Written questions by Downie.

Food and Rural Affairs, how many bans on animal ownership have been imposed by Courts in each of the last five years.

Animal health and welfare is a devolved matter. For England, the information requested is not held centrally.

In how many instances of an individual being charged relating to domestic abuse was there also charges laid for animal abuse in each of the last five years.

The Ministry of Justice publishes data on prosecutions by offence through the Outcomes by Offences data tool on GOV.UK. It is not currently possible to separately identify prosecutions for domestic abuse, as such cases are prosecuted under a range of different criminal offences. However, the Government recognises the importance of consistently identifying domestic abuse offenders at every stage of the system. That is why we are moving at pace to implement a domestic abuse identifier at sentencing in criminal cases, delivering on a recommendation made in the Independent Sentencing Review.Statutory guidance on the definition of domestic abuse under Domestic Abuse Act 2021 is clear that domestic abuse can include harming or threatening to harm animals, for example as a form coercive and controlling behaviour. In our Violence Against Women and Girls Strategy, published last December, we committed to ensuring all victims and survivors are protected, including those with pets, including to:Work with the veterinary profession to support initiatives designed to help vets and practice staff recognise potential signs of domestic abuse through non-accidental injuriesStrengthen the pet microchipping regime to prevent the records of domestic abuse victims and survivors being accessed inappropriatelyWork with charities to increase the awareness of services available for the pets of domestic abuse victims and survivors to support more victims to escape abuseAs part of this work, Defra has also commissioned research, led by the University of Bristol, into the relationship between animal abuse and domestic abuse, and will consider the findings once the research concludes.

Whether he has received advice on the potential link between domestic abuse and animal abuse.

The Ministry of Justice publishes data on prosecutions by offence through the Outcomes by Offences data tool on GOV.UK. It is not currently possible to separately identify prosecutions for domestic abuse, as such cases are prosecuted under a range of different criminal offences. However, the Government recognises the importance of consistently identifying domestic abuse offenders at every stage of the system. That is why we are moving at pace to implement a domestic abuse identifier at sentencing in criminal cases, delivering on a recommendation made in the Independent Sentencing Review.Statutory guidance on the definition of domestic abuse under Domestic Abuse Act 2021 is clear that domestic abuse can include harming or threatening to harm animals, for example as a form coercive and controlling behaviour. In our Violence Against Women and Girls Strategy, published last December, we committed to ensuring all victims and survivors are protected, including those with pets, including to:Work with the veterinary profession to support initiatives designed to help vets and practice staff recognise potential signs of domestic abuse through non-accidental injuriesStrengthen the pet microchipping regime to prevent the records of domestic abuse victims and survivors being accessed inappropriatelyWork with charities to increase the awareness of services available for the pets of domestic abuse victims and survivors to support more victims to escape abuseAs part of this work, Defra has also commissioned research, led by the University of Bristol, into the relationship between animal abuse and domestic abuse, and will consider the findings once the research concludes.

What percentage of people convicted for animal cruelty have reoffended in the last five years.

In 2023/24, the proven reoffending rate for offenders with an index offence of animal cruelty was 15.9%. This is an increase of 3 percentage points from 12.9% in 2019/20.Proven reoffending rates, number of reoffences, number of reoffenders, and number of offenders in cohort for the index offence of animal cruelty can be found in the attached Excel table.

If he will publish the most recent assessment carried out on the future potential of existing nuclear power sites in Scotland.

In autumn 2025, Great British Energy - Nuclear (GBE-N) was commissioned by Department Ministers to assess Scotland’s potential for new nuclear power, including around areas that have previously hosted nuclear stations, such as Torness and Hunterston. GBE-N's study will conclude shortly.

If he will publish the most recent assessment he has made of the potential of (i) Torness and (ii) Hunterston to host new nuclear power.

In autumn 2025, Great British Energy - Nuclear (GBE-N) was commissioned by Department Ministers to assess Scotland’s potential for new nuclear power, including around areas that have previously hosted nuclear stations, such as Torness and Hunterston. GBE-N's study will conclude shortly.

What assessment he has made of the potential merits of (i) Torness and (ii) Hunterston hosting new nuclear.

In autumn 2025, Great British Energy - Nuclear (GBE-N) was commissioned by Department Ministers to assess Scotland’s potential for new nuclear power, including around areas that have previously hosted nuclear stations, such as Torness and Hunterston. GBE-N's study will conclude shortly.

When he last carried out an assessment of the future potential of nuclear power sites in Scotland.

In autumn 2025, Great British Energy - Nuclear (GBE-N) was commissioned by Department Ministers to assess Scotland’s potential for new nuclear power, including around areas that have previously hosted nuclear stations, such as Torness and Hunterston.The Government is committed to new nuclear including the potential of sites in Scotland, however we recognise the current Scottish Government's block on this at present.

