Every parliamentary written question tabled by David Reed this session, with the full answer and department. Back to the MP page.
Showing 101–120 of 150 · this parliament
Whether he has had discussions with Cabinet colleagues on (a) transporting and (b) housing illegal migrants.
The Ministry of Defence regularly liaises with the Home Office on a range of issues, but there are no plans for Defence to undertake actions in relation to migration in the UK currently outside the Afghan relocations work.
How many net additional full time equivalent roles will be required to staff the Military Strategic Headquarters; and at what cost.
While the design, headcount and organisational structure of the future Military Strategic Head Quarters (MSHQ) is still in the development stage, it is expected that the establishment of the MSHQ will be cost neutral and contained within the overall Defence budget.
Pursuant to the Answer of 25 July to Question 189 on Defence, what steps he is taking to consult widely with (a) serving personnel and (b) veterans.
The Strategic Defence Review is considering all aspects of Defence, involving - and receiving inputs from - other Government Departments, agencies and industry, in areas where they support UK Defence. It is to be Britain's review-not just the Government's-so the reviewers consulted serving military, veterans, MPs of all parties, industry, and academia, to support their analysis throughout the review and challenge process.
What steps he is taking to support the development of cyber capabilities within the defence sector through partnerships with UK (a) micro, (b) small and (c) medium-sized technology companies.
The UK Ministry of Defence (MOD) is committed to working collaboratively with innovators in the technology sector to improve cyber capabilities across Defence. We recognise the valuable skills, technology, and pace of development in cyber, much of which is driven by Small and Medium-sized Enterprises (SMEs). The recently published Defence Industrial Strategy - Statement of Intent acknowledges the vital contribution SMEs can offer not just in cyber but across the spectrum of capabilities. Our priority is to create new partnerships between Government and business, and as a first step we will create the Defence Industrial Joint Council with a specific objective of broadening participation, which includes the SME community. The MOD is further working closely with industry and external stakeholders in conducting a Strategic Defence Review 25 that will set the Defence Plan including the future intent for cyber.
What steps he is taking to improve engagement with UK (a) micro, (b) small and (c) medium-sized technology companies through traditional prime contractors.
Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) make a vital contribution to economic growth and are a valuable source of technical innovation in defence. This is recognised in the recently published Defence Industrial Strategy Statement of Intent, as well as the Department's Social Value policies. We work with our largest suppliers through a network of their SME Champions, Trade Associations and SME representatives to ensure that SMEs have fair access to opportunities in our supply chain and that our prime contractors are adopting policies, such as fair payment practices, that support small businesses working in defence.
Commonwealth and Development Affairs, with reference to the press release entitled UK and its allies must stay one step ahead in new AI arms race, published on 25 November 2024, how will industry investment play a role in the development of autonomous cyber tooling at the Laboratory for AI Security Research.
The Laboratory for AI Security Research (LASR) is at an early stage. We will be working closely with industry and academia to define research priorities. Examples could include the role of AI security on our critical national infrastructure and how we can raise the quality of our cybersecurity to account for AI. Most of LASR's work will be classified and will benefit the UK's AI Security eco-system. The programme is also designed to facilitate industry investment and support the Government's growth agenda.
Commonwealth and Development Affairs, with reference to the press release entitled UK and its allies must stay one step ahead in new AI arms race, published on 25 November 2024, how will the Laboratory for AI Security Research complement the work of existing cyber defence (a) mechanisms and (b) organisations.
The Laboratory for AI Security Research (LASR) was designed to build on the knowledge and experience of addressing cyber security and other national security activities across government, academia and industry. LASR is designed to complement or enhance existing mechanisms and organisations, as well as offer new ways of working where appropriate.
How will industry investment play a role in the development of autonomous offensive and defensive cyber tooling for the purpose of (a) national security and (b) defence.
Investing in cyber security is critical to all sectors of the UK economy, enabling long-term, secure and resilient growth. The UK is an attractive destination for cyber investors, owing to its collaborative environment, access to talent and skills, world-class research, and support to innovation. The Government partners closely with industry to secure the UK in cyberspace.In particular, the National Cyber Force delivers the UK’s national cyber effects capability. It works in partnership with industry and academia to achieve this, for example through the Lancashire Cyber Partnership, a strategic collaboration to facilitate and boost cyber-led economic growth across digital industries, technology supply chains, and broader disciplines. This is just one regional example of many where we encourage investment in the UK’s cyber sector.The National Cyber Security Centre is also working with industry to better understand and mitigate the risks from increased use of Artificial Intelligence by cyber threat actors, including those targeting national security and defence.
Commonwealth and Development Affairs, with reference to the press release entitled UK and its allies must stay one step ahead in new AI arms race, published on 25 November 2024, which Department will have responsibility for the Laboratory for AI Security Research; and what steps the Government plans to take to ensure the laboratory's work informs the strategies and operations of all relevant departments.
The Laboratory for AI Security Research (LASR) concept was developed jointly across HMG and is funded initially by the cross-Government Integrated Security Fund (ISF). LASR is an FCDO-led ISF programme co-designed and governed to inform the strategies and operations of all relevant departments.
How collaboration with (a) Ukrainian and (b) Israeli (i) hardware and (ii) software technology companies in the defence sector is informing the Strategic Defence Review.
The Strategic Defence Review is considering all aspects of Defence, involving, and receiving inputs from other Government Departments, industry and allies and partners. Throughout this process we have collaborated with a range of international counterparts to understand how UK Defence can best take advantage of the pace of commercial technological developments.
