Written questions by Obese-Jecty.

With reference to page 130 of the Strategic Defence Review, published on 2 June 2025, what planning he has undertaken for the deployment of reserves in defence-related medical care.

As outlined in the Strategic Defence Review, the Ministry of Defence (MOD) recognises a significant proportion of Reserves work in the NHS. The deployment of Reserves in Defence medical care requires careful planning given the impact on NHS staffing. There is a strong foundation of cross-Government working between the MOD and the Department of Health and Social Care, including on planning to meet Defence medical needs and other strategic health emergencies. Work is also ongoing to understand system-wide capacity and capability, potential future need and shared plans for delivery.

With reference to page 130 of the Strategic Defence Review, published on 2 June 2025, what the Defence Medical Services pressures are that have been caused by workforce shortages.

As outlined in the Strategic Defence Review, the workforce shortages and the fragility of global supply chains are pressures for Defence Medical Services and the NHS. Work is ongoing between the MOD and NHS to understand system-wide capacity and capability, potential future need and shared plans for delivery to meet Defence medical needs.

What assessment he has made of the potential implications for his policies of the Senior Responsible Officer delivery confidence assessment commentary on the timing of the in-water phase for Astute Boat 6.

HMS Agamemnon has been undertaking her in-water testing and commissioning phase at BAE Systems’ Shipyard in Barrow since October 2024. We continue to work closely with industry to deliver HMS Agamemnon by the end of 2026.

What mine counter measures vessels will be in scope to be replaced by maritime autonomous systems under the Mine Hunting Capability programme.

All existing HUNT and SANDOWN-class Mine Countermeasures Vessels are planned for retirement within the Mine Hunting Capability (MHC) programme, as part of the transition to advanced autonomous systems. For operational security reasons, the Royal Navy does not release the out of service dates of individual platforms.

What assessment he has made of the effectiveness of the National Shipbuilding Strategy.

The Government is committed to a successful shipbuilding and maritime technology sector. In 2024 alone, the sector contributed £3.5 billion in Gross Value Added (GVA) to the economy and employed approximately 50,000 people, with a median annual wage of £42,785—well above the national average of £37,430. In addition, the recent announcement of the UK’s biggest ever warship export deal with Norway worth £10 billion will support over 4,000 UK jobs and deliver on the Government’s Plan for Change. The Government intends to publish a new Shipbuilding and Maritime Technology Action Plan to deliver the Government’s ambitions for national security and economic growth.

Whether the roll out of Ares as an infantry fighting vehicle is included within the budget for the (a) Mechanised Infantry Programme and (b) Armoured Cavalry 2025 programme.

ARES will be used to fulfil an Armoured Infantry capability. Subject to gaining the necessary approvals, the budget for ARES modifications will be met within the Armoured Cavalry programme not the Mechanised Infantry programme.

With reference to the data tables accompanying the National Infrastructure and Service Transformation Authority Annual Report 2024-25, published on 11 August 2025, what the nature is of the (a) workforce shortages and (b) weapons testing delays under the Delivery Confidence of the Protector programme.

Personnel shortfalls were identified in both the RAF and Defence Equipment and Support delivery team constructs. Internal prioritisation activity has since occurred to mitigate shortfalls. Protector's schedule was also delayed due to the resultant review of activity after a fatal accident of a US contractor that occurred at the deployed weapons testing location in September 2023.

If he will set out the full scope of the Joint Crypt Key programme.

The Joint Crypt-Key Programme (JCKP) is Ministry of Defence-sponsored and delivered jointly with the National Cyber Security Centre.  The information requested is being withheld as its disclosure would, or would be likely to, prejudice the capability, effectiveness, or security of the UK Armed Forces.

What progress he has made on obtaining final approval of the Full Business Case for the E7 Wedgetail programme.

The Full Business Case was approved in June 2025.

Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what the full capability is of the One HMG platform.

The One HMG Platform provides overseas offices, residential accommodation and services, such as transport and security, that enable His Majesty's Government to achieve its international objectives whilst providing value for money. The aim is that operations overseas should be co-located wherever possible. A Memorandum of Understanding has been agreed between the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office and the 35 other Government Departments, Arms-Length Bodies and Devolved Governments that operate on the Platform, allowing a physical presence at 280 posts around the world.

What the out-of-service dates are for each Royal Navy mine counter measures vessel.