What assessment he has made of the potential economic and security impacts for the UK defence sector of increases in cooperation with Ukraine’s defence innovation ecosystem.

The Secretary of State for Defence continues to work closely with the Government of Ukraine on cooperation between the UK and Ukraine defence sectors. We are building a sustained defence industrial partnership between the UK and Ukraine which will develop industrial capacity while supporting UK and Ukrainian security. The 100 Year Partnership between the UK and Ukraine facilities the rapid pursuit of sustainable production to create a dynamic ecosystem of defence innovation. We will carry out joint defence capability projects and encourage the establishment of joint defence enterprises, strengthening our defence capabilities and ensuring joint arms exports to foreign markets.

What mechanisms exist within his Department to capture and integrate lessons from Ukraine’s battlefield experience into UK defence planning and capability development.

The primary mechanism for lessons learnt from Ukraine's battlefield experience is through the Defence Lessons Identified Management System, which facilities their assignment and management.For those of strategic relevance, the Military Commands will route lessons through the newly instituted Military Strategic Lessons Working Group for refinement and drafting of actionable recommendations or for further investigatory activity.Once prepared, lessons are presented to the Integrated Warfare Development Board for validation and sentencing. After which, the Board will monitor the implementation progress of the lesson plus ensuring coherence across Military Strategic Headquarters and the Military Commands.

What support his Department provides to UK companies seeking to supply innovation-based defence technologies to Ukraine.

The Secretary of State for Defence is committed to supporting UK companies in supplying innovation-based technologies to Ukraine, boosting high-skilled British-based jobs and meeting Ukraine's urgent needs in its fight against Russia's illegal invasion.In cooperation with trade association ADS, the UK has delivered seven successful Trade Missions to Ukraine, bringing together UK and Ukrainian industry to discuss opportunities for long-term cooperation and investment, and to promote greater collaboration with defence industrial companies inside Ukraine.Last year we announced that the UK will manufacture and jointly develop cutting-edge military equipment with Ukrainian industry through a groundbreaking new technology sharing agreement. This tech sharing agreement is called Programme Lyra.On the first anniversary of the 100 Year Partnership (16 Jan 2026) it was announced that a new business centre will open in Kyiv this year to ensure Britain's cutting-edge defence industry and innovators can step up their work to equip Ukraine's Armed Forces. This facility will deliver good jobs at home and bring Ukrainian and UK defence industries closer than ever while embedding the lessons from the battlefield.

What steps his Department is taking to support UK companies seeking to collaborate with Ukrainian defence and dual-use technology innovators.

The Secretary of State for Defence is committed to strengthening collaboration between Ukrainian and British defence innovators. In cooperation with trade association ADS, the UK has delivered seven successful Trade Missions to Ukraine, bringing together UK industry and likeminded European partners to discuss opportunities for long-term cooperation and investment, and to promote greater collaboration with defence industrial companies inside Ukraine. This month, I led the largest trade mission, with the UK welcoming five European partners and a record 35 UK companies from primes to SMEs, offering a range of innovative solutions. Last year we announced that the UK will manufacture and jointly develop cutting-edge military equipment with Ukrainian industry through a groundbreaking new technology sharing agreement. This tech sharing agreement is called Programme Lyra. On the first anniversary of the 100 Year Partnership (16 Jan 2026) it was announced that a new business centre will open in Kyiv this year to ensure Britain’s cutting-edge defence industry and innovators can step up their work to equip Ukraine’s Armed Forces. This facility will deliver jobs at home and bring Ukrainian and UK defence industries closer than ever while embedding the lessons from the battlefield.

What assessment his Department has made of the potential economic and industrial merits to the UK of strengthening partnerships with Ukraine’s defence innovation and technology sector.

The Secretary of State for Defence is committed to strengthening collaboration between Ukrainian and British defence innovators. In cooperation with trade association ADS, the UK has delivered seven successful Trade Missions to Ukraine, bringing together UK industry and likeminded European partners to discuss opportunities for long-term cooperation and investment, and to promote greater collaboration with defence industrial companies inside Ukraine. This month, I led the largest trade mission, with the UK welcoming five European partners and a record 35 UK companies from primes to SMEs, offering a range of innovative solutions. On the first anniversary of the 100 Year Partnership (16 Jan 2026) it was announced that a new business centre will open in Kyiv this year to ensure Britain’s cutting-edge defence industry and innovators can step up their work to equip Ukraine’s Armed Forces. This facility will deliver jobs at home and bring Ukrainian and UK defence industries closer than ever while embedding the lessons from the battlefield. Last year we announced that the UK will manufacture and jointly develop cutting-edge military equipment with Ukrainian industry through a groundbreaking new technology sharing agreement. This tech sharing agreement is called Programme Lyra.

