Written questions by Maguire.

Whether he plans to take steps to increase the capacity of the Independent Panel to assess claims to the LGBT Financial Recognition Scheme.

As of 9 June 2025, the LGBT Financial Recognition Scheme (FRS) had received 1,067 applications and 44 veterans had received payments. We have been prioritising payment to the elderly and those with serious health conditions to ensure they receive support as quickly as possible, with the first payments issued as planned within 15 weeks of the scheme going live to these prioritised groups. Some cases are more complex and require additional time due to the unique and individual circumstances involved. We envisage the scheme speeding up once the most complex cases are delt with. The Ministry of Defence (MOD) cannot provide figures on how many applications under the FRS have been processed as each is subject to ongoing assessments, which are lengthy and complex. We are committed to ensuring applications are processed as efficiently and compassionately as possible and we are actively identifying opportunities to streamline and automate processes to improve speed. Priority has been given to applicants with life-limiting health conditions and those aged 80 and over, reflecting our focus on the most vulnerable veterans. It is not yet possible to provide an average wait time for access to Service records, as each application is assessed on a case-by-case basis. However, the MOD is closely monitoring this area to ensure timely and effective support for veterans engaging with the FRS. Since their appointment on 13 May 2025, the Independent Panel has made good progress with the first two sittings already taken place and two more scheduled for June to maintain momentum. Planning for further sittings in the coming weeks is underway. While no changes have been made to the Panel’s capacity at this stage, the MOD remains firmly committed to supporting LGBT veterans and is actively exploring options to ensure the Independent Panel remains appropriately resourced to meet the demand and sustain timely, compassionate decision-making.

What steps his Department is taking to expedite the processing of applications under the Financial Recognition Scheme have been submitted by LGBTQ+ veterans.

As of 9 June 2025, the LGBT Financial Recognition Scheme (FRS) had received 1,067 applications and 44 veterans had received payments. We have been prioritising payment to the elderly and those with serious health conditions to ensure they receive support as quickly as possible, with the first payments issued as planned within 15 weeks of the scheme going live to these prioritised groups. Some cases are more complex and require additional time due to the unique and individual circumstances involved. We envisage the scheme speeding up once the most complex cases are delt with. The Ministry of Defence (MOD) cannot provide figures on how many applications under the FRS have been processed as each is subject to ongoing assessments, which are lengthy and complex. We are committed to ensuring applications are processed as efficiently and compassionately as possible and we are actively identifying opportunities to streamline and automate processes to improve speed. Priority has been given to applicants with life-limiting health conditions and those aged 80 and over, reflecting our focus on the most vulnerable veterans. It is not yet possible to provide an average wait time for access to Service records, as each application is assessed on a case-by-case basis. However, the MOD is closely monitoring this area to ensure timely and effective support for veterans engaging with the FRS. Since their appointment on 13 May 2025, the Independent Panel has made good progress with the first two sittings already taken place and two more scheduled for June to maintain momentum. Planning for further sittings in the coming weeks is underway. While no changes have been made to the Panel’s capacity at this stage, the MOD remains firmly committed to supporting LGBT veterans and is actively exploring options to ensure the Independent Panel remains appropriately resourced to meet the demand and sustain timely, compassionate decision-making.

How many applications under the Financial Recognition Scheme have been submitted by LGBT veterans.

As of 9 June 2025, the LGBT Financial Recognition Scheme (FRS) had received 1,067 applications and 44 veterans had received payments. We have been prioritising payment to the elderly and those with serious health conditions to ensure they receive support as quickly as possible, with the first payments issued as planned within 15 weeks of the scheme going live to these prioritised groups. Some cases are more complex and require additional time due to the unique and individual circumstances involved. We envisage the scheme speeding up once the most complex cases are delt with. The Ministry of Defence (MOD) cannot provide figures on how many applications under the FRS have been processed as each is subject to ongoing assessments, which are lengthy and complex. We are committed to ensuring applications are processed as efficiently and compassionately as possible and we are actively identifying opportunities to streamline and automate processes to improve speed. Priority has been given to applicants with life-limiting health conditions and those aged 80 and over, reflecting our focus on the most vulnerable veterans. It is not yet possible to provide an average wait time for access to Service records, as each application is assessed on a case-by-case basis. However, the MOD is closely monitoring this area to ensure timely and effective support for veterans engaging with the FRS. Since their appointment on 13 May 2025, the Independent Panel has made good progress with the first two sittings already taken place and two more scheduled for June to maintain momentum. Planning for further sittings in the coming weeks is underway. While no changes have been made to the Panel’s capacity at this stage, the MOD remains firmly committed to supporting LGBT veterans and is actively exploring options to ensure the Independent Panel remains appropriately resourced to meet the demand and sustain timely, compassionate decision-making.

