Every parliamentary written question tabled by Graham Leadbitter this session, with the full answer and department. Back to the MP page.
Showing 1–14 of 14 · Ministry of Defence
Pursuant to the Answer of 12 January 2026 to Question 103618, when the Armed Forces Foundation Year Scheme placement details will be finalised.
I refer the hon. Member to the answer I gave the hon. Member for South Suffolk (James Cartlidge) on 16 January 2026, to Question 104236.https://questions-statements.parliament.uk/written-questions/detail/2026-01-08/104236
With reference to the press release entitled Armed forces to launch ‘Gap Year’ scheme for young people to bolster skills and leadership, published on 27 December 2025, how many positions will be available in (a) Scotland and (b) Moray West, Nairn and Strathspey constituency.
The Armed Forces Foundation Year Scheme (‘gap year’) is a response to the Strategic Defence Review 2025’s recommendation that Defence must offer novel ways of entry into the Armed Forces that attract more people from a wider range of backgrounds; options included offering shorter commitments that appeal to more of society. We anticipate that Foundation Year placements will be allocated to Defence locations based on the roles participants conduct. These details have not yet been finalised. There will be flexibility for the Services to provide the most appropriate employment, experiences and skills that offer most value to both participants and Defence.
What contracts Elbit Systems has with the Government; and which defence contracts it is being considered for.
The Ministry of Defence is unable to confirm what contracts Elbit Systems has with wider Government. It would also not be appropriate to comment on any future ongoing competitions.
What is the average number of Ministry of Defence housing stock in Scotland.
As of 27 November 2025, there are 3,078 Ministry of Defence Service Family Accommodation properties in Scotland.
What the average time is for Ministry of Defence housing stock to be let (a) in the UK, (b) in Scotland and (c) Moray.
This information is not held centrally. In order to answer the hon. Member's Question, the Ministry of Defence's Industry Partner would be required to review every record, which could only be provided at a disproportionate cost.
What assessment he has made of the potential impact of unoccupied MoD housing stock on local communities.
No assessment has been made regarding the impact of unoccupied Ministry of Defence (MOD) housing on local communities. However, the MOD remains committed to fostering strong relationships with these communities. We maintain a certain number of defence housing as vacant to allow for personnel to be rotated, and others are empty awaiting upgrade, repair or disposal. We are aware that communities purge homes that are lived in - whatever their type - and our new housing offer to our people will see modernisation of more defence homes and expanded eligibility meaning more defence homes being used.
Whether he plans to purchase new housing stock in communities where Ministry of Defence housing stock is unused.
On 3 November 2025, we announced our Defence Housing Strategy (DHS). It’s the most significant change for Armed Forces housing in more than 50 years and kickstarts one of Britain’s most ambitious building programmes in decades – delivering new homes for military and civilian families and driving economic growth. As part of the DHS, a new demand and supply forecasting model will ensure that the future housing needs of the Armed Forces are more accurately planned for, enabling us to deliver housing in the right places to support military operations and reducing the number of homes that lie empty. This model, together with improvements in data management on the condition and status of our homes and a comprehensive examination of demand, supply and estate laydown by area, will ensure that housing is provided in the locations it is required and that the number of empty homes is reduced.
How many Ministry of Defence homes in Scotland have been unoccupied for (a) up to 3 months, (b) up to 6 months and (c) over a year.
The table below provides details on the number of Service Family Accommodation (SFA) properties in Scotland that were occupied or void during the requested time periods. At of 27 November 2025: Time PeriodUnoccupied SFA in Scotland(a) up to three months156(b) between three and six months90(c) between six and twelve months98(d) over twelve months357 To effectively manage the SFA across the estate, the MOD maintains a management margin. This means that a percentage of the Department’s housing stock must remain void (unoccupied) to allow for periods between occupants moving out and new occupants moving in, to facilitate essential maintenance and repair, and to ensure that the Armed Forces have the flexibility to relocate units and individuals across the country as operational requirements dictate. As of 27 November 2025, there are 3,078 SFA properties in Scotland, of these 2,377 are let and 701 are void (unoccupied).
What is the total number of occupied and unoccupied Ministry of Defence homes in Moray.
There are currently 911 Ministry of Defence Service Family Accommodation properties in Moray. 752 of these properties are occupied and 159 properties are unoccupied.
If he will take take steps to ensure effective allocation of Ministry of Defence housing stock.
The Defence Housing Strategy will deliver a new demand and supply forecasting model that will ensure the future needs of the Armed Forces are more accurately planned for, enabling us to deliver housing in the right places to support military operations and reducing the number of homes that lie empty. Currently around 70% of total Defence homes are occupied by Service personnel. Going forward, over 90% of Defence homes will be required for Service personnel. This will include many Serving families who will be able to access family housing on a widened eligibility basis over time. Steps to widen access cannot be taken sufficiently quickly or cost-effectively without focusing Defence family homes on core occupants.
What steps his Department is taking to commemorate Merchant Navy Day on 3 September 2025.
Merchant Navy Day honours the bravery, sacrifice, and service of the many men and women of the Merchant Navy, past and present, who have kept our nation afloat in times of peace, in crisis and during conflict. This Ministry of Defence is recognising its importance by raising the Red Ensign across the country on Royal Fleet Auxiliary vessels, at the Ministry of Defence Main Building on Whitehall and at Navy Command Headquarters in Portsmouth. There are also wreath laying ceremonies and services in locations across the country and a Merchant Navy Parade at Trinity Gardens in London on Sunday 7 September.
What assessment he has made of the risk of airborne attacks to the security of nuclear power stations; and whether such assessments are included in infrastructure resilience planning.
As these questions relate to civil nuclear infrastructure modelling and civil nuclear contingency planning, they are not a matter for Defence but should be directed to the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero.
What engagement he has had with local authorities on the implementation of the Armed Forces Covenant.
In developing policy areas for the Armed Forces Covenant Legal Duty Extension, Ministry of Defence (MOD) officials conducted an extensive programme of research and engagement. This included hosting roundtable discussions and workshops with more than 150 organisations, including a wide range of local authorities. This engagement is ongoing as the Extension to the Legal Duty progresses, with MOD officials maintaining regular engagement with key stakeholders, including Local Government Associations across the Devolved Administrations. I would encourage local authorities to continue participating with this engagement as we move to implementation. In addition, as well as organising an annual Conference, bringing together a wide range of stakeholders including local government representatives and Armed Forces Champions from across the nation to share best practices in delivering the Covenant, the MOD also co-chairs the Covenant Community Action Group (CCAG) which serves as a platform for local authority champions to exchange knowledge and showcase their initiatives. The CCAG meets quarterly and includes membership from local authorities across England, Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland.
Whether Mildenhall-based KC-135s were deployed in support of the US Operation Midnight Hammer.
The Ministry of Defence does not comment on the operational activity of other nations, including third party use of UK bases. The UK was not involved in Operation Midnight Hammer.