What steps his Department is taking to support collaboration between UK technology companies and Ukrainian defence and dual-use technology innovators.

The Secretary of State for Defence is committed to strengthening collaboration between Ukrainian and British defence innovators. In cooperation with trade association ADS, the UK has delivered seven successful Trade Missions to Ukraine, bringing together UK industry and likeminded European partners to discuss opportunities for long-term cooperation and investment, and to promote greater collaboration with defence industrial companies inside Ukraine. This month, I led the largest trade mission, with the UK welcoming five European partners and a record 35 UK companies from primes to SMEs, offering a range of innovative solutions. On the first anniversary of the 100 Year Partnership (16 Jan 2026) it was announced that a new business centre will open in Kyiv this year to ensure Britain’s cutting-edge defence industry and innovators can step up their work to equip Ukraine’s Armed Forces. This facility will deliver jobs at home and bring Ukrainian and UK defence industries closer than ever while embedding the lessons from the battlefield. Last year we announced that the UK will manufacture and jointly develop cutting-edge military equipment with Ukrainian industry through a groundbreaking new technology sharing agreement. This tech sharing agreement is called Programme Lyra.

What steps he has taken to strengthen collaboration between Ukrainian, British and European defence technology innovators.

The Secretary of State for Defence is committed to strengthening collaboration between Ukrainian, British and European defence innovators. In cooperation with trade association ADS, the UK has delivered seven successful Trade Missions to Ukraine, bringing together UK industry and likeminded European partners to discuss opportunities for long-term cooperation and investment, and to promote greater collaboration with defence industrial companies inside Ukraine.This month, I led the largest trade mission, with the UK welcoming five European partners and a record 35 UK companies from primes to SMEs, offering a range of innovative solutions.

If he will make an assessment of the potential merits of joint UK–EU–Ukraine research and development programmes in areas such as autonomous systems, counter-drone technologies and missile defence.

The Secretary of State for Defence continues to work closely with the Government of Ukraine and European allies on the sharing of knowledge and insight around autonomous systems, counter-drone technologies and missile defence whose technologists and armed forces are constantly evolving capabilities to address a variety of threats from Russia.

Whether his Department is taking steps to help ensure the defence sector can learn from Ukraine’s operational experience in countering drones, missile threats and electronic warfare.

The Ministry of Defence continually assesses how Ukrainian battlefield innovation can inform the UK's own capabilities. The conflict has shown the need to accelerate the learn-adapt cycle, with concepts moving from design to battlefield use within weeks.The UK is seeking to identify lessons driven by rapid collection and analysis of frontline data. Forward technical expertise and open dialogue with operators will allow industry to innovate and scale production more quickly.There is acknowledgement of the importance of integrating UAS with traditional fires rather than seeing them as replacements. Ukraine's experience also highlights that operational surprise remains achievable through robust operational security and deception; the need for resilient Integrated Air and Missile Defence built on multiple effectors; and the imperative to train for contested and degraded electromagnetic environments.

What initiatives his Department is part of that aim to foster cooperation between Ukrainian defence innovators and the UK and European industrial and technology ecosystems.

The Secretary of State for Defence is committed to fostering collaboration between Ukraine, British and European industry. In cooperation with trade association ADS, the UK has delivered seven successful Trade Missions to Ukraine, bringing together UK industry and likeminded European partners to discuss opportunities for long-term cooperation and investment, and to promote greater collaboration with defence industrial companies inside Ukraine. This month, I led the largest trade mission, with the UK welcoming five European partners and a record 35 UK companies from primes to SMEs, offering a range of innovative solutions. Last year we announced that the UK will manufacture and jointly develop cutting-edge military equipment with Ukrainian industry through a groundbreaking new technology sharing agreement. This tech sharing agreement is called Programme Lyra.

What steps the UK Government is taking to promote collaborative defence innovation initiatives involving the UK, European partners and Ukraine.

The Secretary of State for Defence is committed to promoting collaborative initiatives that strengthen collaboration between Ukrainian, British and European defence innovators. In cooperation with trade association ADS, the UK has delivered seven successful Trade Missions to Ukraine, bringing together UK industry and likeminded European partners to discuss opportunities for long-term cooperation and investment, and to promote greater collaboration with defence industrial companies inside Ukraine.This month, I led the largest trade mission, with the UK welcoming five European partners and a record 35 UK companies from primes to SMEs, offering a range of innovative solutions.

What assessment he has made of the role of Ukrainian defence technology innovation in strengthening NATO partners’ capabilities against drone and ballistic missile threats.

The Secretary of State for Defence continues to work closely with the Government of Ukraine and NATO partners on the sharing of knowledge and insights about drone and missile threats whose technologists and armed forces are constantly evolving capabilities to address a variety of threats from Russia.