Written questions by Cartlidge.

With reference to his Department's government response entitled Statements following the sentencing of Michael Webber, published on 31 October 2025, when the new cultural reform programme will (a) begin and (b) be fully implemented.

Sexual harassment and sexualised behaviours undermine the wellbeing of our people and operational effectiveness and have no place in Defence. Last year, Defence launched the Raising Our Standards programme, under direct Ministerial oversight through a Steering Board which I chair, as well as external scrutiny through an External Challenge Panel to hold Defence leaders to account. Raising our Standards is central to Defence’s response and is driving the cultural change we need, and is therefore a long-term programme of reform. By commissioning the UK’s first ever comprehensive military sexual harassment survey, this Government is establishing, for the first time, a no holds barred baseline to fully confront and address the root causes of the issue, and set new standards in transparency and accountability across our Armed Forces. While the survey represents a small sample—around 17% of regulars and 5% of reserves—these findings provide new, detailed, and unprecedented insights to help combat unacceptable behaviour and target immediate areas of focus: We’re implementing a Violence Against Women and Girls (VAWG) taskforce – for all Servicewomen and men – with physical hubs supporting the breadth of the Defence footprint, with initial locations in Catterick and Plymouth. With prevention at its core, this taskforce aims to tackle the root causes of harmful behaviour rather than simply responding to incidents. Other initiatives include a Kings Counsel review of cases of unacceptable behaviours, and the application of zero tolerance policies, and the set-up of a new Tri-Service Complaints Unit to handle the most serious complaints outside of Service Chains of Command. The pilot for this new Unit is already underway. An Armed Forces Commissioner will also be appointed shortly. We will continue to deliver Whole Force educational and behavioural campaigns. Recently, a new mandatory training package was introduced for all senior military leaders on how to recognise and respond to unacceptable behaviour and support victims. We have also already launched a new Service Complaints App to make it easier for personnel to raise concerns, and strengthened external oversight through the Service Police Complaints Commissioner to provide impartial scrutiny of complaints. Defence remains committed to decisive, evidence-based action to protect our people and uphold the highest standards for everyone.

With reference to his Department's press release entitled MOD response to the first Armed Forces Sexualised Behaviours and Sexual Harassment Survey, published on 13 November 2025, what new measures he will be implementing in the armed forces to halve violence against women and girls in a decade.

Sexual harassment and sexualised behaviours undermine the wellbeing of our people and operational effectiveness and have no place in Defence. Last year, Defence launched the Raising Our Standards programme, under direct Ministerial oversight through a Steering Board which I chair, as well as external scrutiny through an External Challenge Panel to hold Defence leaders to account. Raising our Standards is central to Defence’s response and is driving the cultural change we need, and is therefore a long-term programme of reform. By commissioning the UK’s first ever comprehensive military sexual harassment survey, this Government is establishing, for the first time, a no holds barred baseline to fully confront and address the root causes of the issue, and set new standards in transparency and accountability across our Armed Forces. While the survey represents a small sample—around 17% of regulars and 5% of reserves—these findings provide new, detailed, and unprecedented insights to help combat unacceptable behaviour and target immediate areas of focus: We’re implementing a Violence Against Women and Girls (VAWG) taskforce – for all Servicewomen and men – with physical hubs supporting the breadth of the Defence footprint, with initial locations in Catterick and Plymouth. With prevention at its core, this taskforce aims to tackle the root causes of harmful behaviour rather than simply responding to incidents. Other initiatives include a Kings Counsel review of cases of unacceptable behaviours, and the application of zero tolerance policies, and the set-up of a new Tri-Service Complaints Unit to handle the most serious complaints outside of Service Chains of Command. The pilot for this new Unit is already underway. An Armed Forces Commissioner will also be appointed shortly. We will continue to deliver Whole Force educational and behavioural campaigns. Recently, a new mandatory training package was introduced for all senior military leaders on how to recognise and respond to unacceptable behaviour and support victims. We have also already launched a new Service Complaints App to make it easier for personnel to raise concerns, and strengthened external oversight through the Service Police Complaints Commissioner to provide impartial scrutiny of complaints. Defence remains committed to decisive, evidence-based action to protect our people and uphold the highest standards for everyone.

