Written questions by Obese-Jecty.

With reference to page 100 of the Strategic Defence Review 2025, what the full scope is of the National Endeavour approach to the Defence Nuclear Enterprise.

The National Endeavour covers all programmes and policies which contribute to the delivery of the nuclear deterrent. This includes investing in the infrastructure, capabilities, science, people, and places which are critical to the nuclear deterrent. Some aspects of this work are delivered directly by the Defence Nuclear Enterprise, as outlined in the Defence Nuclear Enterprise 2025 Annual Update to Parliament (available at https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/defence-nuclear-enterprise-2025-annual-update-to-parliament/). Other aspects are being driven forward by other Government Departments.

With reference to page 91 of the Strategic Defence Review 2025, when he plans to introduce the Defence Readiness Bill.

We are developing proposals for inclusion in defence readiness legislation, including on potential military and civilian personnel requirements. That work will include consideration of the potential impacts of defence mobilisation in crisis or conflict on other areas. Any decisions on any future mobilisation will be taken in the context of the specific nature of the crisis and the circumstances applying at that time.

With reference to page 109 of the Strategic Defence Review 2025, what (a) units and (b) formations comprise the UK contribution to the Advanced Reaction force.

Advanced Forces are forces already in place around the world that provide positional advantage. These include the UK’s contribution to Forward Land Forces in Estonia and Poland, Land Special Operations Forces deployed as part of our global network, the Brunei Task Force, and Cyprus Resident Battalions. Reaction Forces are designed for speed, to react quickly to crisis. These include Defence’s Global Response Force, 16 Air Assault Brigade, and the NATO Allied Reaction Force (Land).

With reference to page 34 of the National Security Strategy 2025, CP 1338, published on 24 June 2025, what the scope is of the agreement with Poland on reinforcing NATO’s eastern flank.

The UK is committed to deepening its defence collaboration with Poland through a new UK-Poland Defence and Security Treaty and Bilateral Defence Plan. These agreements will strengthen our partnership in the areas of military cooperation including joint exercising and training, broaden our military capability development and industrial cooperation, support Ukraine, and bolster our role in NATO.

With reference to recommendation 53 of the Strategic Defence Review 2025, what progress he has made on establishing a cross-government national security workforce strategy.

Developing a future-ready, purpose-driven, agile, and resilient workforce will be essential to meet the complex national security environment of tomorrow. Aligned with the Strategic Defence Review vision, Defence will work in conjunction with partners across Government to develop a strategy which ensures we have an ideal workforce with an innovative culture to tackle current and future challenges.

With reference to page 106 of the Strategic Defence Review 2025, published on 8 July 2025, what recent progress he has made in developing a global decision support system for the Royal Navy.

The Global Decision Support System will transform the Royal Navy’s world leading Maritime Domain Awareness capability, by integrating existing, novel, and commercial data sources to improve situational awareness and deliver decision advantage to commanders. While concept, development and capability planning activities are progressing, the establishment of a funded project remains dependant on Defence investment prioritisation, which is ongoing.

With reference to page 34 of the National Security Strategy 2025, CP 1338, published on 24 June 2025, what the scope is of mechanisms within the UK-EU Security and Defence Partnership to help improve space security.

The Government pledged in its manifesto to pursue a new relationship with the EU to strengthen European security, support growth and reinforce NATO. The recently released Strategic Defence Review (SDR) further reiterates this commitment and recognises that international partnerships are crucial for the UK’s security and prosperity. The Government delivered on this commitment at the UK-EU Summit on 19 May where we agreed a new and ambitious Security and Defence Partnership (SDP). Implementation of the SDP is a joint effort with the Foreign Commonwealth and Development Office and is progressing. Since May, my Rt Hon Friend, Defence Secretary John Healey has held discussions with the European Commissioner for Defence and Space, Andrius Kubilius, where they discussed their ambition to explore the potential for enhanced UK-EU cooperation under SAFE. In October, the Foreign Secretary and the Defence Secretary will both meet with the High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy and Vice-President of the European Commission, Kaja Kallas, for the first UK/EU foreign and security policy dialogue under the SDP. In addition, Ministers and officials from across Government have held consultations with their EU counterparts on a range of issues, including but not limited to, tackling irregular migration and hybrid threats. We continue to work with EU counterparts to strengthen dialogue and mutually beneficial cooperation across the range of issues covered in the SDP, including maritime and space security. As the Defence Secretary has previously said to this House, this Government will ensure that any UK commitment– whether financial or non-financial – will provide value for the UK taxpayer and supports our defence goals. We will continue to prioritise engagement and cooperation on the issues that are most important in helping to safeguard European security and prosperity – all in support of this government’s NATO First defence policy.

