Written questions by Reed.

Whether he has made an assessment of the adequacy of recognition of chronic pain conditions within Armed Forces compensation schemes.

Awaiting answer.

Given General Sir Richard Barrons' evidence to the Defence Committee on 7 July 2026 that expenditure under the 1.5% of GDP NATO resilience target has not funded the security of military airbases, the condition of military ports, NHS mass casualty capacity, or mobilisation and forward-basing stock, why his Department did not prioritise these areas.

Awaiting answer.

Whether he plans to commission an independent review of the Armed Forces medical discharge process to assess outcomes for transitioning into civilian life.

Awaiting answer.

What data his Department collects on the a) long-term health, b) employment and c) housing outcomes of medically discharged veterans.

Awaiting answer.

Whether he plans to introduce new performance measures to assess implementation of the Armed Forces Covenant.

Awaiting answer.

What discussions his Department has had regarding the future of the Veterans Mobility Fund beyond March 2027.

Awaiting answer.

Given the Prime Minister's confirmation at the NATO summit that the UK has met the NATO target of spending 1.5% of GDP on security-related investment, if he will set out (a) which departments' budgets contributed to reaching that figure, (b) in what proportion, and (c) whether any new funding was allocated for this purpose.

Awaiting answer.

What specific items of expenditure have been counted towards the Government's claim to have met the NATO target of spending 1.5% of GDP on resilience-related investment.

Awaiting answer.

Whether his Department requires Government departments to assess the potential impact of new policies on veterans at the policy development stage.

Awaiting answer.

What definition his Department is using of expenditure that qualifies as resilience and security spending for the purposes of the Government's commitment to spend 1.5% of GDP on this by 2035.

Awaiting answer.

On how many occasions Military Aid to the Civil Authorities has been provided in the last 12 months.

Awaiting answer.

What evidential threshold must be met before a sanctioned shadow fleet vessel may be boarded in UK territorial waters.

We keep maritime activity in UK territorial waters under constant review. We will not provide a running commentary or get into details of our decision-making process as this could compromise our ability to successfully take action against sanctioned ships, only benefitting our adversaries.

What the legal basis is for allowing UK forces to interdict sanctioned shadow fleet vessels transiting UK territorial waters; and whether that legal basis has been confirmed in writing by the Attorney General.

UK forces operate in accordance with international law, including the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea, and domestic law.

Whether he has had recent discussions with his US counterpart on (a) consent to transfer sovereignty over the British Indian Ocean Territory and (b) amendment to the 1966 UK–US treaty.

I refer the hon. Member to the answer I gave on 26 January 2026 to Question 107405 to the hon. Member for South Suffolk (Mr Cartlidge).

Whether his Department has undertaken modelling on the potential impact of the UK not participating in the first tranche of procurements financed under the EU’s Security Action for Europe programme on the UK defence sector.

The UK is committed to a broad and constructive relationship with the EU. We are working to implement the package agreed at the UK-EU Summit and build on our landmark Security and Defence Partnership – which includes taking forward discussions on a bilateral participation agreement for cooperation under the EU’s Security Action For Europe (SAFE) instrument. As part of these efforts, the Ministry of Defence continues to work closely across the whole of Government, including the His Majesty’s Treasury, the Department of Business and Trade and the Cabinet Office, and in cooperation with industry partners and all our European allies, to inform our approach to enhancing Europe's defence industrial capacity and production and deliver critical capabilities required to support Ukraine. While we will not give a running commentary on talks, this Government has been clear that we would only agree to a deal if we were satisfied it provided value to the UK and UK industry.

What assessment he has made of the potential impact of the Security and Defence Partnership between the UK and EU on the defence sector.

The UK is committed to a broad and constructive relationship with the EU. We are working to implement the package agreed at the UK-EU Summit and build on our landmark Security and Defence Partnership – which includes taking forward discussions on a bilateral participation agreement for cooperation under the EU’s Security Action For Europe (SAFE) instrument. As part of these efforts, the Ministry of Defence continues to work closely across the whole of Government, including the His Majesty’s Treasury, the Department of Business and Trade and the Cabinet Office, and in cooperation with industry partners and all our European allies, to inform our approach to enhancing Europe's defence industrial capacity and production and deliver critical capabilities required to support Ukraine. While we will not give a running commentary on talks, this Government has been clear that we would only agree to a deal if we were satisfied it provided value to the UK and UK industry.

What assessment he has made of the potential impact of the United Kingdom not securing access to the first tranche of Security Action for Europe projects on the economy.

The Brexit deal signed by the last Government did not include UK participation in Security Action For Europe (SAFE). Thanks to the Prime Minister’s EU reset we are now able to explore participation. The UK is committed to a broad and constructive relationship with the EU. We are working to implement the package agreed at the UK-EU Summit and build on our landmark Security and Defence Partnership – which includes taking forward discussions on a bilateral participation agreement for cooperation under the EU’s Security Action For Europe instrument. As part of these efforts, the Ministry of Defence continues to work closely across the whole of Government, including the His Majesty’s Treasury, the Department of Business and Trade and the Cabinet Office, and in cooperation with industry partners and all our European allies, to inform our approach to enhancing Europe's defence industrial capacity and production and deliver critical capabilities required to support Ukraine. While we will not give a running commentary on talks, this Government has been clear that we would only agree to a deal if we were satisfied it provided value to the UK and UK industry.

What assessment his Department has made of the value for money of the Future Strategic Tanker Aircraft contract since 2008.

The RAF Voyager fleet provides value for money by serving as a versatile asset for air-to-air refuelling, strategic airlift, and VIP transport. Under the Private Finance Initiative (PFI) contract, Air Tanker is required to provide the Department with their performance data. This gives the Department complete transparency, ensuring regular monitoring and compliance with the terms of the agreement.

What steps his Department is taking to ensure that defence companies in the Oxford-Cambridge Growth Corridor are able to (a) recruit staff, (b) receive investment and (c) expand.

As part of the Defence Industrial Strategy, we announced a £182 million skills package that will attract, develop and retain the high-skilled workforce required to meet the objectives of the Strategic Defence Review. This investment in skills, in addition to the creation of the Defence Office for Small Business Growth, will help defence companies across the UK, including those in the Oxford to Cambridge Growth Corridor. Further details will be announced with the publication of the Defence Finance and Investment Strategy in 2026.

What future air-to-air refuelling requirements will be considered as part of the Defence Investment Plan.

The Defence Investment Plan will consider the UK's future air-to-air refuelling requirements to ensure we meet our commitments to NATO and the nation. The outcome will be included in the Defence Investment Plan, which is due to be published this year.