Written questions by Downie.

What assessment he has made of the potential of ASGARD for UK armed forces.

ASGARD will create a digitally enabled reconnaissance and strike network, bringing together sensors, decision-support tools and precision weapons to improve decision-making and increase lethality. With continued investment and oversight, ASGARD will deliver incremental capability upgrades between 2026 and 2029, aligned with the Army Command Plan, NATO standards and Defence’s Digital Target Web. The overall cost of ASGARD will continue to develop and change as it progresses, however future funding plans for ASGARD are being considered as part of the Defence Investment Plan. With regards to the implementation of ASGARD, I refer the hon. Member to Question 73577, which remains extant and explains the current position for the project. The next iteration of ASGARD, focused at Corps level operations, will be tested in Quarter two 2026.

If he will provide an update on the implementation of ASGARD.

ASGARD will create a digitally enabled reconnaissance and strike network, bringing together sensors, decision-support tools and precision weapons to improve decision-making and increase lethality. With continued investment and oversight, ASGARD will deliver incremental capability upgrades between 2026 and 2029, aligned with the Army Command Plan, NATO standards and Defence’s Digital Target Web. The overall cost of ASGARD will continue to develop and change as it progresses, however future funding plans for ASGARD are being considered as part of the Defence Investment Plan. With regards to the implementation of ASGARD, I refer the hon. Member to Question 73577, which remains extant and explains the current position for the project. The next iteration of ASGARD, focused at Corps level operations, will be tested in Quarter two 2026.

What percentage of personal banking transactions are completed digitally for each of the past 3 years.

Whilst the Government does not hold data on the percentage of personal banking transactions that are completed digitally for each of the past 3 years specifically, the Financial Conduct Authority’s Financial Lives Survey collects data regarding digital banking on a biannual basis. According to the most recent Financial Lives Survey, in May 2024 93% of UK adults banked online or using a mobile app. This included 83% of adults aged 75+. This increased from 88% of UK adults who banked digitally in May 2022, 85% of UK adults in May 2020, and 78% of UK adults in 2017. According to UK Finance’s report on the UK Payments Market, in 2024 for the first time, more consumers used mobile banking accessed via phone than online banking via laptop or desktop computer. 75% of UK adults are users of mobile banking. This led to a growth in Faster Payments to 5.6 billion payment transactions, increasing by 14% compared to 2023, overtaking cash and Direct Debit as the second most frequently-used payment method in the UK. More information on digital payments over the last three years can be found in the annual summary documents on UK Finance’s website.

What assessment he has made of the potential merits of increasing the use of DM Crombie by Royal Navy ships to protect (i) the High North and (ii) North Sea subsurface cables.

The Royal Navy and Defence Infrastructure Organisation work closely to ensure that infrastructure is in place to ensure continuity of operations. DM Crombie remains a key support enabler for Defence and continues to offer operational flexibility to the RN and RFA Fleet along with Allied Partners operating in the North Sea, Euro-Atlantic and High North regions. For operational security reasons, the Royal Navy will not release the movements of Royal Navy and RFA vessels in and out of DM Crombie over the next five years, nor comment on the specific material condition of operational infrastructure at DM Crombie.

When he expects the jetty at DM Crombie to be fully operational.

The Royal Navy and Defence Infrastructure Organisation work closely to ensure that infrastructure is in place to ensure continuity of operations. DM Crombie remains a key support enabler for Defence and continues to offer operational flexibility to the RN and RFA Fleet along with Allied Partners operating in the North Sea, Euro-Atlantic and High North regions. For operational security reasons, the Royal Navy will not release the movements of Royal Navy and RFA vessels in and out of DM Crombie over the next five years, nor comment on the specific material condition of operational infrastructure at DM Crombie.

What assessment he has made of the potential merits of adding refuelling capabilities at DM Crombie.

The Royal Navy and Defence Infrastructure Organisation work closely to ensure that infrastructure is in place to ensure continuity of operations. DM Crombie remains a key support enabler for Defence and continues to offer operational flexibility to the RN and RFA Fleet along with Allied Partners operating in the North Sea, Euro-Atlantic and High North regions. For operational security reasons, the Royal Navy will not release the movements of Royal Navy and RFA vessels in and out of DM Crombie over the next five years, nor comment on the specific material condition of operational infrastructure at DM Crombie.