How many applications under the Financial Recognition Scheme submitted by LGBT veterans have been (a) fully processed and (b) resulted in a payment.

As of 9 June 2025, the LGBT Financial Recognition Scheme (FRS) had received 1,067 applications and 44 veterans had received payments. We have been prioritising payment to the elderly and those with serious health conditions to ensure they receive support as quickly as possible, with the first payments issued as planned within 15 weeks of the scheme going live to these prioritised groups. Some cases are more complex and require additional time due to the unique and individual circumstances involved. We envisage the scheme speeding up once the most complex cases are delt with. The Ministry of Defence (MOD) cannot provide figures on how many applications under the FRS have been processed as each is subject to ongoing assessments, which are lengthy and complex. We are committed to ensuring applications are processed as efficiently and compassionately as possible and we are actively identifying opportunities to streamline and automate processes to improve speed. Priority has been given to applicants with life-limiting health conditions and those aged 80 and over, reflecting our focus on the most vulnerable veterans. It is not yet possible to provide an average wait time for access to Service records, as each application is assessed on a case-by-case basis. However, the MOD is closely monitoring this area to ensure timely and effective support for veterans engaging with the FRS. Since their appointment on 13 May 2025, the Independent Panel has made good progress with the first two sittings already taken place and two more scheduled for June to maintain momentum. Planning for further sittings in the coming weeks is underway. While no changes have been made to the Panel’s capacity at this stage, the MOD remains firmly committed to supporting LGBT veterans and is actively exploring options to ensure the Independent Panel remains appropriately resourced to meet the demand and sustain timely, compassionate decision-making.

How much (a) plutonium has been exported to the United States and (b) highly enriched uranium has been imported from the United States under The Agreement between the UK and the USA for Cooperation in the Uses of Atomic Energy for Mutual Defence Purposes 1958 (as amended).

The 1958 Mutual Defense Agreement between the United Kingdom and the United States underpins defence nuclear co-operation and has been, and continues to be, of considerable mutual benefit to both nations. I am withholding the information requested as release of the quantities of nuclear materials transferred under the 1958 Mutual Defence agreement between the UK and USA would prejudice national security and international relations.

How many (a) army service personnel, (b) navy service personnel, (c) RAF service personnel and (d) veterans have had an initial assessment at a Ministry of Defence Department of Community Mental Health centre in each month since January 2025.

Between 1 January 2025 and 31 March 2025 (latest data available), 757 UK Armed Forces personnel had an initial assessment at a Ministry of Defence (MOD) Department of Community Mental Health (DCMH). The following table provides the number of UK Armed Forces personnel with an initial assessment at a MOD DCMH by service and month from 1 January 2025 – 31 March 2025MonthRoyal NavyArmyRoyal Air ForceJanuary5313039February7414748March76134642025202406149 DCMH staff record the initial mental health assessment during a patient’s first appointment, based on presenting signs and symptoms. Patients may be assessed by the clinician as not having a mental disorder at the initial assessment; these personnel have been included in this response. Personnel have been counted once in each month that an initial assessment was recorded and only once in the total for the three-month period. Therefore, the sum of the months may be greater than the total number of personnel with an initial assessment at DCMH over the period presented. Royal Navy includes Royal Navy and Royal Marine personnel. Following the expansion of NHS veterans’ services, DCMH no longer provide psychiatric assessment of veterans; however, personnel who have been assessed and diagnosed with a mental health need are able to access 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. Op COURAGE provides a complete mental healthcare pathway for service leavers in England, with similar services in other parts of the UK.

