Written questions by Obese-Jecty.

Commonwealth and Development Affairs, with reference with the policy paper entitled UK targets sanctions circumvention and crypto networks exploited by Russia, published on 20 August 2025, what steps she has taken to limit the exchange of cryptocurrency token A7A5.

The UK remains committed to increasing economic pressure on Russia including its financial and energy sectors. This includes carefully targeted sanctions against Russia's attempts to circumvent sanctions and create alternative payment systems, including through its use of cryptocurrencies such as A7A5. The 20 August 2025 package of sanctions targeted crypto networks and financial systems in Kyrgyzstan being exploited by Russia, building on over 2700 existing UK sanctions against Russia. UK sanctions complemented action taken by the United States who announced similar measures targeting the cryptocurrency. Sanctions are a critical instrument of the UK's foreign, national and security policy and are deployed selectively and proportionately to complement other tools as part of a wider strategy to deter Russia from continuing its illegal invasion of Ukraine. We continue to monitor the impact of our sanctions closely and engage with third countries on Russian circumvention and where Russia is attempting to exploit financial networks.

With reference to page 91 of the Strategic Defence Review 2025, by when he plans to enable the annual publication of a summary of assessments on programme availability.

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 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 Box 12 page 105 of the Strategic Defence Review 2025, updated on 8 July 2025, what (a) uncrewed surface vessels and (b) uncrewed underwater vehicles are currently in operational service with the Royal Navy.

As outlined in the Strategic Defence Review 2025, Atlantic Bastion is the Royal Navy’s plan to secure the North Atlantic for the UK and NATO against the persistent and growing underwater threat posed by a modernising Russian submarine force. The UK’s anti-submarine warfare (ASW) capabilities are central to European defence and vital to meeting the Alliance’s evolving needs.To support this, the Royal Navy will deploy a Type 26 ASW frigate force, designed to operate both uncrewed surface vessels (USVs) and uncrewed underwater vehicles (UUVs). The Navy is accelerating the integration of these systems, building on its existing wide range of uncrewed capabilities.For operational security reasons, details of USVs and UUVs currently in active service are not publicly disclosed.

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 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.

On what date the 1958 Mutual Defence Agreement with the United States was last renewed.

The most recent renewal of the 1958 Mutual Defense Agreement between the United Kingdom and the United States entered into force on 14 November 2024. The agreement is now enduring in its entirety following the removal of the 10-yearly renewal provisions.

What assessment he has made of the implications for his policies of recent Nuclear Site Event Reports on (a) equipment failures, (b) human error, (c) procedural shortcomings and (d) near-misses.

I cannot provide specific detail for the events as disclosure would, or would be likely to, prejudice the capability, effectiveness or security of any relevant forces. However, I can assure the hon. Member that none of the events listed caused harm to the health of any member of staff or to any member of the public and none have resulted in any radiological impact to the environment. The table below shows the number of Nuclear Site Event Reports (NSERs) at Coulport recorded between for the most recent financial year. These are shown according to agreed categorisation: Nuclear Site Events- 2024, 22 April 2024 - 31 December 2024Category ACategory BCategory CCategory DBelow ScaleCoulport009251 Nuclear Site Events- 2025, 01 January 2025 - 22 April 2025Category ACategory BCategory CCategory DBelow ScaleCoulport00490 In line with Industry Good Practice and in common with other defence and civil nuclear sites, His Majesty’s Naval Base Clyde has a well-established system for raising NSERs. NSERs are raised to foster a robust safety culture that learns from experience, whether that is of equipment failures, human error, procedural failings, documentation shortcomings or near-misses.

What is the out-of-service date of all Royal Navy Batch 1 OPVs.

The Royal Navy constantly reviews out-of-service dates to achieve maximum availability of its platforms for operational tasking. For operational security reasons, the Royal Navy does not release the out-of-service dates of individual platforms. The class out-of-service date for OPV Batch 1 is 2028. The Royal Navy continues to assess its future capability requirements in accordance with the Strategic Defence Review and the Defence Investment Plan.

What recent assessment he has made of the potential merits of replacing the Royal Navy’s Batch 1 OPVs on retirement.

The Royal Navy constantly reviews out-of-service dates to achieve maximum availability of its platforms for operational tasking. For operational security reasons, the Royal Navy does not release the out-of-service dates of individual platforms. The class out-of-service date for OPV Batch 1 is 2028. The Royal Navy continues to assess its future capability requirements in accordance with the Strategic Defence Review and the Defence Investment Plan.

What is the projected cost of Project Astrea in this Parliament.

Funding for the Astraea programme is included within the £15 billion investment in the sovereign nuclear warhead programme this Parliament, announced in the 2025 Strategic Defence Review. That investment also includes sustaining our current Mk4A warhead and modernising the associated infrastructure. However, I am withholding the projected cost of the Astraea programme in this Parliament for the purpose of safeguarding our national security.

