Every parliamentary written question tabled by Graeme Downie this session, with the full answer and department. Back to the MP page.
Showing 81–100 of 136 · Ministry of Defence
How many hours have been flown by each of the P8-Poseidon fleet in the last 12 months.
For reasons of operational security, the Ministry of Defence does not release detailed information regarding the flight hours of individual aircraft within the P-8 Poseidon fleet. Disclosing such data could compromise operational effectiveness and national security.
If he will provide a breakdown of flight time of the RAF P8-Poseidon fleet in hours, by (a) training, (b) specific exercises and (c) operational in each of the last two years.
I am withholding the information requested as the disclosure of information regarding a breakdown of flight time of the RAF P8-Poseidon fleet could, or would be likely to prejudice the capability, effectiveness, or security of the Armed Forces.
How many times RAF P8-Poseidon aircraft have been launched from RAF Lossiemouth on operational mission in each of the last 12 months.
RAF P-8 Poseidon aircraft are routinely deployed from RAF Lossiemouth on operational missions in support of the UK's defence and security objectives. Over the past 12 months, an average of 17 operational missions per month have been conducted. For reasons of operational security, the Ministry of Defence does not disclose detailed information on the number of missions conducted.
With reference to his Department's policy paper entitled The UK's Modern Industrial Strategy, published in June 2025, what progress he has made with Cabinet colleagues on the development of Defence Growth Deals.
At the Spending Review, the Chancellor announced that there will be Defence Growth Deals launched across the UK. Further details will be provided in the forthcoming Defence Industrial Strategy.
If he will make an assessment of the potential implications for his policies on support for veterans in the UK of the support provided to military veterans living in South Africa.
This Government continues to work to deepen our relations with our international partners, including on issues relating to veterans.
Whether he plans to meet with the South African Minister for Defence and Military Veterans.
We are actively engaged in enhancing bilateral defence ties with South Africa. The Defence Secretary looks forward to meeting his South African counterpart when the opportunity arises.
When he last met the South African Minister of Defence and Military Veterans; and what issues were discussed at the meeting.
The UK has a strong bilateral defence relationship with the Republic of South Africa. The Secretary of State for Defence has yet to meet his South African counterpart, Minister Motshekga. However the Minister for the House of Lords, Lord Coaker, had the pleasure of meeting with Mr Holomisa, the Deputy Minister of Defence and Military Veterans, in February 2025 where both parties spoke of the importance of the UK-Republic of South Africa Defence relationship.
If he will conduct an audit of defence Critical National infrastructure to identify whether they contain Chinese-made components.
The Ministry of Defence regularly reviews its critical supply chains to identify and mitigate risks to defence capability, including defence Critical National Infrastructure (CNI). We utilise the full suite of economic and security tools to manage national security risks to our assets, including the National Security and Investment Act and advice from the National Technical Authorities (NCSC and NPSA) on best practice for CNI security and resilience.
Whether he plans to permanently station UK forces to defend the High North.
The Strategic Defence Review will set the strategic direction for Defence for the next decade. The UK is committed to maintaining a coherent Defence posture in the in the region and will defend and support our Allies should the need arise. The UK will contest malign and destabilising behaviours and activity in the region which threaten our interests and that of our Allies. The UK, as the framework nation for the Joint Expeditionary Force (JEF), provides a platform for engagement with Allied Arctic states, to build consensus on security issues, and counter Russian influence. The deployment of the Littoral Strike Group, Joint Aviation Assets, Carrier Strike capability and routine Maritime patrols in the region, as well as our regular cold weather training exercises in Norway, underlines the UK’s commitment to security in the High North.
Which UK assets are deployed to support allies defending the High North.
The Strategic Defence Review will set the strategic direction for Defence for the next decade. The UK is committed to maintaining a coherent Defence posture in the region and will defend and support our Allies should the need arise. The UK will contest malign and destabilising behaviours and activity in the region which threaten our interests and that of our Allies. The UK, as the framework nation for the Joint Expeditionary Force (JEF), provides a platform for engagement with Allied Arctic states, to build consensus on security issues, and counter Russian influence. The deployment of the Littoral Strike Group, Joint Aviation Assets, Carrier Strike capability and routine Maritime patrols in the region, as well as our regular cold weather training exercises in Norway, underlines the UK’s commitment to security in the High North.
What estimate he has made of the cost of Royal Navy shadowing of suspected Russian spy ships (a) in and (b) near UK territorial waters in each of the last five years.
The Royal Navy continuously monitors UK waters and are ready to respond to the presence of Russian vessels. Specific detail cannot be confirmed for reasons of safeguarding national security.
How many times the Royal Navy has shadowed suspected Russian spy ships (a) in and (b) near UK territorial waters in each of the last five years.
The Royal Navy continuously monitors UK waters and are ready to respond to the presence of Russian vessels. Specific detail cannot be confirmed for reasons of safeguarding national security.
When he plans to announce next steps for the Submarine Dismantling Programme.
The demonstrator submarine, SWIFTSURE, remains on track to be fully dismantled by the end of 2026. There are six further defueled Pressurised Water Reactor 1 (PWR1) submarines awaiting dismantling in Rosyth. Further announcements about dismantling the remaining PWR1 submarines will be made at the appropriate time.
What Royal Navy surface ships have shadowed suspected Russian spy ships (a) in and (b) near UK territorial waters in each of the last five years.
The Royal Navy continuously monitors UK waters and are ready to respond to the presence of Russian vessels. Specific detail cannot be confirmed for reasons of safeguarding national security.
What assessment he has made of the effectiveness of the participation of UK forces in Exercise Joint Viking.
Exercise Joint Viking was an effective demonstration of the Commando Force and all of its constituent personnel. The exercise met its aims as force elements successfully conducted invaluable amphibious training, utilising new equipment in environmentally relevant climatic conditions. This exercise positively rehearsed existing crisis response options alongside the Norwegians and other NATO allies.
How many hours Royal Navy ships have spent shadowing suspected Russian spy ships (a) in and (b) near UK territorial waters in each of the last five years.
The Royal Navy continuously monitors UK waters and are ready to respond to the presence of Russian vessels. Specific detail cannot be confirmed for reasons of safeguarding national security.
What representations he has received from the German Government on the sale of Eurofighter Typhoons to Turkey.
We hold regular discussions with Germany on a range of issues related to equipment and joint programmes. The UK is supportive of the prospective sale of Eurofighter Typhoon to Turkey, as its next fighter platform. We continue to discuss our ongoing bid for Turkey to procure Typhoon with the other Eurofighter Partner Nations, including Germany.
How many Royal Navy ships have shadowed suspected Russian spy ships (a) in and (b) near UK territorial waters in each of the last five years.
The Royal Navy continuously monitors UK waters and are ready to respond to the presence of Russian vessels. Specific detail cannot be confirmed for reasons of safeguarding national security.
What support he provides for people with long term health conditions trying to access discounts on water charges when the supply is provided on behalf of his Department.
The Ministry of Defence does not provide additional support for people with long term health conditions to access discounts on water charges when the supply is provided on behalf of the Department.
When the new support hub for SMEs will be operational.
I refer the hon. Member to the answer I gave on 10 March 2025 to the hon. Member for South Suffolk (James Cartlidge) to Question 34903.