What assessment he has made of the implications for his Department’s policies of the statement given by the German Chancellor on the removal of range restrictions for weapons delivered to Ukraine; and what whether he has made an assessment of the merits of the use of long-range missiles.

The UK supports other countries providing long-range fires, but I hope the hon. Member will understand that we will not be drawn on details about UK gifted long-range missiles. It risks operational security, and the only person who benefits from public debate is Putin.The Prime Minister has been clear we must give Ukraine the support that is needed for as long as it's needed. We are doubling down on our support, but the simplest way to end this conflict is for Putin to stop his aggression.

How many urgent repairs were requested for standard family accommodation in the week commencing 5 May 2025.

442 urgent repairs were requested for Service Family Accommodation properties as at noon on 9 May 2025.

How many urgent repairs were requested for standard family accommodation in each month since January 2024.

The Future Defence Infrastructure Services Accommodation Contracts stipulate that the average time to undertake an urgent repair should be within 48 hours. Both Amey and VIVO are delivering against this performance measure. This allows for more complex works (e.g those requiring scaffolding) to be undertaken safely and to an agreed quality standard. During financial year 2024-25, 85% of urgent repairs across the UK were carried out within an average of 48 hours. The total number of urgent repairs for Service Family Accommodation (SFA) and those that exceeded 48 hours can be found in the table below: MonthTotal number of urgent repairs for SFAAmey - average resolution times to urgent repairsVIVO - average resolution times to urgent repairsJanuary 20245,9214334.9February 20244,3303238March 20244,0223736April 20244,16141.8535.1May 20243,30040.934.5June 20242,80234.7533.5July 20243,38736.839.3August 20243,35737.542.9September 20243,79139.137.4October 20243,88141.340.6November 20244,82832.344.3December 20244,19833.139.2January 20255,54642.239.3February 20253,78529.742.22March 20253,69635.640.9April 20253,253Data not heldData not held The average resolution times for urgent repairs for April is not held and will not be available until end of May 2025. Information on the total number of hours by which the 48 hour resolution time for call outs for urgent repairs for SFA was exceeded, can only be provided at disproportionate cost. The contractual requirement for Urgent Repair tasks is measured on average hours to respond not total hours. In order to provide this detail, a search of all urgent tasks which exceeded 48 hours would be required.

In how many and what proportion of cases did call outs for urgent repairs for standard family accommodation exceed the 48-hour target in the week-commencing 5 May 2025.

The average resolution time for urgent repairs to Service Family Accommodation (SFA) for week commencing 5 May 2025, will not be available until mid-June 2025. Information on the total number of hours by which the 48-hour target for call outs for urgent repairs for SFA was exceeded, can only be provided at disproportionate cost. The contractual requirement for Urgent Repair tasks is measured on average hours to respond not total hours. In order to provide this detail, a search of all urgent tasks which exceeded 48 hours would be required.

In how many and what proportion of cases did call outs for urgent repairs for standard family accommodation exceed the 48-hour target in each month since January 2024.

The Future Defence Infrastructure Services Accommodation Contracts stipulate that the average time to undertake an urgent repair should be within 48 hours. Both Amey and VIVO are delivering against this performance measure. This allows for more complex works (e.g those requiring scaffolding) to be undertaken safely and to an agreed quality standard. During financial year 2024-25, 85% of urgent repairs across the UK were carried out within an average of 48 hours. The total number of urgent repairs for Service Family Accommodation (SFA) and those that exceeded 48 hours can be found in the table below: MonthTotal number of urgent repairs for SFAAmey - average resolution times to urgent repairsVIVO - average resolution times to urgent repairsJanuary 20245,9214334.9February 20244,3303238March 20244,0223736April 20244,16141.8535.1May 20243,30040.934.5June 20242,80234.7533.5July 20243,38736.839.3August 20243,35737.542.9September 20243,79139.137.4October 20243,88141.340.6November 20244,82832.344.3December 20244,19833.139.2January 20255,54642.239.3February 20253,78529.742.22March 20253,69635.640.9April 20253,253Data not heldData not held The average resolution times for urgent repairs for April is not held and will not be available until end of May 2025. Information on the total number of hours by which the 48 hour resolution time for call outs for urgent repairs for SFA was exceeded, can only be provided at disproportionate cost. The contractual requirement for Urgent Repair tasks is measured on average hours to respond not total hours. In order to provide this detail, a search of all urgent tasks which exceeded 48 hours would be required.

