Every parliamentary written question tabled by James Cartlidge this session, with the full answer and department. See how every department answers, or back to the MP page.
Showing 2,481–2,500 of 2,778 · Ministry of Defence
When he expects the Wasp maritime system to reach minimum deployable capability.
The Wasp system is a new uncrewed maritime system, which has been rapidly developed specifically to support Ukraine. The system is currently undergoing final testing.We are unable to provide further details on the timings for minimum deployable capability at this time for operational security reasons. Responsibility for the employment of the system rests with the Armed Forces of Ukraine.
What proportion of the total cost for delivering Gravehawk will be covered by (a) his Department and (b) the Danish Ministry of Defence.
The price of designing, producing and delivering the first two Gravehawk prototype systems was circa £6 million and borne by the UK. The price for the follow-on 15 Gravehawk systems is circa £14 million, which is split 50:50 between the UK and Denmark. Therefore, the UK's financial contribution to the Gravehawk project is circa £13 million. The Gravehawk system is a bespoke air defence system rapidly developed for the Armed Forces of Ukraine and jointly funded by the United Kingdom and Denmark.
Whether he intends to procure Gravehawk for the armed forces.
Gravehawk is a capability developed for Ukraine and we will consider future use (and platform numbers) for Ukraine based on performance. This air defence capability system was rapidly developed to meet Ukrainian needs on the battlefield and uses Ukrainian missiles already in the possession of the Armed Forces of Ukraine.
Whether he has had recent discussions with his French counterpart on the acquisition of additional Aster missiles for use by the Royal Navy.
Whilst the Secretary of State for Defence has not met recently with the French Defence Minister, negotiations to purchase Aster 30 have concluded and a Contract placement is expected imminently.
What assessment he has made of the effectiveness of the Defence Attaché network for engaging with overseas partners.
The effectiveness of the Defence Attaché (DA) network is subject to continuous assessment through diplomatic feedback, and operational impact reviews and the intelligence reporting received from the host nation. The outcomes of the Strategic Defence Review have the potential to see the expansion and growth of the DA network, thereby having an intrinsic link to its level of effectiveness. Recent assessments indicate that the DA network continues to play a critical role in strengthening strategic alliances, enhancing interoperability with key allies and partners, facilitating defence exports, and advancing bilateral agreements.
Whether he plans to expand the Defence Attaché network.
The Ministry of Defence remains committed to strengthening our global defence partnerships and ensuring our national security interests are well represented abroad. Whilst we carefully prioritise locations where a greater presence will have the most impact, the outcomes of the Strategic Defence Review (SDR) and subsequent Spending Review will have a direct impact on Defence’s desire to expand the Diplomatic Network. 2024 saw the assignment of a residentially accredited Defence Attaché to a newly established Defence Section in Montevideo (Uruguay). Whilst in 2025, Defence Sections in Baku (Azerbaijan) and Yerevan (Armenia) are scheduled to open. Expansion of the Defence Attaché network aligns with our broader foreign and security objectives, ensuring we are well-positioned with allies and partners to respond to emerging threats and evolving geopolitical challenges.
What recent progress he has made on replenishing stocks of all types of Aster missile in use by the Royal Navy.
Negotiations to purchase Aster 30 have concluded and a Contract placement, via the multi-national procurement agency OCCAR, is expected imminently. The shorter-range Aster 15 munition is being phased out under the replacement programme Sea Viper CAMM.
What proportion of his Department's expenditure was with SMEs in (a) 2022-23, (b) 2023-24 and (c) 2024-25 financial years.
The proportion of the Ministry of Defence's (MOD) procurement expenditure that goes to Small And Medium-Sized Enterprises is published annually as part of the MOD Regional Expenditure Statistics MOD regional expenditure with industry: index - GOV.UK For Financial Year (FY) 2022-23 5% (£1.4 billion) of the Department’s procurement spend went to SMEs. The figure for FY 2023-24 was 4% (£1.3 billion). Figures for FY 2024-25 are expected to be published in November 2025.
What discussions he has had with the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs on the relationship between the Kingdom of Brunei and China.
The Secretary of State for Defence has not had recent discussions with the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs on this matter. The Ministry of Defence has discussed matters relating to the Kingdom of Brunei and the People's Republic of China with other Government Departments including the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office.
What discussions he has had with the new US Administration on NATO defence spending levels.
The Defence Secretary held an introductory call with the US Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth on 31 January 2025. The Defence Secretary welcomed that 23 Allies are now hitting the 2% target but both discussed the need for all Allies to do more – to support Ukraine, tackle shared threats and safeguard the Alliance’s future. The Defence Secretary looked forward to meeting Secretary Hegseth at NATO Defence Ministers.
