Written questions by Maguire.

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.

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.

Whether his Department's policy on the call-out time for reservists has changed in the last six months; and what the minimum notice period is before deployment.

In developing and maintaining our Reserves mobilisation policy, ensuring that the process is optimal for Defence, the Employer and the Reservist continue to be at the forefront of our thinking. The Ministry of Defence’s Reserves mobilisation policy has not changed over the last six months. While all Reservists are technically on immediate notice for call out, when circumstances permit, it is Defence policy that they, and their employers, will, wherever possible, be given a minimum of 28 days’ formal notice after receiving the call-out notice to report to a mobilisation centre for contingency operations and 90 days’ notice for pre-planned operations.

Whether his Department is conducting or plans to commission research into the long-term health impacts of explosive exposure for military personnel.

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.

What proportion of (a) Challenger 2, (b) Warrior, (c) Boxer and (d) protected patrol vehicles were (i) fit for service and (ii) not fit for service in each year since 2015.

We do not routinely disclose a breakdown of total capability fleets in the interests of security and operational effectiveness. However, the total fleet figures of Challenger 2, Warrior and Protected Mobility Vehicles since 2016 can be found in the annual UK Armed Forces Equipment and Formations statistics. This is accessible here: https://www.gov.uk/government/collections/uk-armed-forces-equipment-and-formations.

How many incidents of Russian military activity in (a) the North Sea, (b) the English Channel, (c) the Irish Sea and (d) the North Atlantic his Department has recorded per month for the last 24 months.

The Royal Navy continuously monitors UK waters and stands ready to respond to the presence of Russian vessels. For reasons of national security, we cannot disclose the specific number of incidents of Russian military activity recorded during any given period.

Which recommendations of the Etherton Report have yet to be implemented; and what his planned timeline is for the implementation of those outstanding recommendations.

As of 1 April 2025, 42 of the 49 recommendations have been implemented, with work to implement the outstanding seven recommendations underway, demonstrating our commitment to supporting the LGBT veteran community. Of the seven remaining recommendations, two are for Defence and five are for the Department of Health and Social Care (DHSC). Defence officials are also supporting DHSC colleagues with progressing their five remaining recommendations (recommendations 31, 35, 36, 38 and 42). The two for Defence include recommendation 44 focusing on female veterans affected by the ban; this will be implemented as part of the new inclusive veterans’ strategy. Recommendation 17 to implement a dedicated memorial to LGBT personnel at the National Memorial Arboretum is expected to be unveiled before the end of 2025. Defence encourages those affected to apply for non-financial restorative measures and the LGBT Financial Recognition Scheme by completing the application forms available at the following address: https://www.gov.uk/government/collections/lgbt-veterans-support-and-next-steps.

What the average number of months are between a service person enlisting and leaving the (a) Navy, (b) RAF and (c) Army; what the 2015 average number of months was between a service person enlisting and leaving the (a) Navy, (b) RAF and (c) Army; and what the 2020 average number of months was between a service person enlisting and leaving the (a) Navy, (b) RAF and (c) Army.

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 steps his Department has taken to protect British supply chains from Russian interference and sabotage.

We closely monitor the impact of global conflicts including the extent of Russian content in our critical programmes and the supply chains that support them, with the aim of identifying and managing emergent issues. The Department is actively engaged in a range of activity to de-risk critical defence supply chain vulnerabilities to enable us to make informed decisions around if and how to intervene. We work collaboratively with industry to mitigate risks via initiatives such as the recent joint Ministry of Defence (MOD)-industry wargaming event. The MOD also continues to work alongside the National Protective Security Authority and with allies to ensure our industry colleagues are aware of the threats posed by Russia, and the National Security and Investment Act 2021 is used to address national security risks posed by malign Russian ownership where appropriate.

