security during the Second World War would be a matter for consideration by the Department for the Environment, Food and Rural Affairs and the Home Office.

What support mechanisms are in place to help (a) widows, (b) widowers and (c) civil partners complete applications for the War Widows Recognition Payment Scheme before 15 October 2025.

An update titled "War Widows Urged to Claim Recognition Payment Before October 2025 Deadline" was published on 22 August 2025 on GOV.UK to raise awareness of the Scheme's closure to ensure those eligible have the opportunity to claim before the deadline. This followed a Written Ministerial Statement published on 21 July 2025. Details have been shared with members of the Confederation of Service Charities, the War Widows' Association and other members of the Defence Bereaved Families Group (DBFG). Details were also published on the Armed Forces Covenant website on 1 September 2025. The Ministry of Defence’s Veterans Welfare Service remains available to support individuals in completing their applications. We will report back to the DBFG in 2026 with details on the final numbers and uptake of the Scheme. Since its launch on 16 October 2023, the Scheme has approved over 240 applications, awarding more than £21 million and providing meaningful recognition to eligible recipients. Over 70% of applications were submitted in the first three months, but activity has dropped sharply, with just 14 claims in 2025. An internal review confirmed the Scheme was on track to achieving its objectives, and with demand now significantly reduced, the Government will proceed with its planned closure on 15 October 2025. A final communications push will urge those yet to apply to act before the deadline. Further details of the internal review, including analysis can be found at: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/war-widowers-recognition-payment

For what reason 15 October 2025 is the closing date for the War Widows Recognition Payment Scheme; and whether mechanisms exist for extending that deadline for exceptional cases.

An update titled "War Widows Urged to Claim Recognition Payment Before October 2025 Deadline" was published on 22 August 2025 on GOV.UK to raise awareness of the Scheme's closure to ensure those eligible have the opportunity to claim before the deadline. This followed a Written Ministerial Statement published on 21 July 2025. Details have been shared with members of the Confederation of Service Charities, the War Widows' Association and other members of the Defence Bereaved Families Group (DBFG). Details were also published on the Armed Forces Covenant website on 1 September 2025. The Ministry of Defence’s Veterans Welfare Service remains available to support individuals in completing their applications. We will report back to the DBFG in 2026 with details on the final numbers and uptake of the Scheme. Since its launch on 16 October 2023, the Scheme has approved over 240 applications, awarding more than £21 million and providing meaningful recognition to eligible recipients. Over 70% of applications were submitted in the first three months, but activity has dropped sharply, with just 14 claims in 2025. An internal review confirmed the Scheme was on track to achieving its objectives, and with demand now significantly reduced, the Government will proceed with its planned closure on 15 October 2025. A final communications push will urge those yet to apply to act before the deadline. Further details of the internal review, including analysis can be found at: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/war-widowers-recognition-payment

Whether the UK Emergency Alert System has been (a) tested and (b) integrated with military contingency planning for civil emergencies.

Contingency plans for civil emergencies are cohered by the Cabinet Office on behalf of the Government. Defence support is integrated into those plans where required through the Military Aid to Civilian Authorities (MACA) process. Emergency Alerts are integrated within those plans by the Cabinet Office. The alert system has been tested, with the last test having taken place on 7 September 2025.

If his Department will publish a post-programme evaluation of the (a) uptake, (b) communication efficacy, (c) demographic reach and (d) lessons learned of the War Widows Recognition Payment Scheme within 12 months of the scheme closing.

An update titled "War Widows Urged to Claim Recognition Payment Before October 2025 Deadline" was published on 22 August 2025 on GOV.UK to raise awareness of the Scheme's closure to ensure those eligible have the opportunity to claim before the deadline. This followed a Written Ministerial Statement published on 21 July 2025. Details have been shared with members of the Confederation of Service Charities, the War Widows' Association and other members of the Defence Bereaved Families Group (DBFG). Details were also published on the Armed Forces Covenant website on 1 September 2025. The Ministry of Defence’s Veterans Welfare Service remains available to support individuals in completing their applications. We will report back to the DBFG in 2026 with details on the final numbers and uptake of the Scheme. Since its launch on 16 October 2023, the Scheme has approved over 240 applications, awarding more than £21 million and providing meaningful recognition to eligible recipients. Over 70% of applications were submitted in the first three months, but activity has dropped sharply, with just 14 claims in 2025. An internal review confirmed the Scheme was on track to achieving its objectives, and with demand now significantly reduced, the Government will proceed with its planned closure on 15 October 2025. A final communications push will urge those yet to apply to act before the deadline. Further details of the internal review, including analysis can be found at: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/war-widowers-recognition-payment

What steps he is taking to advertise the deadline for the closure of the War Widows Recognition Payment Scheme to eligible bereaved spouses.