What his policy is on maintaining a military presence in the Kingdom of Brunei.
This Government is committed to maintaining our unique defence relationship with Brunei. His Majesty, the Sultan of Brunei, and the Prime Minister signed the five-yearly renewal of the Garrison Agreement in December 2024, which signals His Majesty the Sultan's wish to maintain British military presence in Brunei.
What steps he is taking to ensure that his Department pays contracted defence companies on time.
The Ministry of Defence is committed to ensuring its suppliers of all sizes are paid what they are owed promptly. The department aims to pay 90% of undisputed and valid invoices from small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) within five days. We are exceeding this target, in the last quarter of this financial year, over 95% of invoices have been paid within this timescale. Additionally, 100% of all undisputed and valid invoices should be paid within 30 days. Information relating to the department's supplier payment performance can be found at the gov.uk website.
If he will make an assessment of the potential impact of the time taken for his Department to process invoices for contracted work by SMEs in the defence sector.
The Ministry of Defence is committed to ensuring its suppliers of all sizes are paid what they are owed promptly. The department aims to pay 90% of undisputed and valid invoices from small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) within five days. We are exceeding this target, in the last quarter of this financial year, over 95% of invoices have been paid within this timescale. Additionally, 100% of all undisputed and valid invoices should be paid within 30 days. Information relating to the department's supplier payment performance can be found at the gov.uk website.
What steps he is taking to help improve the efficiency of procurement supply chains.
As part of the Defence Industrial Strategy, we will reform the Ministry of Defence procurement and acquisition processes to ensure we deliver the capabilities defence requires now and in the future, whilst reducing waste, supporting growth and ensuring compliance with our obligations under our international trade agreements. Coupled with this, the Defence Supply Chain Capability Programme is starting to deliver on the Government’s intent to create a bigger, better and more innovative and resilient Defence industrial sector supporting UK security and driving economic growth.
If he will make an estimate of the total financial remuneration for Non-Executive Directors in (a) his Department, (b) Defence Equipment & Support, (c) the Atomic Weapons Establishment and (d) all other connected agencies for financial year 2024-25.
The estimated financial remuneration for financial year 2024-25 for the Department’s public appointments (which includes a range of roles including non-executive board members, statutory officeholders and expert committee members, etc) is as follows: a) Departmental - £1,270,920 (95 roles)b) Defence Equipment & Support - £318,000 (7 roles)c) Atomic Weapons Establishment - £359,965 (8 roles)d) All other connected agencies - £1,305,257 (55 roles)
Whether his Department made a formal response to the Treasury's consultation on reforms to (a) inheritance tax and (b) the application of inheritance tax on Death in Service payments for armed forces personnel.
The Ministry of Defence has not made a formal response to HM Revenue and Customs’ technical consultation. The Ministry of Defence regularly engages with the Treasury on a range of matters, it is not practice to make a formal response to public consultations from other Government Departments. Armed Forces personnel whose death is attributable to active Service are exempt from inheritance tax.
If he will make an assessment of the potential impact of (a) in-year savings measures and (b) stockpile depletion on the delivery of live fire training in the Army.
There have been no specific in-year financial constraints imposed on the consumption of ammunition and therefore no impact on the delivery of live fire training.As the hon. Member will understand from his time in the Ministry of Defence, for reasons of operational security, details of replenishment and stockpiles are highly classified, and I am withholding this information.
If he will improve the training estate to support Operation Interflex.
The Ministry of Defence works continuously to improve the Defence Training Estate on a capability and training needs basis. Work addressing areas of improvement highlighted by Operation Interflex, which stands to benefit the Defence Land Environment Training Function, is underway.
Whether he has made a recent assessment of the potential merits of extending the out-of-service date of the Eurofighter Typhoon.
I refer the hon. Member to the answer I gave on 27 January 2024 to Question 25025 to the hon. Member for North Devon (Ian Roome).
If he will hold discussions with the Prime Minister on sending British troops to Ukraine in peacekeeping roles.
The Defence Secretary has regular discussions with the Prime Minister about UK support to Ukraine. It would be inappropriate to comment further on speculation about the future. Our focus is on putting Ukraine in the strongest possible position in 2025 and supporting Ukraine's defence against Putin’s full scale invasion. It would be inappropriate to speculate about the content of those discussions. However, the Prime Minister remains committed to putting Ukraine in the strongest possible position through 2025.