Written questions by Maguire.

What steps his Department is taking to support armed forces personnel who have experienced intimate partner violence and abuse.

Defence will not tolerate domestic abuse in any form and will respond to any formal allegations and take necessary action against perpetrators. Addressing domestic abuse is a ministerial priority and a shared responsibility for defence leaders, and providing support and care to victims and survivors is a priority for me and those in Defence tasked with tackling this issue. Our efforts to combat domestic abuse include a robust, consistent and persistent response, informed staff, and the fostering of an open and understanding culture, where support is offered and seeking support is encouraged. We aim to create a culture where every person feels empowered to report instances that are perpetrated against or by Defence personnel, regardless of seniority or position. The Ministry of Defence Domestic Abuse Action Plan 2024-2029 was formally published in March 2024 and details key actions Defence is taking to tackle domestic abuse. These include how we will prevent, intervene, and partner to support those affected and ensure perpetrators are held accountable. For victims and survivors, we not only offer practical and emotional support from our own welfare organisations and the Victim Witness Care Unit, but we also partner with external specialists such as Aurora New Dawn and Mankind. Both of these organisations receive funding from the Armed Forces Covenant Fund Trust and provide support to Armed Forces personnel and their families. Our efforts also include Raising Our Standards (ROS), which exists improve culture and tackle all unacceptable behaviours, which includes initiatives that are preventative in nature. Defence is committed to playing our part in this government’s commitment to halve Violence Against Women and Girls (VAWG) in a decade, and we are taking a public health approach to addressing VAWG. This means taking a preventative approach to tackle the drivers of offending, whilst expanding victim support and ensuring swift and certain enforcement after an incident takes place. Other work underway through ROS also includes a King’s Counsel Review of Defence Zero Tolerance policies, a tri-Service complaints unit removing complaints from the single Service chain of command for the first time and funding for a new military appraisal system.

How many 16 to 18 year olds attended Army Foundation College Harrogate in each of the last five years.

The annual attendee figures are provided in the table below; all figures have been rounded to the nearest 10. Courses straddle multiple calendar years, meaning some recruits who joined in one year and remain in attendance the following year will be counted in both years. Year Figure20202,81020212,67020222,10020231,99020242,330 Figures include trainees who join Army Foundation College Harrogate and leave within the same month, who would not otherwise appear on the monthly strengths.

How many medically discharged service personnel were provided with mental health assessments as part of their discharge process in each year since 2023.

The number of UK Armed Forces personnel medically discharged with a Structured Mental Health Assessment (SMHA) entered into their electronic medical record is as follows: 1,198 in 2023-24 (of 1,963 UK regular Armed Forces medical discharges)1,319 in 2024-25 (of 1,875 UK regular Armed Forces medical discharges) Service personnel undergoing medical discharge who are under the care of specialist mental health services may not have a SMHA as this is intended to identify unmet mental health needs prior to discharge. Only information on SMHA’s that is recorded on electronic medical records is available for electronic searches. Figures therefore are a minimum.

What steps his Department is taking to improve access to mental health services for (a) service personnel and (b) veterans.

Defence Medical Services (DMS) has established Defence Mental Health Networks (DMHNs) across the UK to improve access to mental health services for Service personnel. These specialist community mental health services provide enhanced access to expert assessment and treatment for service personnel experiencing mental health disorders. By introducing new single points of access, enabling the sharing of specialist skills across network locations, and consolidating clinical and governance processes, DMHNs are reducing wait times to enhanced assessments and core treatment therapies. DMS has further introduced standardised training for primary care clinicians incorporating emerging digital interventions to ensure that service personnel can access initial mental healthcare at any Defence medical centre. Op COURAGE, the Veterans’ Mental Health, and Wellbeing Service, provides an integrated mental health care pathway for veterans in England, with similar services in other parts of the UK. Earlier this year, we announced VALOUR, a new commitment to establish the first-ever UK-wide approach to veteran support, which will ensure easier access to essential care and support for veterans across the country.

What the average time was between a service personnel being medically discharged and them receiving a copy of their full medical records in each of the last three years.

