Written questions by MacDonald.

If he will review the level of Israeli compliance with international humanitarian law in the context of the war in Gaza; and if he will suspend the provision of training to Israeli Defence Force personnel in the UK during the conduct of this review.

The Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) is the lead Government Department for assessing international partners’ compliance with International Humanitarian Law (IHL). The Ministry of Defence (MOD) works closely with the FCDO to ensure we are consistent with their approach. The MOD’s provision of training to foreign armed forces is assessed carefully on a case-by-case basis and seeks to ensure any training provided by the UK is in accordance with IHL. All training courses promote British values, including human rights, democracy and compliance with international humanitarian law. Given the Government of Israel’s decision to escalate its offensive in Gaza City, the MOD decided to pause future Israeli participation on UK training and education courses. We are keeping this decision under review and are mindful of the potential prospects for a ceasefire and long-term resolution to the conflict.

Pursuant to the Answer of 22 July 2025 to Question 67746 on Military Aircraft, whether any aircraft leasing contracts include the provision of ground crew services.

Yes.

What the total annual cost of aircraft leasing arrangements is; and how many such contracts involve offshore-registered companies.

The information is not held centrally and could only be provided at disproportionate cost.

What steps his Department has taken to ensure that Britain's soft power (a) is maintained (b) continues to play a part in the defence of the UK and her allies, in the context of the reduction in ODA spending.

The Strategic Defence Review will set out the roles, capabilities and reforms required by UK Defence to meet the challenges, threats, and opportunities of the twenty first century. This takes account of the commitment to increase spending on defence to 2.5% of GDP from April 2027 recently set out by the Prime Minister in Parliament.

If his Department will introduce a medal for (a) seriously injured and (b) medically retired service personnel.

Service personnel who are injured and evacuated from a medal earning operational deployment are awarded the relevant Campaign, Operational, or General Service medal regardless of whether or not they have served the required number of days for the medal. While, at this time, the Ministry of Defence has no plans to recommend the introduction of a new medal for Service personnel who are seriously injured or medically discharged from Service for non-operational reasons, there is always the opportunity to look into this. It is important to note that the Department cannot unilaterally introduce such a medal since this would require the agreement of the cross-Government Committee on the Grant of Honours, Decorations and Medals, and ultimately The Sovereign.