Commonwealth and Development Affairs, with reference to the press release entitled UK and its allies must stay one step ahead in new AI arms race, published on 25 November 2024, whether the Laboratory for AI Security Research will be operational in time to inform the Strategic Defence Review.
AI security has clear implications for our national security. The programme to deliver the Laboratory for AI Security Research has only just started its work and will bring together government, academia and industry to share information and work together to enhance AI security and inform many aspects of government's work.
Commonwealth and Development Affairs, with reference to the press release entitled UK and its allies must stay one step ahead in new AI arms race, published on 25 November 2024, where will the headquarters for the Laboratory for AI Security Research be located.
HMG will lead the Laboratory for AI Security Research. Its research activities will be conducted across the UK and will include a range of UK universities, including the University of Oxford and Queen's University, Belfast.
Commonwealth and Development Affairs, with reference to the press release entitled UK and its allies must stay one step ahead in new AI arms race, published on 25 November 2024, what his planned timetable is for establishing the Laboratory for AI Security Research.
The Laboratory for AI Security Research began its work in September, bringing together government, industry and academia to agree joint research priorities and commission cutting-edge research to address the impact of AI on national security.
What steps he is taking to collaborate with Israeli (a) hardware and (b) software technology companies in the defence sector; and what lessons he has learned from that collaboration..
The UK collaborates with a range of international partners, including Israel, to develop cutting-edge capabilities to assure the British Armed Forces' continued strategic advantage. Ministry of Defence officials engage regularly with their international counterparts to further the UK's interests at home and overseas, and we learn continually from our overseas partners.
Commonwealth and Development Affairs, with reference to the press release entitled UK and its allies must stay one step ahead in new AI arms race, published on 25 November 2024, whether the Ministry of Defence will hold equity in the Laboratory for AI Security Research.
As the Laboratory for AI Security Research is a cross-Government initiative, it will involve all relevant departments including the Ministry of Defence and the Defence Science and Technology Laboratory.
What steps he is taking to collaborate with Ukrainian (a) hardware and (b) software technology companies in the defence sector; and what lessons he has learned from that collaboration.
Since Russia's illegal invasion of Ukraine, UK Ministry of Defence (MOD) has collaborated with both Ukrainian hardware and software technology companies in the defence sector.UK MOD is constantly assessing what lessons can be learned from all partnerships, including how close and agile partnerships can help both Ukraine and UK defence industrial capability and capacity.Details are not released publicly due to operational security.
What assessment his Department has made of the adequacy of the UK's ability to form a fully operational Carrier Strike Group; and how often that Group could be deployed globally.
The UK remains robust in its ability to form a fully operational Carrier Strike Group (CSG). This has been evidenced in 2024 by the UK CSG involvement in Exercise STRIKE WARRIOR and participation in the NATO Exercise STEADFAST DEFENDER. This will be further evidenced by the upcoming deployment of the CSG in 2025 to the Indo-Pacific. One Queen Elizabeth Aircraft Carrier and all supporting units are always available at the required notice to deploy globally whenever there is an operational need. The appropriate force generation, training, integration, maintenance, assurance and currency of these units is a continuous process to ensure their availability for deployment.
What assessment his Department has made of the adequacy of the progress of (a) the Type 26 frigate programme and (b) its delivery schedule.
The Ministry of Defence continues to work closely with BAE Systems (BAES) to ensure the Type 26 programme remains on track to meet all user requirements and deliver world-class Anti-Submarine Warfare (ASW) frigates to replace the Type 23. Following the recent steel-cut ceremony for HMS Sheffield on 28 November 2024, five of the eight Type 26 frigates are now under construction on the Clyde. HMS Glasgow is forecast to achieve Initial Operating Capability in 2028, with construction of all eight frigates expected to be completed by the mid-2030s. HMS Cardiff recently completed her float-off operation successfully and has joined HMS Glasgow in the dry dock at Scotstoun for the outfitting phase.
What assessment his Department has made of the adequacy of the capability of Bay Class landing dock ships to fulfil the amphibious operational requirements in the absence of HMS Albion and HMS Bulwark until the introduction of Multi-Role Support Ships.
The retirement of HMS Albion and Bulwark will not impact the operational programme of the Royal Marines, who continue to deploy globally. Both are currently held at lower readiness having not been to sea since 2023 and 2017 respectively. This Government inherited a position where neither was due to go to sea again before their planned out of service dates of 2033 and 2034. The Royal Marines are supported by the three Bay Class Landing Ship Dock (Auxiliary) and RFA ARGUS, which also provides aviation support and can act as a casualty receiving ship. These ships will continue to support amphibious capability until they are succeeded by planned Multi Role Support Ships.
Whether frontier technologies such as (a) machine learning and (b) artificial intelligence are being used within (i) the Armed Forces and (ii) his Department to help improve workforce efficiencies.
The Ministry of Defence (MOD) is actively leveraging machine learning and artificial intelligence (AI) to enhance operational efficiency and effectiveness across both the Armed Forces and the Department. In the business space, MOD is exploring use of informational chatbots, machine learning applications and generative AI to automate and accelerate routine business operations and policy work. We work closely with partners across Government to identify and apply best practice and understand where these tools can support workforce efficiencies. AI is also being considered for a range of military applications, including helping to accelerate operational tempo; strengthening the Force through greater mass, persistence, and reach; enabling us to operate in environments that would otherwise not be possible; removing our people from harm's way; and making our workforce more effective.