All existing HUNT and SANDOWN-class Mine Countermeasures Vessels are planned for retirement within the Mine Hunting Capability (MHC) programme, as part of the transition to advanced autonomous systems. For operational security reasons, the Royal Navy does not release the out of service dates of individual platforms.

Media and Sport, what progress she has made in delivering the EURO 2028 programme on (a) time and (b) budget.

The government continues to work with our football and government partners across the UK and Ireland, and with UEFA, to deliver a spectacular tournament with far-reaching social and economic benefits. As part of the government’s Plan for Change, we are investing more than £500 million in the upcoming Spending Review period to support the delivery of world class sporting events being held in the UK over the coming years, including UEFA EURO 2028. Regular financial updates on the budget will be provided in the lead up to the event, including via the DCMS Annual Report and Accounts.

Commonwealth and Development Affairs, with reference to page 45 of the National Security Strategy 2025, CP 1338, published on 24 June 2025, what recent progress she has made on establishing a College of British Diplomacy.

The College will be launched in the coming months. In preparation, the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) launched on 6 October a new pilot Global Network Programme, a flagship initiative of the forthcoming College. Further details will be confirmed in the usual way in due course.

Commonwealth and Development Affairs, with reference to page 11 of the National Security Strategy 2025, CP 1338, published on 24 June 2025, what diplomatic steps she has taken with her Japanese counterpart to help shape International norms.

The Government is delivering this objective through both multilateral fora, including the World Trade Organisation and United Nations, and through bilateral engagement with a range of global partners, including Canada. The Foreign Secretary regularly speaks to counterparts across the world about trade cooperation and security, to ensure we can deliver for the UK's future.

Commonwealth and Development Affairs, with reference to page 45 of the National Security Strategy 2025, published in June 2025, CP 1338, what progress she has made on establishing a new Soft Power Council.

The Soft Power Council was launched on 15 January 2025. The Council is supporting the UK to take a more strategic approach to soft power, helping to build relationships, deepen trust, enhance our security and drive economic growth.

Commonwealth and Development Affairs, with reference to page 11 of the National Security Strategy 2025, CP 1338, published on 24 June 2025, what diplomatic steps she has taken with her counterpart in Singapore to help shape International norms.

The Government is delivering this objective through both multilateral fora, including the World Trade Organisation and United Nations, and through bilateral engagement with a range of global partners, including Canada. The Foreign Secretary regularly speaks to counterparts across the world about trade cooperation and security, to ensure we can deliver for the UK's future.

With reference to Box 12 page 15 of the Strategic Defence Review 2025, updated on 8 July 2025, how do mission bays facilitate (a) rapid upgrades and (b) spiral development.

The Royal Navy has embraced the mission bay concept, which are spaces on our ships into which modular capabilities can be inserted quickly, easily and at very low cost. Mission bays offer the opportunity to support a standardised footprint capability module (be this a ‘pod’ or otherwise). This supports spiral development by narrowing the boundary (or scope) of any developments to this footprint, relying upon the initial standardisation specification. Therefore, rapid upgrades can be embedded within the platform through the much shorter route of exchanging the podded or modular component, rather than engaging in constructive re-design of a system already integrated into the platform.

Commonwealth and Development Affairs, with reference to page 11 of the National Security Strategy 2025, CP 1338, published on 24 June 2025, what diplomatic steps she has taken with her Australian counterpart to help shape International norms.

The Government is delivering this objective through both multilateral fora, including the World Trade Organisation and United Nations, and through bilateral engagement with a range of global partners, including Canada. The Foreign Secretary regularly speaks to counterparts across the world about trade cooperation and security, to ensure we can deliver for the UK's future.

Commonwealth and Development Affairs, with reference to page 11 of the National Security Strategy 2025, CP 1338, published on 24 June 2025, what diplomatic steps she has taken with her counterparts in the Gulf states to help shape International norms.

The Government is delivering this objective through both multilateral fora, including the World Trade Organisation and United Nations, and through bilateral engagement with a range of global partners, including Canada. The Foreign Secretary regularly speaks to counterparts across the world about trade cooperation and security, to ensure we can deliver for the UK's future.

With reference to page 88 of the Strategic Defence Review 2025, what progress he has made on organising public engagement days.

I refer the hon. Member to the answer I gave on 8 September 2025 to Question 70737 to the hon. Member for South Suffolk (Mr James Cartlidge).