Written questions by Lewell.

Whether provisions allow the immediate discharge of an under-18 year old recruit from Army training on safeguarding or welfare grounds, including where there are allegations of abuse; and whether such discharge can occur without the requirement to complete notice periods or cooling-off periods.

All recruits have a statutory right to discharge, known as Discharge as of Right (DAOR). If under 18 at attestation, they may terminate their service at any time after completing 28 days of full-time paid duty and before six months have elapsed from their first day of service, by giving at least 14 days’ written notice to their Commanding Officer (CO). The CO may reduce the notice period at their discretion. After six months, under-18s can apply to leave up to their 18th birthday but must give written notice and observe a cooling-off period of up to three months, which may be shortened by agreement. They can withdraw their notice during this period. Commanders must ensure that under-18 recruits are fully informed of their rights to discharge and must facilitate their safe return to parents, guardians, or appropriate care arrangements. Support includes travel arrangements, accommodation if necessary, reimbursement of reasonable expenses, and follow-up to confirm safe arrival. This process safeguards both the recruit’s statutory rights and welfare. All recruits and Junior Soldiers receive formal briefing on their right to Discharge as of Right during the Officer Commanding’s Week one induction. In exceptional cases where family or welfare circumstances necessitate an under-18 recruit’s early release, the CO may apply to the competent Service authority to terminate the soldier’s service without requiring the usual 14 days’ notice or adherence to the six-month period. This provision allows for immediate discharge on safeguarding or welfare grounds, ensuring the recruit’s welfare is prioritised.

Whether under-18-year-old recruits in Army initial training are subject to staged exit restrictions when seeking to leave service.

All recruits have a statutory right to discharge, known as Discharge as of Right (DAOR). If under 18 at attestation, they may terminate their service at any time after completing 28 days of full-time paid duty and before six months have elapsed from their first day of service, by giving at least 14 days’ written notice to their Commanding Officer (CO). The CO may reduce the notice period at their discretion. After six months, under-18s can apply to leave up to their 18th birthday but must give written notice and observe a cooling-off period of up to three months, which may be shortened by agreement. They can withdraw their notice during this period. Commanders must ensure that under-18 recruits are fully informed of their rights to discharge and must facilitate their safe return to parents, guardians, or appropriate care arrangements. Support includes travel arrangements, accommodation if necessary, reimbursement of reasonable expenses, and follow-up to confirm safe arrival. This process safeguards both the recruit’s statutory rights and welfare. All recruits and Junior Soldiers receive formal briefing on their right to Discharge as of Right during the Officer Commanding’s Week one induction. In exceptional cases where family or welfare circumstances necessitate an under-18 recruit’s early release, the CO may apply to the competent Service authority to terminate the soldier’s service without requiring the usual 14 days’ notice or adherence to the six-month period. This provision allows for immediate discharge on safeguarding or welfare grounds, ensuring the recruit’s welfare is prioritised.

How many under-18-year-old recruits in Army initial training have (a) requested to leave service, (b) been required to observe a cooling-off period, (c) had their discharge delayed beyond 14 days, and (d) been refused discharge, in each year since 2016.

The Ministry of Defence holds data on the number of under-18-year-old recruits in Army initial training who have requested to leave service only from Training Year 2023-24 onwards. Data prior to this period is not available. (a) Number of under-18 recruits who requested to leave service:Training YearDischarge Requests Among Under 18s2023-241972024-252982025-263082026-27*131*Training Year 2026-27 is ongoing; figures are correct as of 15 May 2026. Data on the number of recruits required to observe a “cooling-off” period is not held, nor do we hold data on the number of under-18 discharges delayed beyond 14 days. Recruits are formally interviewed to confirm their reasons for requesting discharge and may be encouraged to reflect; however, if a recruit elects to proceed with Discharge As of Right (DAOR), their statutory entitlement is enacted without delay. There are no recorded instances of under-18 recruits being refused discharge within the DAOR window.

What information is provided to under-18-year-old recruits in Army training regarding their right to leave service, and at what point in training this information is communicated.