With reference to page 34 of the National Security Strategy 2025, CP 1338, published on 24 June 2025, what the scope is of mechanisms within the UK-EU Security and Defence Partnership to help tackle irregular migration.

The Government pledged in its manifesto to pursue a new relationship with the EU to strengthen European security, support growth and reinforce NATO. The recently released Strategic Defence Review (SDR) further reiterates this commitment and recognises that international partnerships are crucial for the UK’s security and prosperity. The Government delivered on this commitment at the UK-EU Summit on 19 May where we agreed a new and ambitious Security and Defence Partnership (SDP). Implementation of the SDP is a joint effort with the Foreign Commonwealth and Development Office and is progressing. Since May, my Rt Hon Friend, Defence Secretary John Healey has held discussions with the European Commissioner for Defence and Space, Andrius Kubilius, where they discussed their ambition to explore the potential for enhanced UK-EU cooperation under SAFE. In October, the Foreign Secretary and the Defence Secretary will both meet with the High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy and Vice-President of the European Commission, Kaja Kallas, for the first UK/EU foreign and security policy dialogue under the SDP. In addition, Ministers and officials from across Government have held consultations with their EU counterparts on a range of issues, including but not limited to, tackling irregular migration and hybrid threats. We continue to work with EU counterparts to strengthen dialogue and mutually beneficial cooperation across the range of issues covered in the SDP, including maritime and space security. As the Defence Secretary has previously said to this House, this Government will ensure that any UK commitment– whether financial or non-financial – will provide value for the UK taxpayer and supports our defence goals. We will continue to prioritise engagement and cooperation on the issues that are most important in helping to safeguard European security and prosperity – all in support of this government’s NATO First defence policy.

With reference to page 78 of the Strategic Defence Review 2025, what progress he has made on developing a new Defence Diplomacy Strategy.

I refer the hon. Member to the answer given by my hon. Friend the Minister of State (Minister for Defence Readiness and Industry) (Mr Pollard) on 6 September 2025 to Question 70727 to the hon. Member for South Suffolk (Mr Cartlidge).To progress the development of the strategy, the Ministry of Defence is actively engaging with all relevant Government departments. The Department is working to complete the strategy by the end of the year.This work is being led by Minister of State (Minister for the House of Lords) who is responsible for international relations and defence diplomacy.

With reference to Recommendation 43 of the Strategic Defence Review 2025, published on 8 July 2025, what tasks are in scope for the active reserve that qualify as being able to be (a) delivered well and (b) with value for money.

The Army Reserve will support home defence and warfighting. It will also be the training engine for regeneration and reconstitution. Specific tasks within these functions are subject to ongoing work.

With reference to page 126 of the Strategic Defence Review 2025, what the UK’s contribution is to NATO’s Special Operations Taskforce 2026.

The UK’s contribution to NATO’s Special Operations Taskforce 2026 includes units such as the Army Rangers and the UK Commando Force. These units provide the special operations-capable forces required to improve the UK’s warfighting capabilities, as well as fulfilling our contribution to NATO’s Special Operations Taskforce 2026. Detailed planning is classified.

With reference to page 91 of the Strategic Defence Review 2025, by when he plans to enable the annual publication of percentage availability of in-service programmes.