When an individual leaves the Armed Forces, Ministry of Defence recognises the importance of facilitating the transfer of healthcare information to their civilian healthcare provider(s). On leaving Defence Medical Services (DMS) care, Service personnel are provided with a medical care summary, known as an FMed133, and advised to register with an NHS GP and provide them a copy of their FMED 133. If a patient’s full DMS health record is required, this is provided on request to their NHS GP. Given this and that some records are never requested, no accurate estimate can be made of the average time from discharge to the receipt of the medical records by the NHS GP. To improve the transfer of healthcare information, DMS is working towards the greater interoperability with NHS systems and the electronic transfer of medical records from DMS to NHS GPs. Programme CORTISONE is expected to implement changes over the next one-two years.

How much funding his Department provided to (a) Defence Transition Services, (b) Personal Recovery Units and (c) the Veterans Welfare Service in each year since 2023.

It is taking time to collate the required information to answer the hon. Member's Question. I will write to her when the information is available, and a copy of this letter will be placed in the Library of The House.

What the average time was between a service personnel being informed of a decision to medically discharge them and the date of their discharge in each year since 2023.

The Ministry of Defence (MOD) has comprehensive policies and procedures in place to facilitate a smooth discharge process for UK Service personnel leaving their Service. Policy provides a timeline of actions to be taken from nine months before leaving; these steps include arranging a final medical and dental examination, meeting with a resettlement officer, submitting pension forms, and ensuring personal records are accurate. The process also includes returning service property and IDs, taking terminal leave, and receiving a service leavers' pack. The MOD offers support through the Career Transition Partnership (CTP) and Defence Transition Services (DTS), which provide help with employment, housing, health, and other aspects of transitioning to civilian life. The MOD also has a comprehensive policy in place for managing personnel who are wounded, injured, and sick (WIS), which includes coordinated support for those medically discharged. Medical discharges follow a specific process involving a medical board review, and personnel may be eligible for compensation. The MOD aims to provide personnel with a "Discharge Assessment," which is a final case conference to ensure all issues are resolved or a plan is in place before they leave. Personnel who are medically discharged are automatically referred to DTS or the Veterans Welfare Service (VWS). Service leavers, veterans, and their families can access support, help and information with issues that may endure beyond discharge irrespective of their reason for discharge. DTS/VWS clients are supported according to their needs and preferences; this may be simple transitional needs or enduring healthcare support for more complex challenges including PTSD. Structured Mental Health Assessments are part of the medical discharge process and are conducted by Defence GPs and screen for mental disorders at the point of discharge. Where personnel leaving the Armed Forces have an enduring need for mental healthcare, Defence Medical Services work in partnership with the NHS to ensure continuation of care. Personnel who have been assessed and diagnosed with a mental health need are able to access Departments of Community Mental Health (DCMH) for up to six months after discharge to provide continuity of care during the transition period until appropriate handover to other services can be completed as required. In some circumstances a DCMH Mental Health Social Worker will undertake a full assessment of transition needs, including onward referral to NHS and third sector services for continued mental healthcare. The period between being informed and the actual date of discharge can vary significantly, depending on various factors, including individual entitlement to leave and the duration between a medical board awarding a particular medical grading and an employment board sitting and deciding on whether to medically discharge. Information on the average time between a Service person being informed of a decision to medically discharge them and the date of their discharge in each year since 2023 is not held centrally and could be provided only at disproportionate cost.

How many and what proportion of medically discharged service personnel were referred to (a) Defence Transition Services, (b) Personal Recovery Units, (c) Personal Support Groups and (d) the Veterans Welfare Service in each year since 2023.

It is taking time to collate the required information to answer the hon. Member's Question. I will write to her when the information is available, and a copy of this letter will be placed in the Library of The House.

What assessment his Department has made of the adequacy of the discharge process for service personnel.