What the total number of hours was by which the 48 hours target for call outs for urgent repairs for standard family accommodation was exceeded in each month since January 2024.

The Future Defence Infrastructure Services Accommodation Contracts stipulate that the average time to undertake an urgent repair should be within 48 hours. Both Amey and VIVO are delivering against this performance measure. This allows for more complex works (e.g those requiring scaffolding) to be undertaken safely and to an agreed quality standard. During financial year 2024-25, 85% of urgent repairs across the UK were carried out within an average of 48 hours. The total number of urgent repairs for Service Family Accommodation (SFA) and those that exceeded 48 hours can be found in the table below: MonthTotal number of urgent repairs for SFAAmey - average resolution times to urgent repairsVIVO - average resolution times to urgent repairsJanuary 20245,9214334.9February 20244,3303238March 20244,0223736April 20244,16141.8535.1May 20243,30040.934.5June 20242,80234.7533.5July 20243,38736.839.3August 20243,35737.542.9September 20243,79139.137.4October 20243,88141.340.6November 20244,82832.344.3December 20244,19833.139.2January 20255,54642.239.3February 20253,78529.742.22March 20253,69635.640.9April 20253,253Data not heldData not held The average resolution times for urgent repairs for April is not held and will not be available until end of May 2025. Information on the total number of hours by which the 48 hour resolution time for call outs for urgent repairs for SFA was exceeded, can only be provided at disproportionate cost. The contractual requirement for Urgent Repair tasks is measured on average hours to respond not total hours. In order to provide this detail, a search of all urgent tasks which exceeded 48 hours would be required.

What the total number of hours was by which the 48 hours target for call outs for urgent repairs for standard family accommodation was exceeded in the week commencing 5 May 2025.

The average resolution time for urgent repairs to Service Family Accommodation (SFA) for week commencing 5 May 2025, will not be available until mid-June 2025. Information on the total number of hours by which the 48-hour target for call outs for urgent repairs for SFA was exceeded, can only be provided at disproportionate cost. The contractual requirement for Urgent Repair tasks is measured on average hours to respond not total hours. In order to provide this detail, a search of all urgent tasks which exceeded 48 hours would be required.

Whether he has had discussions with the Secretary of Health and Social Care on introducing regular health screening programmes for military personnel involved in handling explosive ordnance.

As the hon. Member will know from my recent answer to Question 47566, Ministry of Defence (MOD) officials reviewed with interest the recent British Journal of Urology International research letter on a potentially increased risk of bladder cancer in military personnel exposed to explosive ordnance. This is a complex scientific area, and the MOD has referred this matter to the Independent Medical Expert Group (IMEG) for their independent medical advice. The possible link between exposure to explosives and an increased risk of bladder cancer among military personnel will be discussed by the IMEG at their June 2025 meeting and their advice will inform decisions on next steps. I can confirm that no discussions have taken place with the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care. I am advised there is currently a lack of medical evidence to support screening this population for bladder cancer.

If his Department will make an assessment of the potential implications for its policies of the research paper entitled Occupational Incidence of Bladder Cancer Amongst Veteran Ammunition Technicians of the British Army, published on 22 March 2025.

As the hon. Member will know from my recent answer to Question 47566, Ministry of Defence (MOD) officials reviewed with interest the recent British Journal of Urology International research letter on a potentially increased risk of bladder cancer in military personnel exposed to explosive ordnance. This is a complex scientific area, and the MOD has referred this matter to the Independent Medical Expert Group (IMEG) for their independent medical advice. The possible link between exposure to explosives and an increased risk of bladder cancer among military personnel will be discussed by the IMEG at their June 2025 meeting and their advice will inform decisions on next steps. I can confirm that no discussions have taken place with the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care. I am advised there is currently a lack of medical evidence to support screening this population for bladder cancer.

Whether he has had discussions with the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions on ensuring that veterans with service-related (a) injuries and (b) mental health conditions are not disadvantaged by changes to PIP eligibility criteria.