All recruits have a statutory right to discharge, known as Discharge as of Right (DAOR). If under 18 at attestation, they may terminate their service at any time after completing 28 days of full-time paid duty and before six months have elapsed from their first day of service, by giving at least 14 days’ written notice to their Commanding Officer (CO). The CO may reduce the notice period at their discretion. After six months, under-18s can apply to leave up to their 18th birthday but must give written notice and observe a cooling-off period of up to three months, which may be shortened by agreement. They can withdraw their notice during this period. Commanders must ensure that under-18 recruits are fully informed of their rights to discharge and must facilitate their safe return to parents, guardians, or appropriate care arrangements. Support includes travel arrangements, accommodation if necessary, reimbursement of reasonable expenses, and follow-up to confirm safe arrival. This process safeguards both the recruit’s statutory rights and welfare. All recruits and Junior Soldiers receive formal briefing on their right to Discharge as of Right during the Officer Commanding’s Week one induction. In exceptional cases where family or welfare circumstances necessitate an under-18 recruit’s early release, the CO may apply to the competent Service authority to terminate the soldier’s service without requiring the usual 14 days’ notice or adherence to the six-month period. This provision allows for immediate discharge on safeguarding or welfare grounds, ensuring the recruit’s welfare is prioritised.

With reference to the recent declassification of the Merlin database and file reference ES 38/ZGWGV, whether service personnel took part in a mission to sample the Soviet nuclear weapon known as Tsar Bomba.

The information in ES38/ZGWGV suggests that Service personnel were involved in at least one sampling sortie after the Tsar Bomba test in October 1961. However, the unit records from this time are now held by The National Archives, and it is not possible to complete a full search without incurring disproportionate cost. No further information is held by the Ministry of Defence.

If he will instruct the UK Health and Security Agency to add service personnel (a) who flew atomic surveillance missions and (b) for whom he recently extended the eligibility criteria for the Nuclear Test Medal to the long-term Government study into the mortality of nuclear veterans.

This Government has reset the relationship with Nuclear Test Veterans and the organisations that support them. We remain committed to listening to their concerns and working collaboratively to address them. In consultation with scientists at the UK Health Security Agency, we have established that it is not possible to add new individuals to the Nuclear Test Veteran longitudinal studies without biasing or affecting the results of the fifth and final analysis. It is important that these studies are carried out to the highest standards, therefore no new individuals have been added to the cohorts.

If he will publish all radiation research on British servicemen held by The Technical Cooperation Programme of the Ministry of Defence.

The Technical Cooperation Programme (TTCP) is a defence innovation network that has enabled cooperation in Defence and Security Science and Technology for nearly 70 years between five nations’ Defence organisations: UK, US, Australia, Canada and New Zealand. The subject of this question dates back many decades. In the years since the activities in question, there have been various changes to organisations and the TTCP arrangements themselves. These complicate the matter of identifying information which may be held in our historical records; and establishing whether any information held can be released under the terms of our international agreements. I will write to the hon. Member with further details.

With reference his Department's documents entitled Murder, Manslaughter and Sexual Offences in the Service Justice System: 2024, updated on 3 October 2025, and Murder, Manslaughter and Sexual Offences in the Service Justice System: 2023, published on 28 March 2024, how many victims of sexual offences under the age of 18 were female since 2021.

All those who choose to serve our country must be able to do so free from abuse, and with the dignity and respect they deserve. Sexual offending has no place in the Armed Forces, and anyone who commits a sexual offence can expect to be prosecuted to the full extent of the law. The number of victims of sexual offences under the age of 18 from 2021 to 2024 and in the published Murder, Manslaughter and Sexual Offences in the Service Justice System official statistics were as follows, noting these are based on investigations opened (including referral and non-referral to the Service Prosecuting Authority) and not based on conviction. a) Rape: 4b) Sexual assault: 80c) Sexual activity with a child committed by a person in a position of trust: not recorded as a separate offence in the published official statistics. The total number of male and female victims of sexual offences under the age of 18 from 2021 to 2024 was 127. The number of female victims under the age of 18 is not published in the official statistics. Figures of fewer than three in each year have been suppressed to prevent inadvertent disclosure and are not included in these totals. Please note that I am unable to release any details concerning alleged victims of sexual offences which could lead to their identification. This is because of statutory restrictions and to ensure that victims of sexual offences are not deterred from coming forward. Therefore, in the interests of protecting the anonymity of the victims I will not be releasing information confirming whether any of the victims of sexual offences referred to in your question were based at the Army Foundation College at the time of the offence.