With reference to page 112 of the Strategic Defence Review 2025, published on 8 July 2025, what progress he has made in improving the RAF’s (a) productivity, (b) agility and (c) adaptability.

The RAF has established, and is operating an approach which drives increased output, improved affordability and enhanced workforce effectiveness to deliver the recommendations set out in the Strategic Defence Review. Through delivery of prioritised and measured outcomes the RAF is committed to contribute to an increase in productivity, agility and adaptability. The Chief of the Air Staff's Optimise Directive is part of the RAF's productivity approach, which coheres initiatives aimed at delivering benefits across the Royal Air Force and ensuring the best use of resources.

With reference to page 114 of the Strategic Defence Review 2025, published on 8 July 2025, what the full scope is of Typhoon upgrades for (a) radar, (b) defensive aids, (c) avionics and (d) weapons.

An assessment of the planned Typhoon upgrades is currently underway. Further information regarding upgrades to the Typhoon's systems and equipment will be communicated in the forthcoming Defence Investment Plan.

With reference to page 114 of the Strategic Defence Review 2025, published on 8 July 2025, what progress he has made in planning for the use of UK commercial airfields in times of crisis.

The Ministry of Defence (MOD) has robust plans for mobilising and deploying the Armed Forces in response to any number of events and crises, whether they take place at home and abroad. These plans are regularly reviewed, tested and exercised. As part of the planning process the MOD will identify civilian infrastructure which is deemed critical to enable and support military activity. This includes civilian airfields. The MOD routinely engages with commercial transport operators and industry associations and works closely with other Government Departments including the Department for Transport.

What progress has he made on exploring the use of the stratosphere with vehicles capable of carrying higher payloads for missions lasting over 6 months.

I refer the hon. Member to the answer I gave him on 19 September, to Question 76405. Options for exploring the use of the stratosphere with vehicles capable of carrying high payloads for extended period are being pursued through Project AETHER, which is in its trial phase. Following the completion of two initial trials, in September 2024 and March 2025, further opportunities in this area are subject to further trials and the continuation of planned funding for Project AETHER.

How many category (a) A, (b) B, (c) C and (d) D incidents have taken place at RNAD Coulport since 5 July 2024.

I cannot provide specific detail for the events as disclosure would, or would be likely to, prejudice the capability, effectiveness or security of any relevant forces. However, I can assure the hon. Member that none of the events listed caused harm to the health of any member of staff or to any member of the public and none have resulted in any radiological impact to the environment. The table below shows the number of Nuclear Site Event Reports (NSERs) at Coulport recorded between for the most recent financial year. These are shown according to agreed categorisation: Nuclear Site Events- 2024, 22 April 2024 - 31 December 2024Category ACategory BCategory CCategory DBelow ScaleCoulport009251 Nuclear Site Events- 2025, 01 January 2025 - 22 April 2025Category ACategory BCategory CCategory DBelow ScaleCoulport00490 In line with Industry Good Practice and in common with other defence and civil nuclear sites, His Majesty’s Naval Base Clyde has a well-established system for raising NSERs. NSERs are raised to foster a robust safety culture that learns from experience, whether that is of equipment failures, human error, procedural failings, documentation shortcomings or near-misses.

With reference to recommendation 48 of the Strategic Defence Review 2025, what assessment he has made of the potential merits of (a) investment and (b) improvement of RAF Brize Norton in partnership with private finance.

RAF Brize Norton has secured multiple strategic investments that will deliver long term improvements to capability and the lived experience of the personnel based there. These improvements include Baggage Handling and Passenger Check-In Infrastructure, Airfield Operating Surfaces Project and a new Freight Handling Facility. In line with our standard processes, all investment decisions are carefully scrutinised to ensure they offer value for money.

With reference to page 4106 of the Strategic Defence Review 2025, published on 8 July 2025, what recent progress he has made in improving the Royal Navy’s detection capacity.

The Royal Navy is integrating existing, novel and commercial sources of data to detect activity at sea into a new Global Decision Support System (GDSS) that will transform the Royal Navy’s world leading Maritime Domain Awareness capability. These streams of activity when drawn together will deliver decision advantage to Operational Commanders, and front-line units.

With reference to page 88 of the Strategic Defence Review 2025, published on 8 July 2025, what progress he has made on inviting leaders of FTSE100 companies to attend defence courses.

The Ministry of Defence, in collaboration with the Defence Academy of the United Kingdom, has initiated the implementation of the commitment outlined on page 88 of the Strategic Defence Review 2025. As part of this initiative, senior executives from FTSE100 companies are being invited to participate in defence education courses, as part of an initial offer to industry partners.

With reference to page 131 of the Strategic Defence Review 2025, what progress he has made on establishing a Sponsored Reserve model.

The Defence Medical Services (DMS) is exploring the potential for a ‘Sponsored Reserve’ model or equivalent to increase medical Reserve numbers, with more personnel held at readiness. The DMS is engaging with industry providers to inform this work and will assess the benefits of employing Sponsored Reserves to DMS and consider options for capability and specialty-based contracts.