The Ministry of Defence (MOD) has comprehensive policies and procedures in place to facilitate a smooth discharge process for UK Service personnel leaving their Service. Policy provides a timeline of actions to be taken from nine months before leaving; these steps include arranging a final medical and dental examination, meeting with a resettlement officer, submitting pension forms, and ensuring personal records are accurate. The process also includes returning service property and IDs, taking terminal leave, and receiving a service leavers' pack. The MOD offers support through the Career Transition Partnership (CTP) and Defence Transition Services (DTS), which provide help with employment, housing, health, and other aspects of transitioning to civilian life. The MOD also has a comprehensive policy in place for managing personnel who are wounded, injured, and sick (WIS), which includes coordinated support for those medically discharged. Medical discharges follow a specific process involving a medical board review, and personnel may be eligible for compensation. The MOD aims to provide personnel with a "Discharge Assessment," which is a final case conference to ensure all issues are resolved or a plan is in place before they leave. Personnel who are medically discharged are automatically referred to DTS or the Veterans Welfare Service (VWS). Service leavers, veterans, and their families can access support, help and information with issues that may endure beyond discharge irrespective of their reason for discharge. DTS/VWS clients are supported according to their needs and preferences; this may be simple transitional needs or enduring healthcare support for more complex challenges including PTSD. Structured Mental Health Assessments are part of the medical discharge process and are conducted by Defence GPs and screen for mental disorders at the point of discharge. Where personnel leaving the Armed Forces have an enduring need for mental healthcare, Defence Medical Services work in partnership with the NHS to ensure continuation of care. Personnel who have been assessed and diagnosed with a mental health need are able to access Departments of Community Mental Health (DCMH) for up to six months after discharge to provide continuity of care during the transition period until appropriate handover to other services can be completed as required. In some circumstances a DCMH Mental Health Social Worker will undertake a full assessment of transition needs, including onward referral to NHS and third sector services for continued mental healthcare. The period between being informed and the actual date of discharge can vary significantly, depending on various factors, including individual entitlement to leave and the duration between a medical board awarding a particular medical grading and an employment board sitting and deciding on whether to medically discharge. Information on the average time between a Service person being informed of a decision to medically discharge them and the date of their discharge in each year since 2023 is not held centrally and could be provided only at disproportionate cost.

What steps his Department is taking to support veterans to (a) secure employment, (b) access appropriate housing and (c) access mental health support following medical discharge.

This Government is fully committed to ensuring that all veterans, including those undergoing medical discharge, have easy access to support when and where it is needed. Personnel who are medically discharged are automatically referred to Defence Transition Service (DTS) or Veteran Welfare Service (VWS). Service leavers, veterans, and their families can access support, help and information with issues that may endure beyond discharge irrespective of their reason for discharge. DTS/VWS clients are supported according to their needs and preferences, this may be simple transitional needs or enduring healthcare support for more complex challenges including PTSD. For employment support, the Ministry of Defence-hosted Career Transition Partnership (CTP) is the initial point of employment support provision for veterans for up to two years before and after leaving military service. For individuals facing significant barriers to employment due to medical conditions, CTP provides tailored support through the CTP Assist programme. This initiative offers bespoke, intensive assistance to help those with additional needs successfully transition into civilian employment. Op ASCEND is available two years after discharge and connects veterans and their families with employers and supports them into sustainable careers in strategic sectors. For housing support, Op FORTITUDE is the support referral pathway to connect veterans at risk of, or experiencing, homelessness and the Reducing Veteran Homelessness programme funds housing organisations to deliver wraparound care and support services to veterans. Structured Mental Health Assessments conducted by Defence GPs are part of the medical discharge process, and where personnel leaving the Armed Forces have an enduring need for mental healthcare, Defence Medical Services work in partnership with the NHS to ensure continuation of care. Personnel who have been assessed and diagnosed with a mental health need are able to access Departments of Community Mental Health (DCMH) for up to six months after discharge to provide continuity of care during the transition period until appropriate handover to other services can be completed as required.Veterans can also access specialist mental and physical health support through Ops COURAGE and RESTORE, which provide a broad range of specialist mental health, physical and wellbeing care services to veterans in England, with similar services available in Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland.

How many service personnel were medically discharged in each year since 2023.

The Ministry of Defence publishes annual statistical information on medical discharges in the UK Armed Forces. The number of UK regular Armed Forces personnel medically discharged in each year since 2023 can be found in the published information available at the following links: 2023:https://www.gov.uk/government/statistics/uk-service-personnel-medical-discharges-financial-year-202324 2024:https://www.gov.uk/government/statistics/uk-service-personnel-medical-discharges-financial-year-202425

How many people eligible under the ARAP scheme are still awaiting relocation.

