Written questions by Downie.

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.

What analysis his Department has conducted on the strategic implications for NATO of Russia’s enhanced Arctic infrastructure, including air base expansions and deployment of advanced air defence systems such as S-400 on Novaya Zemlya.

The Ministry of Defence keeps Russian military capabilities and investment under continuous review. We work closely with our NATO Allies to understand the implications of Russian military capability development for Alliance security. NATO is strengthening its deterrence and defence as a result of the increasing threat from Russia and will continue to adapt as necessary. Hypersonic missiles are just one type of many Russian air and missile capabilities. In light of the increasing threat the UK faces, His Majesty's Government announced up to £1 billion of investment for Integrated Air and Missile Defence in the Strategic Defence Review. This is part of a comprehensive and integrated approach to deterring and defending against the range of strategic threats we face.

What assessment he has made of the level of threat posed by Russia’s Arctic naval modernisation programme, including the introduction of armed icebreaking patrol vessels, on UK and allied maritime security in the High North.

The Ministry of Defence keeps Russian military capabilities and investment under continuous review. We work closely with our NATO Allies to understand the implications of Russian military capability development for Alliance security. NATO is strengthening its deterrence and defence as a result of the increasing threat from Russia and will continue to adapt as necessary. Hypersonic missiles are just one type of many Russian air and missile capabilities. In light of the increasing threat the UK faces, His Majesty's Government announced up to £1 billion of investment for Integrated Air and Missile Defence in the Strategic Defence Review. This is part of a comprehensive and integrated approach to deterring and defending against the range of strategic threats we face.

What assessment his Department has made of the potential implications for its policies of recent upgrades to the Russian Northern Fleet, including the commissioning of Borei-A class ballistic missile submarines and modernization of surface combatants such as Admiral Nakhimov.

The Ministry of Defence keeps Russian military capabilities and investment under continuous review. We work closely with our NATO Allies to understand the implications of Russian military capability development for Alliance security. NATO is strengthening its deterrence and defence as a result of the increasing threat from Russia and will continue to adapt as necessary. Hypersonic missiles are just one type of many Russian air and missile capabilities. In light of the increasing threat the UK faces, His Majesty's Government announced up to £1 billion of investment for Integrated Air and Missile Defence in the Strategic Defence Review. This is part of a comprehensive and integrated approach to deterring and defending against the range of strategic threats we face.

What assessment he has made of the threat posed to the UK by Russian hypersonic-capable missile systems operated by the Russian Northern Fleet.

The Ministry of Defence keeps Russian military capabilities and investment under continuous review. We work closely with our NATO Allies to understand the implications of Russian military capability development for Alliance security. NATO is strengthening its deterrence and defence as a result of the increasing threat from Russia and will continue to adapt as necessary. Hypersonic missiles are just one type of many Russian air and missile capabilities. In light of the increasing threat the UK faces, His Majesty's Government announced up to £1 billion of investment for Integrated Air and Missile Defence in the Strategic Defence Review. This is part of a comprehensive and integrated approach to deterring and defending against the range of strategic threats we face.

What discussions he has had with allies in the High North on the threat posed by Russia’s arctic naval modernisation programme.

The Ministry of Defence keeps Russian military capabilities and investment under continuous review. We work closely with our NATO Allies to understand the implications of Russian military capability development for Alliance security. NATO is strengthening its deterrence and defence as a result of the increasing threat from Russia and will continue to adapt as necessary.

What his planned timescale is for the provision of the Contingent Docking Facility at Rosyth.

The preliminary plans for infrastructure upgrades at Rosyth Dockyard have been approved and industry has been engaged to begin processing the scheme design. Once the scheme design is complete, final costs for the project will be negotiated. The work will include the requirement to deliver a Contingent Docking Facility at Rosyth Dockyard for HMS Dreadnought during its sea trials. The planned timescale for the provision of the Contingent Docking Facility will coincide with Dreadnought’s exit from Barrow. For operational security reasons further details cannot be released as to do so could be used to undermine the security and capability of our Armed Forces.

What assessment he has made of the potential merits of increasing the strength of the Joint Expeditionary Force to deter Russian threats in the High North.

The Secretary of State for Defence last met with his Joint Expeditionary Force (JEF) counterparts at the JEF Defence Ministers meeting from 4-5 November 2025 in Bodø, Norway. This was the first JEF Defence Ministers meeting to be held in the High North, demonstrating the JEF’s focus on the region. We are considering dates for the next meeting. Addressing threats in the High North will remain a key focus for discussion at the next JEF Leaders’ Summit, which will be held in Finland in Q1 2026.While NATO remains the ultimate guarantor of European security, the JEF enhances the collective security and stability of Northern Europe, the High North, and the Baltic Region. It provides, a rapid, adaptable, high-readiness military capability for crisis response, collective defence, and security providing credible, high-readiness responses to hybrid scenarios across all domains, as was demonstrated with Nordic Warden in December 2024, the rapid response to the damage of the Esstlink-2 power cable in the Baltic Sea.As Framework Nation for the JEF, the UK is constantly working to improve readiness and coordination amongst JEF members. Exercise TARASSIS, the JEF’s key activity in 2025 and the largest JEF activity in its 11-year history, was held across the High North and Baltic regions through September and October 2025. JEF activity will continue to develop in the region over the next year with an ambitious series of exercises designed to build upon TARASSIS and further strengthen the interoperability and effectiveness of the JEF.