With reference his Department's documents entitled Murder, Manslaughter and Sexual Offences in the Service Justice System: 2024, updated on 3 October 2025, and Murder, Manslaughter and Sexual Offences in the Service Justice System: 2023, published on 28 March 2024, how many victims of sexual offences under the age of 18 were based at the Army Foundation College.

All those who choose to serve our country must be able to do so free from abuse, and with the dignity and respect they deserve. Sexual offending has no place in the Armed Forces, and anyone who commits a sexual offence can expect to be prosecuted to the full extent of the law. The number of cases involving victims of sexual offences under the age of 18 from 2021 to 2024 and in the published Murder, Manslaughter and Sexual Offences in the Service Justice System official statistics were as follows, noting these are based on investigations opened (including referral and non-referral to the Service Prosecuting Authority) and not based on conviction. a) Rape: 4b) Sexual assault: 80c) Sexual activity with a child committed by a person in a position of trust: not recorded as a separate offence in the published official statistics. The total number of male and female victims of sexual offences under the age of 18 from 2021 to 2024 was 122. The number of female victims under the age of 18 is not published in the official statistics. Figures of fewer than three in each year have been suppressed to prevent inadvertent disclosure and are not included in these totals. Please note that I am unable to release any details concerning alleged victims of sexual offences which could lead to their identification. This is because of statutory restrictions and to ensure that victims of sexual offences are not deterred from coming forward. Therefore, in the interests of protecting the anonymity of the victims I will not be releasing information confirming whether any of the victims of sexual offences referred to in your question were based at the Army Foundation College at the time of the offence.

With reference his Department's documents entitled Murder, Manslaughter and Sexual Offences in the Service Justice System: 2024, updated on 3 October 2025, and Murder, Manslaughter and Sexual Offences in the Service Justice System: 2023, published on 28 March 2024, in how many cases involving victims of sexual offences under the age of 18 were offences of (a) rape, (b) sexual assault, and (c) sexual activity with a child committed by a person in a position of trust since 2021.

All those who choose to serve our country must be able to do so free from abuse, and with the dignity and respect they deserve. Sexual offending has no place in the Armed Forces, and anyone who commits a sexual offence can expect to be prosecuted to the full extent of the law. The number of cases involving victims of sexual offences under the age of 18 from 2021 to 2024 and in the published Murder, Manslaughter and Sexual Offences in the Service Justice System official statistics were as follows, noting these are based on investigations opened (including referral and non-referral to the Service Prosecuting Authority) and not based on conviction. a) Rape: 4b) Sexual assault: 80c) Sexual activity with a child committed by a person in a position of trust: not recorded as a separate offence in the published official statistics. The total number of male and female victims of sexual offences under the age of 18 from 2021 to 2024 was 122. The number of female victims under the age of 18 is not published in the official statistics. Figures of fewer than three in each year have been suppressed to prevent inadvertent disclosure and are not included in these totals. Please note that I am unable to release any details concerning alleged victims of sexual offences which could lead to their identification. This is because of statutory restrictions and to ensure that victims of sexual offences are not deterred from coming forward. Therefore, in the interests of protecting the anonymity of the victims I will not be releasing information confirming whether any of the victims of sexual offences referred to in your question were based at the Army Foundation College at the time of the offence.

What recent discussions he has had with Kosovo counterparts on (a) strengthening defence and security collaboration and (b) industrial and armed forces cooperation.

As one of the first countries to recognise Kosovo’s independence in 2008, the UK has a strong bilateral defence relationship. We continue to play a leading role in the professionalisation of the Kosovo Security Force since its inception in 2009. Today our cooperation focusses on areas including training and exercising, defence education and defence reform. HMG also continue to explore future defence export opportunities to Kosovo. Alongside bolstering Kosovo’s security and resilience, this cooperation aims to support jobs throughout the United Kingdom and maintain our world-class defence-industrial base. Defence exports as well as bilateral defence cooperation were issues discussed when the Kosovan Director for Policy and Strategy met with UK Defence officials in the margins of DSEI in September.

What the total cost to the public purse is for compensation paid to (a) (i) former and (ii) current armed forces personnel and (b) their solicitors in relation to the use of Lariam by the Armed Forces.

The Ministry of Defence is unable to disclose the total amount of damages paid out for common law claims related to Lariam as they are subject to the usual confidentiality undertaking agreed with claimants' legal representatives. The same applies to claimant legal costs.