The Strategic Defence Review (SDR) set out the need for external scrutiny of UK warfighting readiness through annual reporting of key data, as one of a number of possible measures in a wider Defence Readiness Bill. Given its potentially broad scope, a Defence Readiness Bill may be a legislative vehicle for wider Government, not just Defence. We are therefore working closely across Government through the Cabinet Office-led Home Defence programme to shape key requirements, and understand and identify the measures needed. This preliminary work will allow us introduce legislation when parliamentary time allows.

With reference to page 125 of the Strategic Defence Review 2025, published on 8 July 2025, what resilience PJHQ has to (a) air and (b) missile strikes.

PJHQ's critical role in UK operations is recognised, and its resilience is constantly undergoing review in light of evolving threats. I hope that the hon. Gentleman will understand that for operational security reasons I cannot comment on specific measures or assessments.

With reference to page 126 of the Strategic Defence Review 2025, what the criteria are that determine Level (a) 1, (b) 2 and (c) 3 of NATO’s Special Operations Taskforce 2026.

The criteria that determine Level (a) 1, (b) 2 and (c) 3 of NATO’s Special Operations Taskforce 2026 are outlined in NATO's Minimum Capability Requirements, which are captured in the NATO Defence Planning Process. The Minimum Capability Requirements are held at NATO Confidential.

With reference to page 126 of the Strategic Defence Review 2025, what progress he has made on enhancing Special Forces.

It is the longstanding policy of successive Governments not to comment on the details of the activity, personnel or capabilities of the UK Special Forces.

Which units fall under the umbrella of Special Operations Forces.

The Strategic Defence Review was clear that the current threat environment means Defence needs greater choice and resilience across the spectrum of military effects. Units such as the Army Rangers and the Commando Force will provide the special operations-capable forces required to improve the UK’s warfighting capabilities as well as helping fulfil our contribution to NATO’s Special Operations Taskforce 2026.

With reference to page 11 of the National Security Strategy 2025, CP 1338, published on 24 June 2025, what recent progress has he made on increasing the UK's warfighting readiness.

The National Security Strategy sets out a hardening and sharpening of our approach to national security. Alongside this, the Government has accepted all of the recommendations in the Strategic Defence Review. We will deliver the largest sustained investment in our Armed Forces since the Cold War, with an emphasis on greater lethality, warfighting readiness, deeper stockpiles of munitions and innovation in, and adoption of, new technologies. The Defence Investment Plan, which will be published in the autumn, will ensure we have the capabilities we need to deliver a new design for a more lethal and agile Integrated Force, alongside investment in infrastructure and people - supporting in turn our warfighting readiness.

With reference to page 53 of the Strategic Defence Review 2025, published on 8 July 2025, what technology has been identified for the regional cluster at RAF Wyton.

RAF Wyton is a key site for Cyber and Specialist Operations Command (CSOC) and UK Defence. Defence continues to invest in the site and is considering future options for RAF Wyton as a defence technology hub that could act as a catalyst for greater investment in the local area for associated industry and academia. This will be centred around the existing unique collaborative facility and reflects similar national and international technology hubs.

With reference to page 27 of the National Security Strategy 2025, CP 1338, published on 24 June 2025, what recent progress he has made on meeting NATO's seven baseline requirements for resilience.

The UK sees national and collective resilience as an essential basis for credible deterrence and defence and is committed to NATO Article 3, which requires Allies to maintain and develop their individual and collective capacity to resist armed attack. The Government's work to deliver against NATO's seven baseline requirements for resilience is being delivered through the Cabinet Office-led Home Defence Programme, in which Defence has a leading role. As set out in the National Security Strategy and the Resilience Action Plan, this coordinates civil and military preparations across the whole of government to ensure that all sectors are prepared for and able to respond to the most catastrophic risks.

With reference to page 109 of the Strategic Defence Review 2025, what progress he has made on prepositioning (a) ammunition and (b) heavier equipment in appropriately dispersed storage facilities in Europe.

The British Army has equipment prepositioned in Germany and we continually review and adjust this position according to operational commitments. As the Army continues to progress through its modernisation programme, further work will be undertaken to explore potential future opportunities for prepositioning across Europe.