What assessment he has made of the effectiveness of the Joint Expeditionary Force in deterring Russian threats in the High North.

The Secretary of State for Defence last met with his Joint Expeditionary Force (JEF) counterparts at the JEF Defence Ministers meeting from 4-5 November 2025 in Bodø, Norway. This was the first JEF Defence Ministers meeting to be held in the High North, demonstrating the JEF’s focus on the region. We are considering dates for the next meeting. Addressing threats in the High North will remain a key focus for discussion at the next JEF Leaders’ Summit, which will be held in Finland in Q1 2026.While NATO remains the ultimate guarantor of European security, the JEF enhances the collective security and stability of Northern Europe, the High North, and the Baltic Region. It provides, a rapid, adaptable, high-readiness military capability for crisis response, collective defence, and security providing credible, high-readiness responses to hybrid scenarios across all domains, as was demonstrated with Nordic Warden in December 2024, the rapid response to the damage of the Esstlink-2 power cable in the Baltic Sea.As Framework Nation for the JEF, the UK is constantly working to improve readiness and coordination amongst JEF members. Exercise TARASSIS, the JEF’s key activity in 2025 and the largest JEF activity in its 11-year history, was held across the High North and Baltic regions through September and October 2025. JEF activity will continue to develop in the region over the next year with an ambitious series of exercises designed to build upon TARASSIS and further strengthen the interoperability and effectiveness of the JEF.

What discussions he has had with Joint Expeditionary Force partners on shared ice cutter ship capability in the High North.

The Ministry of Defence recognises the increasing strategic importance of the region and continually assesses its capability requirements. To deliver the vision of the Strategic Defence Review, we are developing options through the Defence Investment Plan for future Ice Patrol Ship capability. These options will consider requirements for both the Antarctic and the High North.

When he last met with his counterparts from countries involved in the Joint Expeditionary Force to discuss Russian threats in the High North.

The Secretary of State for Defence last met with his Joint Expeditionary Force (JEF) counterparts at the JEF Defence Ministers meeting from 4-5 November 2025 in Bodø, Norway. This was the first JEF Defence Ministers meeting to be held in the High North, demonstrating the JEF’s focus on the region. We are considering dates for the next meeting. Addressing threats in the High North will remain a key focus for discussion at the next JEF Leaders’ Summit, which will be held in Finland in Q1 2026.While NATO remains the ultimate guarantor of European security, the JEF enhances the collective security and stability of Northern Europe, the High North, and the Baltic Region. It provides, a rapid, adaptable, high-readiness military capability for crisis response, collective defence, and security providing credible, high-readiness responses to hybrid scenarios across all domains, as was demonstrated with Nordic Warden in December 2024, the rapid response to the damage of the Esstlink-2 power cable in the Baltic Sea.As Framework Nation for the JEF, the UK is constantly working to improve readiness and coordination amongst JEF members. Exercise TARASSIS, the JEF’s key activity in 2025 and the largest JEF activity in its 11-year history, was held across the High North and Baltic regions through September and October 2025. JEF activity will continue to develop in the region over the next year with an ambitious series of exercises designed to build upon TARASSIS and further strengthen the interoperability and effectiveness of the JEF.

When he will next meet with his counterparts involved in the Joint Expeditionary Force to discuss Russian threats in the High North.

The Secretary of State for Defence last met with his Joint Expeditionary Force (JEF) counterparts at the JEF Defence Ministers meeting from 4-5 November 2025 in Bodø, Norway. This was the first JEF Defence Ministers meeting to be held in the High North, demonstrating the JEF’s focus on the region. We are considering dates for the next meeting. Addressing threats in the High North will remain a key focus for discussion at the next JEF Leaders’ Summit, which will be held in Finland in Q1 2026.While NATO remains the ultimate guarantor of European security, the JEF enhances the collective security and stability of Northern Europe, the High North, and the Baltic Region. It provides, a rapid, adaptable, high-readiness military capability for crisis response, collective defence, and security providing credible, high-readiness responses to hybrid scenarios across all domains, as was demonstrated with Nordic Warden in December 2024, the rapid response to the damage of the Esstlink-2 power cable in the Baltic Sea.As Framework Nation for the JEF, the UK is constantly working to improve readiness and coordination amongst JEF members. Exercise TARASSIS, the JEF’s key activity in 2025 and the largest JEF activity in its 11-year history, was held across the High North and Baltic regions through September and October 2025. JEF activity will continue to develop in the region over the next year with an ambitious series of exercises designed to build upon TARASSIS and further strengthen the interoperability and effectiveness of the JEF.

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 people with Parkinson's Disease are in receipt of the Universal Credit health element.

The information is not readily available.

Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what discussions she has had with the International Committee of the Red Cross on supporting UK businesses abroad who might be considered legitimate targets in conflict zones.

UK Private Military Security Companies (PMSCs) are subject to extensive regulation and oversight through a mix of legal and voluntary mechanisms, including the requirement to ensure compliance with International Humanitarian Law (IHL). The UK also works closely with the Security in Complex Environments Group (SCEG), which represents the interests of its PMSC members, and works to raise standards across the sector.The International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) has a strictly humanitarian mandate, in line with the Geneva Conventions, to provide humanitarian assistance, protect lives, and uphold IHL worldwide. It does not have any role supporting the business activities of PMSCs.

What training is provided to UK armed forces by the International Committee of 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.

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.

What assessment he has made of the potential merits of UK defence businesses working with the Office of Strategic Capital at the US Defense Department.

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.