Written questions by Cartlidge.

Whether he plans to expand the deployment of Peregrine on naval vessels beyond HMS Lancaster.

The performance of the Peregrine system has been continuously monitored since it was deployed on HMS Lancaster, and it continues to be assessed. There is a significant focus on improving integration and maximising performance as the crew's operating experience of the Peregrine system grows. The Royal Navy's transition to uncrewed systems is expected to be addressed in the Strategic Defence Review.

What assessment he has made of the effectiveness of the deployment of Peregrine on HMS Lancaster.

The performance of the Peregrine system has been continuously monitored since it was deployed on HMS Lancaster, and it continues to be assessed. There is a significant focus on improving integration and maximising performance as the crew's operating experience of the Peregrine system grows. The Royal Navy's transition to uncrewed systems is expected to be addressed in the Strategic Defence Review.

What the average time taken was for the issuing of security clearances by his Department for businesses in the defence sector in the latest period for which data is available.

UKSV (Cabinet Office) is the sole provider of National Security Vetting and is responsible for issuing security clearances. Ministry of Defence (MOD), including Defence suppliers accredited by MOD to act as a sponsor for National Security Vetting, is a customer of UKSV. There have been no changes to the process of issuing security clearances to representatives of Defence businesses since 5 July 2024.

Whether the Strategic Defence Review will consider the UK's nuclear capability.

As stated in the Strategic Defence Review's published Terms of Reference, the Government has a total commitment to the independent UK nuclear deterrent. The Review is considering the efficiency and effectiveness of the nuclear programme.As a Government we are proud to have a triple lock commitment to the UK's nuclear deterrent. This comprises continuing the construction of four new Dreadnought Class submarines, maintaining the Continuous at Sea Deterrent; and delivery of all future upgrades needed, including the replacement warhead.

Pursuant to the Answer of 5 March 2025 to Question 33516 on Defence: Finance, whether his plan to spend 2.5% of GDP on defence expenditure in the 2026-27 financial year includes expenditure on the intelligence and security services.

The Prime Minister has announced that the definition of defence spending will be updated to recognise what our security and intelligence agencies do to boost our security, as well as our military. That, combined with the increase to defence spending, will mean that in 2026-27 the UK will spend 2.6% of GDP on NATO-qualifying defence expenditure.

What his target in service date is for CETUS.

CETUS is undergoing Integrated Test, Evaluation and Acceptance trials which are expected to complete in the summer, before handover to the Royal Navy. This is six months later than planned because of an amendment to the original design of the vessel. CETUS will continue progressive experimentation and capability demonstration activities until late 2027. CETUS is a capability demonstrator, so will enable greater understanding of how this type of vehicle can be operated, maintained and commanded - it is not intended to enter operational service and therefore does not have a target in-service date.

How many 9mm pistol rounds have been procured for Ukraine since 5 July 2024.

The UK has provided over six million rounds of small arms and light weapons ammunition to the Armed Forces of Ukraine. We cannot comment on specific calibres of ammunition or more detailed procurement and delivery schedules due to operational security.

For what reasons there has been a delay in commencing the CETUS sea trials.

CETUS is undergoing Integrated Test, Evaluation and Acceptance trials which are expected to complete in the summer, before handover to the Royal Navy. This is six months later than planned because of an amendment to the original design of the vessel. CETUS will continue progressive experimentation and capability demonstration activities until late 2027. CETUS is a capability demonstrator, so will enable greater understanding of how this type of vehicle can be operated, maintained and commanded - it is not intended to enter operational service and therefore does not have a target in-service date.

What recent progress has been made on the NATO anti-submarine warfare barrier smart defence initiative.

The Smart Defence Initiative is one part of our portfolio of work to maintain operational advantage in the underwater domain. Subject to Strategic Defence Review outcomes it will be deployed alongside other fixed and crewed systems and will be complimented by advanced technologies such as Artificial Intelligence and autonomy. The NATO Anti-Submarine Warfare Smart Defence Initiative is UK led with a mandate to accelerate the exploitation of maritime uncrewed systems to support theatre undersea capability. The UK is taking the lead on the flagship project, the Allied Underwater Battlespace Mission Network. Industry engagement is already underway and closes at the end of the month.

How many 30mm cannon rounds have been procured for Ukraine since 5 July 2024.

The UK has provided over six million rounds of small arms and light weapons ammunition to the Armed Forces of Ukraine. We cannot comment on specific calibres of ammunition or more detailed procurement and delivery schedules due to operational security.

How many 5.56mm rifle rounds have been procured for Ukraine since 5 July 2024.

The UK has provided over six million rounds of small arms and light weapons ammunition to the Armed Forces of Ukraine. We cannot comment on specific calibres of ammunition or more detailed procurement and delivery schedules due to operational security.

What recent estimate he has made of when (a) trials and (b) experimentation of CETUS will conclude.

CETUS is undergoing Integrated Test, Evaluation and Acceptance trials which are expected to complete in the summer, before handover to the Royal Navy. This is six months later than planned because of an amendment to the original design of the vessel. CETUS will continue progressive experimentation and capability demonstration activities until late 2027. CETUS is a capability demonstrator, so will enable greater understanding of how this type of vehicle can be operated, maintained and commanded - it is not intended to enter operational service and therefore does not have a target in-service date.

How many 7.62mm rounds have been procured for Ukraine since 5 July 2024.

The UK has provided over six million rounds of small arms and light weapons ammunition to the Armed Forces of Ukraine. We cannot comment on specific calibres of ammunition or more detailed procurement and delivery schedules due to operational security.

What assessment he has made of the potential implications for his policies of the decision by the US to pause military aid to Ukraine.

Our immediate focus is putting Ukraine in a position of strength and bringing the US and Ukraine together for the benefit of our collective security.NATO Allies pledged 40 billion Euros in military aid for Ukraine in 2024 and then went on to deliver 50 billion. 60% of that aid to Ukraine last year came from non-US Allies.The UK will continue to support Ukraine and is stepping up and speeding up its military assistance, spending £4.5 billion on military support for Ukraine this year which is more than ever before. We have also earmarked an additional £2.26 billion contribution under the ERA loan for military spending.

How many 5.56mm rifle rounds were manufactured in the UK (a) between 11 July 2023 and 4 July 2024 and (b) since 5 July 2024.

This information is being withheld for the purpose of safeguarding national security.

What the planned military aid budget provided by the UK to Ukraine is for the 2025-26 financial year.

This Government is committed to providing at least £3 billion a year in military support to Ukraine for as long as it takes.Additional support is being provided through the UK's contribution to the Extraordinary Revenue Acceleration loans and UK Export Finance guaranteed loans.

How many 30mm cannon rounds were manufactured in the UK (a) between 11 July 2023 and 4 July 2024 and (b) since 5 July 2024.

This information is being withheld for the purpose of safeguarding national security.

How many 9mm rounds were manufactured in the UK (a) between 11 July 2023 and 4 July 2024 and (b) since 5 July 2024.

This information is being withheld for the purpose of safeguarding national security.

How many 155mm artillery shells were manufactured in the UK (a) between 11 July 2023 and 4 July 2024 and (b) since 5 July 2024.

This information is being withheld for the purpose of safeguarding national security.

Whether any new orders have been placed as part of the Next Generation Munitions Solution agreement since 5 July 2024.

This information is being withheld for the purpose of safeguarding national security.