On 9 October 2025, there were circa. 4,200 applicants and their family members who had received notification of eligibility under the Afghan Relocations and Assistance Policy (ARAP) scheme and were awaiting relocation to the UK. The figure is an estimate, as complete family details are not available yet for all eligible applicants. Additionally, officials are still processing cases and so the figure is subject to change as further eligibility decisions are granted.

What assessment he has made of the potential impact of the August 2025 data breach for people with outstanding ARAP applications; and what assessment he has made of the potential impact of that breach on the (a) processing and (b) prioritisation of those cases.

The Ministry of Defence assessed that this incident did not pose a significant threat to the safety of ARAP principals. This incident surrounded data for those arriving on flights into the UK, meaning that their eligible decisions had already been made. The data incident of February 2022 was announced in the Defence Secretary’s Oral Statement of July 2025. For this cohort, the published Rimmer Review considered it “highly unlikely” that merely being on the February 2022 dataset would be grounds for targeting by the Taleban, noting the time that has passed since the fall of Kabul and the wealth of data the Taleban already have access to. All outstanding ARAP applications will be considered on their own merits against the ARAP criteria. Where there is a unique or imminent circumstance, officials can also consider expedition on a case-by-case basis. We aim to complete the process of relocation before the end of this Parliament.

What steps he is taking to ensure there are a total of 19 RN Type 26 frigate vessels by 2030.

The Royal Navy is making substantial progress towards deploying autonomous systems alongside crewed platforms to increase the lethality of the fleet and deliver the SDR recommendationsThe Royal Navy has two frigate acquisition programmes that will ensure surface fleet capabilities are sustained. The current Type 23 Duke Class frigates will be replaced by eight Type 26 City Class frigates and five Type 31 Inspiration Class frigates. Type 26 frigates are expected to enter service from 2028 onwards, and all Type 31s are expected to be in service by the early 2030s. The Royal Navy is also continuing to make significant investment in its six Daring Class destroyers, the Type 45, to enhance and sustain the class into the late 2030s.

What steps he is taking to support survivors of child sex abuse committed (a) by military personnel and (b) on military bases.

The safety of the children of Service personnel, and young people under the age of 18 undertaking training, is of utmost importance to the Ministry of Defence (MOD), and we are committed to safeguarding and supporting victims of child sexual abuse. Our safeguarding system ensures that all concerns are dealt with promptly, sensitively, and align with statutory requirements. The MOD provides support to victims of serious crime, regardless of age, through the Victim Witness Care Unit, which is part of the Defence Serious Crime Command, when the offence has been committed by persons subject to service law. In the case of child victims, due to the heightened risk and safeguarding concerns, the Victim Liaison Officer (VLO) will take a proactive approach by engaging with Appropriate Adults, Social Workers, and specialist support services, such as Sexual Assault Referral Centres or Independent Sexual Violence Advisers. The VLO will also prioritise identifying local services near the victim's or family's location, including Advocacy services and Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services. In all circumstances, the victim will be supported by a range of personnel and agencies, both internal and external to Defence, to ensure their individual needs are fully met. Our safeguarding process is clearly set out in the Defence Safeguarding Policy (Joint Service Publication (JSP) 834), which defines the protection responsibilities and ensures safeguarding training is provided to equipped personnel with the knowledge and skills necessary to fulfil their safeguarding duties effectively. Defence Direction and Guidance for Training and Education (JSP 822) outlines that personnel under the age of 18 have particular care and welfare needs as well as additional legal requirements. JSP 822 flags that maturity and experience can vary considerably between individuals and as such those who are under the age of 18 may be more at risk than older trainees. It also directs establishments to provide comprehensive Supervisory Care Directives, record a Commander’s Risk Assessment and to comply fully with JSP 834. The Army Foundation College, Harrogate AFC(H) fully implements the MOD’s Zero Tolerance policies. It reports every instance of unacceptable sexual behaviour, and it has robust policies and processes in place to ensure the safety of students. Prior to each new intake of Junior Soldiers, AFC(H) Permanent Staff undertake refresher training covering all aspects of safeguarding, welfare and unacceptable sexual behaviour.

What steps he is taking to support armed forces spouses right to work abroad in the same country as their partner.