With reference to the Professor Alice Sullivan's review entitled Independent review of data, statistics and research on sex and gender, published on 19 March 2025, if he will bring forward legislative proposals to establish a new non-departmental public body to (a) standardise and (b) improve the effectiveness of the work of the (i) Council of Reserve Forces’ and Cadets’ Associations and (b) the Reserve Forces and Cadets Associations.

The 2019 Review of the Reserve Forces’ and Cadets’ Associations (RFCAs) was published on 24 March 2020 and placed in the Library of the House. The Review recommended that the Council of Reserve Forces’ and Cadets’ Associations (CRFCA) and the 13 RFCAs should be merged into a single Executive Non-Departmental Public Body (NDPB), with a National Office and a set of regional organisations. The review can be found at the following address: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/review-of-the-reserve-forces-cadets-associations-2019. The NDPB implementation work was paused in March 2023 due to it failing to obtain a legislative slot in the last Parliament, but this work has now re-commenced, and we are currently progressing work on the required legislation.

How many (a) type 23 Duke Class, (b) type 31 Inspiration Class and (c) type 26 City Class frigates the UK navy has; how many of each of those types are currently not fit for purpose; and for each frigate currently not fit for purpose, how many days each ship has been out of service.

The Royal Navy operates eight Type 23 Frigates, and as of 2 April 2025, six Type 23 frigates are at readiness and available for operations. Each ship follows a normal operating cycle, going through different readiness levels based on their schedules and maintenance. In addition to the eight operational Type 23 frigates, the Royal Navy has three that are in the process of being decommissioned. It has been 321 days since the decision to retire HMS Westminster and HMS Argyll, and 133 days for HMS Northumberland. The retirement announcements are part of the UK’s plan to modernise its surface fleet. The Royal Navy will replace the Type 23 Frigates with new Type 26 and Type 31 Frigates. All eightType 26 ships are scheduled to enter service between 2028 and 2035, with all five Type 31 ships expected to be operational by the early 2030s.

If his Department will undertake a review of intelligence-sharing structures with the US.

The US and the UK have the closest of relationships; our defence, security and intelligence are completely intertwined. No two countries are as close as our two countries, and at a time like this, it would be a mistake to suggest that any weakening of that link is the way forward for security and defence in Europe. As such, the Department has no plans to undertake a review of our intelligence sharing arrangements with the US.

What support his Department provides to (a) service personnel and their families and (b) people leaving the services to improve financial resilience.

The Ministry of Defence (MOD) works in close partnership with several financial institutions including three not-for-profit Credit Unions which make up the MOD’s Joining Forces Credit Union initiative. Joining Forces Credit Union provides Service personnel, their partners, families, and dependants, with access face-to-face and online financial awareness briefings to help improve financial resilience with an emphasis on encouraging a savings culture and deterring the use of ‘pay day loan companies’. All Service leavers are entitled to support from the Career Transition Partnership (CTP). Service leavers are encouraged to attend The Financial Aspects of Resettlement (FAR) brief which is a single day course designed to help them access financial awareness and long-term planning information, tax, pensions, and benefits advice. There are 11 resettlement hubs around the UK, located in areas where the majority of Service personnel choose to settle.

What steps he is taking to increase awareness that military compensation should not be treated as income in means tests for statutory support.

The Ministry of Defence and the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) collaborate closely to ensure the current practice of how their respective schemes and benefits work together, and any proposed changes, are communicated and considered. Advice is available on gov.uk for those seeking further guidance - https://www.gov.uk/guidance/veterans-uk-contact-us The DWP already applies different treatment for Armed Forces compensation payments across the benefit system in comparison to other groups. This reflects the nature of the payments to compensate those who have made significant sacrifices for our country. For example, Universal Credit fully disregards War Pensions and Armed Forces Compensation payments. This means that payments under these Schemes do not impact the eligibility or amount of benefit to which individuals might be entitled. Other social security benefits may partially or fully disregard Armed Forces-related compensation payments. This will be dependent on the type of benefit being considered, as different benefits have different criteria.