What discussions have taken place regarding adding refuelling capabilities at DM Crombie.

The Royal Navy and Defence Infrastructure Organisation work closely to ensure that infrastructure is in place to ensure continuity of operations. DM Crombie remains a key support enabler for Defence and continues to offer operational flexibility to the RN and RFA Fleet along with Allied Partners operating in the North Sea, Euro-Atlantic and High North regions. For operational security reasons, the Royal Navy will not release the movements of Royal Navy and RFA vessels in and out of DM Crombie over the next five years, nor comment on the specific material condition of operational infrastructure at DM Crombie.

How many (a) Royal Navy and (b) RFA ships will use the jetty at DM Crombie in each of the next five years.

The Royal Navy and Defence Infrastructure Organisation work closely to ensure that infrastructure is in place to ensure continuity of operations. DM Crombie remains a key support enabler for Defence and continues to offer operational flexibility to the RN and RFA Fleet along with Allied Partners operating in the North Sea, Euro-Atlantic and High North regions. For operational security reasons, the Royal Navy will not release the movements of Royal Navy and RFA vessels in and out of DM Crombie over the next five years, nor comment on the specific material condition of operational infrastructure at DM Crombie.

What assessment he has carried out on the strategic importance of DM Crombie to the Royal Navy and UK allies.

The Royal Navy and Defence Infrastructure Organisation work closely to ensure that infrastructure is in place to ensure continuity of operations. DM Crombie remains a key support enabler for Defence and continues to offer operational flexibility to the RN and RFA Fleet along with Allied Partners operating in the North Sea, Euro-Atlantic and High North regions. For operational security reasons, the Royal Navy will not release the movements of Royal Navy and RFA vessels in and out of DM Crombie over the next five years, nor comment on the specific material condition of operational infrastructure at DM Crombie.

What assessment he has carried out of the condition of the main jetty at DM Crombie.

The Royal Navy and Defence Infrastructure Organisation work closely to ensure that infrastructure is in place to ensure continuity of operations. DM Crombie remains a key support enabler for Defence and continues to offer operational flexibility to the RN and RFA Fleet along with Allied Partners operating in the North Sea, Euro-Atlantic and High North regions. For operational security reasons, the Royal Navy will not release the movements of Royal Navy and RFA vessels in and out of DM Crombie over the next five years, nor comment on the specific material condition of operational infrastructure at DM Crombie.

What steps he is taking to increase the use of DM Crombie by the Royal Navy.

The Royal Navy and Defence Infrastructure Organisation work closely to ensure that infrastructure is in place to ensure continuity of operations. DM Crombie remains a key support enabler for Defence and continues to offer operational flexibility to the RN and RFA Fleet along with Allied Partners operating in the North Sea, Euro-Atlantic and High North regions. For operational security reasons, the Royal Navy will not release the movements of Royal Navy and RFA vessels in and out of DM Crombie over the next five years, nor comment on the specific material condition of operational infrastructure at DM Crombie.

What assessment he has carried out of the condition of the main pier at DM Crombie.

The Royal Navy and Defence Infrastructure Organisation work closely to ensure that infrastructure is in place to ensure continuity of operations. DM Crombie remains a key support enabler for Defence and continues to offer operational flexibility to the RN and RFA Fleet along with Allied Partners operating in the North Sea, Euro-Atlantic and High North regions. For operational security reasons, the Royal Navy will not release the movements of Royal Navy and RFA vessels in and out of DM Crombie over the next five years, nor comment on the specific material condition of operational infrastructure at DM Crombie.

What plans he has to upgrade the main jetty at DM Crombie.

The Royal Navy and Defence Infrastructure Organisation work closely to ensure that infrastructure is in place to ensure continuity of operations. DM Crombie remains a key support enabler for Defence and continues to offer operational flexibility to the RN and RFA Fleet along with Allied Partners operating in the North Sea, Euro-Atlantic and High North regions. For operational security reasons, the Royal Navy will not release the movements of Royal Navy and RFA vessels in and out of DM Crombie over the next five years, nor comment on the specific material condition of operational infrastructure at DM Crombie.