The Ministry of Defence (MOD) is committed to supporting UK Service personnel and their families. The Armed Forces Covenant, which this Government has made a manifesto commitment to put into law, has at its heart the principle that those who serve and have served and their families should not be disadvantaged as a result of their Service. All Government Departments, not just MOD, are committed to upholding the Covenant. Improving prospects for partner employment is also a key theme of the Armed Forces Families Strategy. One of the actions taken by Defence is funding the Armed Forces Families Fund (AF3) to support this work. Between 2022 and today, a total of £2,242 million has been granted to fund projects supporting spouses and partners of Service personnel at national, local, and unit levels, both within the UK and overseas. This includes projects providing tailored training to spouses and partners, enabling them to get back into employment. In addition, Defence is currently working on guidance in line with the principles of the Armed Forces Covenant to encourage other Government Departments to support any employees who wish to work remotely from overseas to accompany their serving partner, so that they don’t have to compromise between their career and family life. We are currently reviewing a number of our international arrangements to ensure that spouses of UK Service personnel are able to remain in employment when they accompany their serving partners.

What steps he is taking to support female service personnel who have served in front-line roles.

Women are a crucial part of the Armed Forces community, and the Government is committed to ensuring their needs and experiences are better understood, and that they have access to the best possible support and opportunities. There is a well-established policy and process to provide support to all Service personnel who have served in front line roles. This is intended to address any pressure encountered on operations, as a result of day-to-day work or from exposure to individual risk or traumatic situations that may result in physical and/or mental ill health. The process provides support before, during and immediately post-deployment, with a follow-on phase which addresses the longer-term management of Service personnel. These are designed to reduce the likelihood of personnel developing stress or mental health problems throughout the deployment by providing information and support pre-deployment, monitoring personnel for signs of difficulty, providing support and conducting Trauma Risk Management during the deployment, and by providing decompression, unit briefings and offering support to personnel in the post-deployment phase. Commanders continue to monitor personnel throughout their career and support will be provided months or even years after a deployment has finished. When personnel leave the Armed Forces, mental health support continues to be provided by the NHS through programmes such as Op Courage, which is a mental health specialist service designed to help those due to leave the Armed Forces, Reservists, Veterans and their families.

With reference to p.10 of the Defence Industrial Strategy, published on 8 September 2025, what his Department's planned timetable is for setting out the membership of the Defence Investors Advisory Group.

The Secretary of State for Defence set out at the Defence Investment Summit on 10 September 2025 that the Defence Investors’ Advisory Group would be Chaired by Kerry Balwin. A second co-chair been chosen and will be announced shortly. The Group brings together some of the best minds from banking, pension funds, venture capital and Strategic Finance.

What information his Department holds on the cost to the public purse for urgent repair call-outs to reserve bases in each month since January 2023.

Costs based Work Order Estimates for Priority 1 and 2 Call Outs at Reserve Forces' and Cadets' Association LocationsReporting MonthSum of Cost per monthJanuary 2023£361,591.00February 2023£230,419.00March 2023£229,657.00April 2023£280,830.00May 2023£293,900.00June 2023£271,051.00July 2023£300,990.00August 2023£314,455.00September 2023£273,296.00October 2023£258,766.00November 2023£380,787.00December 2023£104,628.00January 2024£240,871.00February 2024£211,505.00March 2024£129,630.00April 2024£214,116.00May 2024£253,482.00June 2024£202,109.00July 2024£205,038.00Please note that the Future Defence Infrastructure Services (FDIS) went live for the Reserve Estate on 1 August 2024, information after this date is not held in the format requested.

What information his Department holds on the number of urgent repair call-outs to reserve bases in each month since January 2023.

The number of Priority 1 and 2 repair call-outs to Reserve Bases for each month since January 2023, are shown in the table below. Financial Year by Reporting MonthNumber of Call Outs RecordedJanuary 2023485February 2023372March 2023363April 2023321May 2023367June 2023335July 2023312August 2023371September 2023376October 2023458November 2023486December 2023217January 2024441February 2024329March 2024254April 2024301May 2024327June 2024262July 2024265August 202437September 202450October 2024101November 202479December 202473January 202595February 2025118March 202564April 202559May 202548June 202568July 202584August 202571September 202547