The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) are the lead Department regarding welfare reform. DWP and Ministry of Defence (MOD) officials continue to work closely to ensure that where DWP benefits interface with the Armed Forces Compensation Scheme and War Pension Scheme, they are taken into consideration as work on welfare reform continues. The Pathways to Work: Reforming Benefits and Support to Get Britain Working Green Paper was published on 18 March 2025. This consultation sets out our vision, strategy, and proposals to reform health and disability benefits and employment support. It builds upon the foundations laid by the Get Britain Working White Paper in November 2024 and marks an important staging post in our journey of reform. The Government is committed to ensuring that the views and voices of disabled people, people with health conditions, and veterans are at the heart of everything we do. The Government recognises that service-related mental health conditions can differ significantly in presentation and impact from civilian experiences. It is essential that any future processes for assessment and support reflect that distinction and provide compassionate, informed, and appropriate care for veterans. We strongly encourage veterans and support organisations to engage with the consultation, so their voices are clearly heard. Veterans who are resident in England can access specialist care for physical and mental health conditions via Op RESTORE and Op COURAGE respectively. Alternative provision is available in Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland as responsibility for health is devolved. Veterans UK, which is part of the Ministry of Defence, provides free support for veterans and their families, including a helpline, Veterans Welfare Service, Defence Transition Services and injury/bereavement compensation scheme payments. I am committed to working together with colleagues in the DWP to ensure that our reforms result in a system that is fair, supportive, and responsive to the real needs of veterans.

How much has been paid in application fees for indefinite leave for members of the armed forces on discharge in each year since 2015.

This information is not held by the Ministry of Defence. Individuals who choose to apply for Indefinite Leave to Remain in the UK on discharge, also known as Settlement, submit their application and any associated fee to the Home Office.

How many applications to the Armed Forces Compensation Scheme (AFCS) have there been in each year since 2015; and how many were successful for each year.

In financial year 2023-24, 9,545 initial injury/illness claims were registered under the Armed Forces Compensation Scheme (AFCS). Of which, 2,454 have been awarded either a lump sum payment or a lump sum payment and a guaranteed income payment as at 31 March 2024. The attached supporting table shows the number of initial injury/illness claims registered and awarded under the AFCS from 1 April 2015 to the 31 March 2024 by financial year in which the initial claim was registered.

Whether his Department plans to implement the recommendations of the Quinquennial Review of the Armed Forces Compensation Scheme 2023.

The Department continues to work to implement the accepted Quinquennial Review recommendations. A progress update will be published over the course of the year.

Whether he has had discussions with the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions on the potential impact of the replacement of the Work Capability Assessment with a new system based on Personal Independence Payment criteria on veterans.

The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) are the lead Department regarding welfare reform. DWP and Ministry of Defence (MOD) officials continue to work closely to ensure that where DWP benefits interface with the Armed Forces Compensation Scheme and War Pension Scheme, they are taken into consideration as work on welfare reform continues. The Pathways to Work: Reforming Benefits and Support to Get Britain Working Green Paper was published on 18 March 2025. This consultation sets out our vision, strategy, and proposals to reform health and disability benefits and employment support. It builds upon the foundations laid by the Get Britain Working White Paper in November 2024 and marks an important staging post in our journey of reform. The Government is committed to ensuring that the views and voices of disabled people, people with health conditions, and veterans are at the heart of everything we do. The Government recognises that service-related mental health conditions can differ significantly in presentation and impact from civilian experiences. It is essential that any future processes for assessment and support reflect that distinction and provide compassionate, informed, and appropriate care for veterans. We strongly encourage veterans and support organisations to engage with the consultation, so their voices are clearly heard. Veterans who are resident in England can access specialist care for physical and mental health conditions via Op RESTORE and Op COURAGE respectively. Alternative provision is available in Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland as responsibility for health is devolved. Veterans UK, which is part of the Ministry of Defence, provides free support for veterans and their families, including a helpline, Veterans Welfare Service, Defence Transition Services and injury/bereavement compensation scheme payments. I am committed to working together with colleagues in the DWP to ensure that our reforms result in a system that is fair, supportive, and responsive to the real needs of veterans.