Written questions by Foody.

What steps he is taking to improve support for veterans.

Remembrance is a poignant time for our veterans, allowing the country to demonstrate their recognition and celebrate the Service of our veterans. This Government has already taken swift action to deliver for our veterans, and cohere the support available. With £50-million funding for VALOUR, our Ops, FORTITUDE, COURAGE, RESTORE, ASCEND and NOVA supporting veterans in need; and 88% of veterans are supported in securing sustainable employment that leverages their unique skills within six months.

How many and what proportion of early service leavers (a) were medically discharged and (b) left of their own volition in each service in each of the last five years.

Defence defines Early Service Leavers as personnel who exit before the end of their agreed engagement or contracted period. The following table refers to outflow following Phase 2 training, from the Trained (RN/RM and RAF) and Trade Trained (Army) UK Regular Forces, including personnel leaving the Services, deaths and recalled Reservists on release. It is not possible to identify the reasons why untrained personnel leave service early. It should be noted that ‘Medically Discharged’ figures represent those who are suffering from a medical condition that pre-empts their continued service; ‘Voluntary Outflow’ encompasses all personnel who voluntarily exit before the end of their agreed engagement or contracted period, and ‘Other Service Leavers’ includes, but is not limited to, those that exit for reasons of discipline, unsuitability or other unspecified reasons. Figures do not include promotion from Ranks to Officers or flows between Services. Number and Percentage of Early Service Leavers1 by Financial Year and Service from 1 April 2020 - 31 March 2025 FY 2020-21FY 2021-22FY 2022-23FY 2023-24FY 2024-25 Number%Number%Number%Number%Number%Total7,077 8,584 11,317 11,315 10,099 Medically Discharged89112.6%1,02111.9%1,34711.9%1,75015.5%1,59815.8%Royal Navy/ Royal Marines2804.0%4104.8%3573.2%3703.3%3833.8%Army5027.1%4845.6%8047.1%1,15710.2%1,02610.2%Royal Air Force1091.5%1271.5%1861.6%2232.0%1891.9%Voluntary Outflow5,26874.4%5,97869.6%8,40074.2%8,10171.6%7,30472.3%Royal Navy/ Royal Marines1,20217.0%1,34815.7%1,92317.0%1,69515.0%1,59615.8%Army2,96942.0%3,48040.5%4,52240.0%4,65241.1%4,33843.0%Royal Air Force1,09715.5%1,15013.4%1,95517.3%1,75415.5%1,37013.6%Other Early Leavers91813.0%1,58518.5%1,57013.9%1,46412.9%1,19711.9% Notes: Some of this information was obtained from records whose primary purpose is to ensure appropriate administration, with statistical analysis and reporting secondary functions, introducing time lag and impacting on the quality of data recorded.Figures align with those found in the Service Personnel Statistics Publication (2025 collection found here: Quarterly Service Personnel Statistics: 2025 - GOV.UK), in particular Table 5d UK Regular Forces Trained/Trade Trained Outflow by Service and Exit Reason.Defence Statistics release annual updates on medical discharges in the UK Armed Forces as an Official Statistic publication. The last statistical release was on 17 July 2025 which presented data up to 31 March 2025. The latest report can be found at https://www.gov.uk/government/collections/medical-discharges-among-uk-service-personnel-statistics-index

How many and what proportion of recruits did not pass out of basic training in each service in each of the last five years.

The single Services routinely monitor and review reasons for recruits and trainees withdrawing from training, ensuring that they are supported appropriately. For example, the Recruit Trainee Survey (RTS) annual reports provide summary statistics on the perceptions of training, facilities, food, support and fairness of treatment of Phase 1 and Phase 2 recruits and trainees. The single Services use these activities to identify where improvements can be made to ensure more recruits and trainees complete their basic and professional training to enter productive service in the Armed Forces. The requested information is provided in the attached spreadsheet.