Every parliamentary written question tabled by Graeme Downie this session, with the full answer and department. Back to the MP page.
Showing 61–80 of 136 · Ministry of Defence
When he last met with his US counterpart; and what issues were discussed.
The Defence Secretary regularly engages with the US Secretary of War, Pete Hegseth. They most recently met on 10 December in Washington DC where they discussed a number of defence and security issues, including Ukraine, AUKUS, the upcoming US National Defense Strategy and strategic alignment.
What discussions he has had with his US counterpart on UK defence companies working with the Office of Strategic Capital.
Defence Officials, on behalf of the Secretary of State for Defence, have engaged with US counterparts from the Office of Strategic Capital regarding strategic partnering, most recently in September 2025. Officials have discussed a number of topics, including UK defence industry, Trusted Capital, and opportunities for engagement.
What assessment he has made of the adequacy of UK ice cutter ship capacity for use in the High North.
The Royal Navy (RN) does not currently operate a dedicated ice cutter capability in the High North. However, the Ministry of Defence recognises the increasing strategic importance of the region and continually assesses its capability requirements for the High North. All spending decisions on platforms will be made as part of the Defence Investment Plan.
Whether he plans to increase UK ice cutter ship capacity for use in the High North.
The Royal Navy (RN) does not currently operate a dedicated ice cutter capability in the High North. However, the Ministry of Defence recognises the increasing strategic importance of the region and continually assesses its capability requirements for the High North. All spending decisions on platforms will be made as part of the Defence Investment Plan.
How many armed forces personnel have received training from the International Committee on the Red Cross on the laws governing armed conflict.
The Ministry of Defence (MOD) delivers training to the UK Armed Forces on the Law of Armed Conflict. The International Committee of the Red Cross does not deliver dedicated Law of Armed Conflict training to UK personnel but does provide inputs into multiple MOD training courses such as International Humanitarian Law and obligations of arms bearers.
Whether he plans to increase the number of people who can be accommodated at HMS Caledonia.
Accommodation requirements are kept under regular review to ensure they meet operational needs. The Ministry of Defence has no current plans to increase the permanent accommodation capacity at HMS Caledonia.
What assessment his Department has made of the suitability of accommodation at HMS Caledonia.
As of December 2025, the Ministry of Defence has assessed the suitability of accommodation at HMS Caledonia as meeting the required standards for safety, security, and habitability according to Tri-Service Accommodation Regulations (JSP 464).
How much money his Department has spent on (i) maintaining and (ii) improving accommodate at HMS Caledonia in each of the last 10 years.
The Defence Infrastructure Organisation (DIO) do not specifically separate maintenance costs for the HMS Caledonia Single Living Accommodation (SLA) blocks from within the overall site infrastructure running costs. It is therefore not possible to give a figure for this part of the question. We have inherited a situation where there has been no capital infrastructure investment in the last 10 years in improving the SLA blocks at HMS Caledonia. This is as a result of the site being planned for closure in the Better Defence Estates 2016 announcement, and not being removed from the disposals programme until it was transferred to the Royal Navy and recommissioned in April 2023. Future planning requirements for the site are being developed.
If he will provide a breakdown of the current accommodation available at HMS Caledonia including (i) room type, (ii) capacity and (iii) construction date.
HMS Caledonia has eight blocks of permanent accommodation, which can accommodate approximately 500 personnel. The majority of room types are single living accommodation, but there are also rooms for two personnel, three personnel and family rooms. The accommodation blocks were built between 1940 and 1970 and requirements are kept under regular review to ensure they meet operational needs.
When he plans to make a decision on the future of the Submarine Dismantling Programme.
The demonstrator submarine, Swiftsure, continues to be dismantled as part of the Submarine Dismantling Project. Working with Babcock, we remain committed to dismantling the platform by the end of 2026. Following Swiftsure, there are six further legacy submarines in Rosyth awaiting to enter the dismantling process. Realisation of an enduring disposal capability to ensure the safe and secure disposal of the UK’s future decommissioned submarines will be delivered through the Department’s Submarine Disposal Capability Project. The project is currently in its concept phase and the Department is assessing options for the capability and its location with various sites under consideration within the UK. A decision will be communicated to Parliament at the appropriate time.