What assessment he has made of the potential impact of increased use of DM Crombie on transit time for Royal Navy ships patrolling the North Sea.

The Royal Navy and Defence Infrastructure Organisation work closely to ensure that infrastructure is in place to ensure continuity of operations. DM Crombie remains a key support enabler for Defence and continues to offer operational flexibility to the RN and RFA Fleet along with Allied Partners operating in the North Sea, Euro-Atlantic and High North regions. For operational security reasons, the Royal Navy will not release the movements of Royal Navy and RFA vessels in and out of DM Crombie over the next five years, nor comment on the specific material condition of operational infrastructure at DM Crombie.

What role DM Crombie plays in the defence and protection of (i) the High North and (ii) subsurface cables in the North Sea.

The Royal Navy and Defence Infrastructure Organisation work closely to ensure that infrastructure is in place to ensure continuity of operations. DM Crombie remains a key support enabler for Defence and continues to offer operational flexibility to the RN and RFA Fleet along with Allied Partners operating in the North Sea, Euro-Atlantic and High North regions. For operational security reasons, the Royal Navy will not release the movements of Royal Navy and RFA vessels in and out of DM Crombie over the next five years, nor comment on the specific material condition of operational infrastructure at DM Crombie.

When he expects the pier at DM Crombie to be fully operational.

The Royal Navy and Defence Infrastructure Organisation work closely to ensure that infrastructure is in place to ensure continuity of operations. DM Crombie remains a key support enabler for Defence and continues to offer operational flexibility to the RN and RFA Fleet along with Allied Partners operating in the North Sea, Euro-Atlantic and High North regions. For operational security reasons, the Royal Navy will not release the movements of Royal Navy and RFA vessels in and out of DM Crombie over the next five years, nor comment on the specific material condition of operational infrastructure at DM Crombie.

What advice is given to operators of offshore oil rigs and installations in the North Sea on steps to take in the event of threat or intimidation from Russian military assets.

The Ministry of Defence (MOD) does not provide training or advice to operators of offshore oil rigs and installations in the North Sea. The Department for Energy Security and Net Zero is responsible for the security of energy infrastructure. The MOD keeps Russian military capabilities and assets under continuous review as part of our routine defence intelligence and wider strategic assessment. This contributes to wider HMG efforts to reduce the vulnerability of networks and assets and ensure an effective response to disruptive incidents.

What assessment he has made of the threat to UK offshore energy assets from Russian military activities.

Russia poses a long-term, strategic threat to Euro-Atlantic security and the UK is taking measures to combat these threats with our Allies. The maritime domain is increasingly contested. Hostile states and non-state actors pose a growing threat to our critical infrastructure, including energy infrastructure. The Ministry of Defence constantly monitors activity within UK waters and its Economic Exclusion Zone to counter and deter detected threats. British warships frequently patrol and shadow foreign vessels throughout the UK marine area, including through the North Sea and increased surveillance of offshore oil and gas installations. This includes the Atlantic Bastion concept – a plan to scale and accelerate new and existing capabilities to defend underwater infrastructure. This is part of a comprehensive and integrated approach to deterring and defending against the range of threats we face.

What training his Department offers to operators of UK offshore energy assets on steps to take in the event of a threat from Russian military assets.

The Ministry of Defence (MOD) does not provide training or advice to operators of offshore oil rigs and installations in the North Sea. The Department for Energy Security and Net Zero is responsible for the security of energy infrastructure. The MOD keeps Russian military capabilities and assets under continuous review as part of our routine defence intelligence and wider strategic assessment. This contributes to wider HMG efforts to reduce the vulnerability of networks and assets and ensure an effective response to disruptive incidents.

What assessment he has made of the potential merits of naval protection for offshore energy installations in the UK Economic Zone.

The Ministry of Defence keeps the security of the UK's offshore energy installations and wider maritime critical national infrastructure under continuous review, working closely with other Government Departments, industry and international partners.The Royal Navy contributes to this through persistent presence, surveillance and deterrence activity in UK waters. We will continue to strengthen our ability to identify, deter and respond to threats as the risk picture evolves, working with allies and industry, and through development of the Royal Navy's Atlantic Bastion transformation programme.