Written questions by Chadwick.

What steps his Department is taking to strengthen domestic supply chains for steel, following the publication of the Defence Industrial Strategy.

This Government is committed to creating the right conditions in the UK for a competitive and sustainable steel industry. The sector provides vital support to the UK’s defence capabilities, including specialist cast and forged steel components for a range of defence programmes. The department publishes its future pipeline for steel requirements, enabling UK steel manufacturers to better plan and bid for upcoming contracts. The National Security Strategy, Strategic Defence Review, and Defence Industrial Strategy set out how a strong industrial base is critical for maintaining our national security infrastructure. While steel used in our major Defence programmes is generally sourced by our prime contractors from a range of UK and international suppliers, MOD procurement activity will continue to apply PPN 022, a policy aimed at increasing the use of British-produced steel in public contracts. The MOD also supports the recently published UK Steel Strategy which sets out a long-term plan to revitalise the UK steel sector and restore domestic production to sustainable levels.

What assessment he has made of the potential impact of changes in the UK's steelmaking capacity on the UK's (a) defence and (b) critical infrastructure.

The UK steel sector provides vital support to the UK’s defence capabilities including specialist cast and forged steel components for a range of UK defence programmes such as submarines, surface vessels and artillery barrels. An initial assessment of the impact of changes in UK Steelmaking capacity on the UK’s (a) defence and (b) critical infrastructure is deemed low. Steel used in our major Defence programmes is sourced by our prime contractors from a range of UK and international suppliers, as programmes may often have requirements for specialist steel which cannot be sourced in the UK. The amount and origins of steel procured for Defence programmes is included in the Department for Business and Trade’s annual Steel Public Procurement report which can be found on the gov.uk website: https://www.gov.uk/government/collections/steel-public-procurement This Government is producing a steel strategy that will consider implications for Defence and Critical infrastructure and create the right conditions in the UK for a competitive and sustainable steel industry.

Whether US nuclear weapons based in the UK are under the sole command of US military authorities.

It remains longstanding UK, US and NATO policy to neither confirm nor deny the presence of nuclear weapons at any location. US nuclear weapons forward-deployed in Europe remain under US custody and control, in full compliance with the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons.

What discussions his Department has had on the impact of the proposed green energy network on military aircraft operating in Brecon, Radnor and Cwmtawe constituency.

Without specific details of the proposal referenced, the Ministry of Defence (MOD) are unable to confirm whether we have been consulted on this potential development. The MOD is a statutory consultee in the UK planning systems to safeguard operational defence sites and routinely responds to representations. The MOD will raise objections to any developments that may adversely impact Defence capabilities.

Whether representations have been made to his Department on the potential impact of energy parks and associated infrastructure on the Welsh Military Tactical Training Area.

Without details of any specific development being referred to, the Ministry of Defence (MOD) are unable to confirm whether we have been consulted upon a particular development. The MOD is a statutory consultee in the UK planning systems to safeguard operational defence sites (such as aerodromes, technical sites and explosives storage sites) as well as defence capabilities such as defence radar coverage and the UK military low flying system. The MOD routinely responds to representations and will raise objections to any development that may adversely impact Defence activities.

Whether he has considered inviting Canada to contribute to the Global Combat Air Programme.

All three Global Combat Air Programme nations have highlighted an openness to working with other nations, while keeping us on track with the programme delivery schedule and helping us deliver future military capabilities.

What support is available for members of the armed forces who have served in Northern Ireland.

This Government recognises the important contribution and sacrifice of those who served in Northern Ireland to keep us safe, and that of the families who enabled them to do so. Veterans who served in Northern Ireland are eligible for a range of support, wherever they reside in the United Kingdom: veterans can access tailored employment support via the Career Transition Partnership, which supports those leaving military service in search of new job opportunities, and Op ASCEND, a new employment pathway for veterans operating across the United Kingdom. Veterans who are resident in England can access specialist care for physical and mental health conditions via Op RESTORE and Op COURAGE respectively. Alternative provision is available in Scotland and Wales, as responsibility for health is devolved. For those who may be homeless or at risk of homelessness, housing guidance and support is available across the country via Op FORTITUDE, a single referral pathway to connect veterans with help and support. For veterans resident in Northern Ireland, the Veterans’ Welfare Service Northern Ireland is a specialist statutory welfare service for veterans and their families. The service provides information and practical support, including physiotherapy and psychological therapies for eligible veterans. The Northern Ireland Veterans’ Commissioner and 11 Veterans’ Champions advocate for veterans’ needs and support veterans in the local community. Where historic investigations impact on veterans who served during Op BANNER, I have committed that the Ministry of Defence will continue to provide welfare and legal support to those affected.

What assessment he has made of the adequacy of the operational independence of the UK's F-35 fighter jet fleet.

The UK maintains the freedom of action to operate the F-35 Lightning at a time and place of our choosing.