An update titled "War Widows Urged to Claim Recognition Payment Before October 2025 Deadline" was published on 22 August 2025 on GOV.UK to raise awareness of the Scheme's closure to ensure those eligible have the opportunity to claim before the deadline. This followed a Written Ministerial Statement published on 21 July 2025. Details have been shared with members of the Confederation of Service Charities, the War Widows' Association and other members of the Defence Bereaved Families Group (DBFG). Details were also published on the Armed Forces Covenant website on 1 September 2025. The Ministry of Defence’s Veterans Welfare Service remains available to support individuals in completing their applications. We will report back to the DBFG in 2026 with details on the final numbers and uptake of the Scheme. Since its launch on 16 October 2023, the Scheme has approved over 240 applications, awarding more than £21 million and providing meaningful recognition to eligible recipients. Over 70% of applications were submitted in the first three months, but activity has dropped sharply, with just 14 claims in 2025. An internal review confirmed the Scheme was on track to achieving its objectives, and with demand now significantly reduced, the Government will proceed with its planned closure on 15 October 2025. A final communications push will urge those yet to apply to act before the deadline. Further details of the internal review, including analysis can be found at: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/war-widowers-recognition-payment

How many buildings managed by his Department have been found to have reinforced autoclaved aerated concrete in (a) Fylde constituency and (b) Lancashire.

The Defence Infrastructure Organisation determined what buildings on Ministry of Defence land might potentially contain Reinforced Autoclaved Aerated Concrete (RAAC) material based on the period in which they were constructed and their construction type. Surveys are currently being conducted on all buildings which may have been constructed using RAAC.

What recent estimate he has made of the number of buildings owned by his Department that have asbestos.

We take the health and safety of our Service personnel and defence employees extremely seriously and have robust procedures around managing asbestos which comply with Health and Safety regulations. We are responsible for circa 1,967 sites and each building with confirmed asbestos is listed on the relevant site asbestos register. This data is not held centrally and can only be provided at disproportionate cost.

What recent assessment his Department has made of the resilience of supply chains supporting the construction and maintenance of defence infrastructure.

MOD uses ‘SCRIPT’; a Supply Chain Resilience Intelligent Performance Tool, designed to map and monitor the resilience of the Defence supply chain. The tool allows the department to assess and assure the resilience of the supply chain on an ongoing basis.

What proportion of defence infrastructure contracts were awarded to UK-based suppliers in the last financial year.

Of 219 contracts awarded in Defence Infrastructure Organisation (DIO) in financial year 2024-25, 97.72% (214 contracts) were awarded to Suppliers with a UK based address.

What security measures are in place to vet contractors and suppliers involved in sensitive defence infrastructure projects.

Defence has a range of mandatory physical, personnel and cyber security controls that are applied to contractor personnel, facilities and systems. These are all scalable to the sensitivity of projects being worked on and the classification of information being processed. If there is a particular risk the hon. Member is concerned about, I would be grateful if he could write to me about it.

What steps he is taking to increase mobile phone signal in barracks.

The Strategic Defence Review sets out this Government’s commitment to enhancing the standard of Service Family Accommodation and Single Living Accommodation, which is essential for the morale and retention of Service personnel. The Ministry of Defence (Defence Digital) has recently signed a new Mobile Device and Airtime Contract with BT. The main service provider under this contract is EE, with the option to use Vodafone as an alternative provider should mobile coverage prove poor with EE.

If he will meet with representatives from Unite the Union at BAE Systems Warton to discuss the impact of not purchasing new Typhoon jets for use by the Royal Air Force.

The Secretary of State has met with the General Secretary of Unite the Union over the last three months to discuss a range of issues including this.

Pursuant to the Answer of 26 June 2025 to Question 61866 on Armed Forces: Buildings, if he will make an estimate of the cost of answering that Question.

The estimated cost of providing a response to Question 61866 - To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, pursuant to the Answer of 20 June 2025 to Question 60125 on Armed Forces: Buildings, how many of those properties are in Fylde, would be approximately £7,800. This is more than the Parliamentary Question disproportionate cost limit of £850.

How many VALOUR support centres for veterans he plans to locate in (a) Fylde and (b) Lancashire.

The detailed structures and processes that will underpin VALOUR are in development and further announcements, including on development funding, will be announced in due course. The first VALOUR pilot was launched on 26 June 2025, in partnership with Greater Manchester, Liverpool City Region, West Yorkshire, and South Yorkshire, and will help to develop a blueprint as VALOUR is rolled out across the country next year.