Pursuant to the Answer of 14 October 2025 to Question 77519 on Armed Forces: Mefloquine, when he expects the issue of claimants' legal costs to be resolved.

The claimant's legal costs are the subject of negotiation between the parties, and it is hoped that they will be resolved soon. It is not currently possible to provide a timeline.

What information his Department holds on the prevalence of asbestos in (a) defence equipment platforms and (b) his Department's (i) buildings and (ii) other infrastructure.

We take the health and safety of our Service personnel and defence employees extremely seriously and have robust procedures for managing asbestos which comply with Health and Safety regulations. Asbestos registers are held for Defence Equipment Platforms along with asbestos elimination/management plans that detail the quantity of Asbestos Containing Material (ACM) present. An annual report is submitted to the Health and Safety Executive on the progress made in eliminating asbestos from Defence Equipment Platforms. The Department is responsible for circa 1,967 sites and each building with confirmed asbestos is listed on the relevant site asbestos register.

Whether his Department holds information on UK participation in civilian radiation experiments conducted by the US during the Cold War.

There is no evidence of any UK participation in unethical US radiation experiments on humans. Officials located ministerial correspondence dating from 1996 that summarise the details of UK conducted voluntary civilian experiments involving the use of low-level radioactive material at Harwell, Porton Down and AWE Aldermaston, dating back to the 1950s. These experiments were conducted appropriately and with due regard to the health and safety of the individuals involved who received a radiation dose significantly less than average national UK background radiation exposure. No reported illnesses or fatalities have resulted from these studies. I will place a copy of that document in the Library of the House.

What steps he is taking to ensure that missing medical records on the use of Lariam by armed forces personnel are (a) located and (b) provided to those personnel.

The Ministry of Defence is not aware of any issues concerning missing medical records on the use of Lariam (mefloquine) by Armed Forces personnel. The Department can additionally confirm there are no outstanding requests for any medical records where a person believes they have been prescribed Lariam (mefloquine).

Whether results of (a) blood tests, (b) urine tests and (c) chest x-rays taken from UK troops serving at nuclear weapons tests were shared with (i) the US, (ii) Canada, (iii) Australia and (iv) New Zealand.

This Government has reset the relationship with nuclear test veterans and the organisations that support them. We remain committed to listening to their concerns and working collaboratively to address them. The Ministry of Defence is looking comprehensively at what information the Department holds regarding nuclear test veterans' medical records. I will update this House when we are in a position to share findings. On the hon. Member's specific question about information shared with the US, Canada, and New Zealand, we have not been able to find any evidence of this. General aspects of radiological and health protection management were shared with Australia during the tests. The 1985 Australian Royal Commission was provided with information on the management of radiological and health protection.

How many claims his Department (a) has settled, (b) has refused and (c) are outstanding for asbestos exposure relating to service in the armed forces.

Service personnel who develop lung cancer or asbestos-related diseases due to Service before 6 April 2005 may be eligible for compensation under the War Pension Scheme (WPS). For conditions arising on or after this date, the Armed Forces Compensation Scheme (AFCS) applies. WPS Asbestos-Related Claims (1 April 2020 - 31 March 2025) Claim outcomeAll Years2020-212021-222022-232023-242024-25Total731143138127175138Awarded614122121101151119Rejected1172117262429Note: Pending claim figures are unavailable, as medical certification – required to confirm relevant conditions – is typically obtained close to the point of claim resolution. Common Law Compensation Claims (1 April 2015 to 31 March 2025) a) 19 asbestos-related claims have been settled with compensation paid.b) 28 claims have been closed without compensation. It is not possible to distinguish between those refused, discontinued, or no longer pursued.c) 320 claims remain outstanding.

For what reason his Department's settlement of Lariam claims involved a non-disclosure agreement with solicitors acting for veteran claimants.

Hilary Meredith Solicitors and the Ministry of Defence agreed to the inclusion of a confidentiality clause in the court order covering the damages settlement. It is a common feature of out of court settlements to keep confidential the amount of damages paid to claimants as well as the amount of legal costs paid to their solicitors.

What the total cost was of the sums agreed by his Department with Hilary Meredith Solicitors Ltd in connection with cases relating to the use of Lariam by armed forces personnel; and how many such claims have been settled.

Damages have been settled in all 434 claims brought by Hilary Meredith Solicitors against the Ministry of Defence relating to the use of Lariam. The claimants' legal costs have still to be resolved.