What the average cost is of training a new fast jet pilot for the RAF.
I refer the hon. Member to the answer the former Minister for Armed Forces, Luke Pollard MP, gave to Question 36613 on 13 March 2025 to the right hon. Member for Rayleigh and Wickford (Mark Francois MP).
How many fast jet pilots are expected to complete training and enter front-line service with the RAF in each of the next five years.
The number of Royal Air Force (RAF) fast jet pilots that are expected to complete training and commence Operational Conversion Units is based upon the front-line demand for qualified pilots in future years. The RAF actively manage the pilot training pipelines to ensure that trainee flowthrough is kept to an optimum and meets the front-line requirements. The specific number of fast jet pilots expected to complete training and commence front-line Operational Conversion Units in the RAF in each of the next five years will not be released into the public domain as this information may provide tactical advantage to hostile forces causing operational and personnel security risks.
How many fast jet pilots completed training and entered front-line service with the RAF in each of the last five years.
This information is not released into the public domain for operational and personnel security reasons.
What contingency plans he has to rapidly increase the number of front line pilots in the RAF.
Contingency plans are in place to rapidly increase the number of front-line pilots in the RAF if required. Details of specific contingency plans are not released for operational and personnel security reasons.
What steps he is taking to increase the number of frontline fast jet pilots available to the RAF.
In line with the Strategic Defence Review 2025, an RAF programme team is being established to revise current fast jet training arrangements and optimise capacity. A fast jet transformation project and human performance optimisation programme are being implemented. Measures to increase the number of fast jet Qualified Flying Instructors (QFIs) at RAF Valley have also been implemented. These include agreements with the Combat Air Force for them to provide suitably qualified and experienced QFI trainees from the front-line to RAF Valley to sustain the military QFI requirement and the recruitment of civilian QFIs though the UKMFTS Training Service Partner.
How many pilots are expected to complete training and enter front-line service with the RAF in each of the next five years by (a) aircraft and (b) service type.
This information is not released into the public domain for operational and personnel security reasons. For each training year, the number of pilots that are expected to complete training and commence Operational Conversion Units is based upon the front-line demand for qualified pilots in future years. The Royal Air Force (RAF) actively manage the pilot training pipelines to ensure that trainee flowthrough is kept to an optimum and meets the front-line requirements.
How many new pilots completed training and entered front-line service with the RAF in each of the last five years by (a) aircraft and (b) service type.
For each training year, the number of pilots that undertake training and commence Operational Conversion Units is based upon the front-line demand for qualified pilots. The Royal Air Force (RAF) actively manage the pilot training pipelines to ensure that trainee flowthrough is kept to an optimum and meets the front-line requirements. The specific number of pilots that have completed training and commenced front-line Operational Conversion Units in each of the last five years is not released into the public domain as this level of detailed information may provide tactical advantage to hostile forces causing operational and personnel security risks.
How many quick reaction alert launches there have been from RAF (a) Coningsby and (b) Lossiemouth in each month of 2025.
The table below details the number of quick reaction alert launches, in each month of 2025: 2025RAF Lossiemouth RAF ConingsbyJanuary10February00March00April20May00June00July00August01September*11* To 30 September 2025
How many times RAF Poseidon P8 aircraft have been intercepted by Russian jets in international airspace in each of the last 24 months.
I am withholding the information requested as the disclosure of information regarding interactions between RAF Poseidon P8 aircraft and foreign military assets could, or would be likely to, prejudice the capability, effectiveness, or security of the Armed Forces.
What assessment he has made of the effectiveness of the RAF fleet of P8 Poseidon aircraft.
The RAF has conducted three series of trials to evaluate the P-8A Poseidon aircraft and its systems against the Maritime Patrol Aircraft Programme's capability requirements. These assessments confirmed that the P-8A Poseidon is an effective platform for its intended roles.