If he will publish the (a) models and (b) manufacturing country of 3D printers currently in use by the British Army.

The British Army’s use of 3D printers forms part of its trial and experimentation efforts. Consequently, details relating to 3D printing equipment are not held centrally. The Army has strict security procedures in place to ensure all sensitive information is protected. Safeguarding the UK’s national security is the foundation of everything the British Army does. Therefore sensible security precautions are taken in regard to 3D Printers which are not connected to the defence network and are not used to produce any sensitive materials.

With reference to page 140 of the MOD Annual Report and Accounts 2024-25, what assessment he has made of the potential impact of his decision to cancel the Rolling Vertical Landing upgrade on F-35 capability.

Shipborne Rolling Vertical Landing (SRVL) for the UK's F-35B Lightning aircraft to Queen Elizabeth Class carriers has not been cancelled; it has been re-profiled as a Defence Choice so that fitting the capability aligns with the introduction of a related complex weapons programme. This is not expected to have an adverse impact on overall Carrier Strike or F-35B capability.

With reference to his Department's press release entitled 20,000 UK jobs secured as Türkiye buys 20 Typhoon jets in biggest fighter jet deal in a generation, published on 27 October 2025, whether he plans to order any further Typhoons for use by the RAF.

As the hon. Gentleman will know, the UK's future combat air capability to enable the Integrated Force is being finalised through the Defence Investment Plan, which will be published later this year. The Plan will consider the appropriate mix of 4th and 5th generation combat aircraft required to meet our military requirements and the associated economic benefits of the UK's Typhoon and F35 industrial workshare.

Pursuant to the Answer of 4 November to Question 85226 on Defence: Contracts, when he will publish the results of the public consultation.

The results of the public consultation will be published in the first half of 2026.

Pursuant to the Answer of 2 June to Question 53596 on European Union: Military Alliances, whether he has held discussions with his EU counterparts on the participation of the UK in common procurement under SAFE since 2 June 2025.

The UK is committed to resetting our relationship with the EU. We continue working to implement the package agreed at the UK-EU Summit and build on our landmark Security and Defence Partnership – which includes exploring UK participation in the EU’s Security Action For Europe (SAFE) instrument. As part of these efforts, the Ministry of Defence continues to work closely across the whole of Government, and in cooperation with industry partners and all our European allies, to inform our approach to enhancing Europe's defence industrial capacity and production and deliver critical capabilities required to support Ukraine. SAFE negotiations are ongoing andwe will not provide a running commentary on talks.This Government has been clear that we would only agree to a deal if we were satisfied it provided value for money to UK taxpayers.

Pursuant to the Answer of 2 June to Question 53596 on European Union: Military Alliances, whether there has been any enhanced cooperation between the European Union and the UK through the proposed SAFE instrument since 2 June 2025.

The UK is committed to resetting our relationship with the EU. We continue working to implement the package agreed at the UK-EU Summit and build on our landmark Security and Defence Partnership – which includes exploring UK participation in the EU’s Security Action For Europe (SAFE) instrument. As part of these efforts, the Ministry of Defence continues to work closely across the whole of Government, and in cooperation with industry partners and all our European allies, to inform our approach to enhancing Europe's defence industrial capacity and production and deliver critical capabilities required to support Ukraine. SAFE negotiations are ongoing andwe will not provide a running commentary on talks.This Government has been clear that we would only agree to a deal if we were satisfied it provided value for money to UK taxpayers.

Pursuant to the Answer of 2 June to Question 53596 on European Union: Military Alliances, whether the European Union has formally issued the UK with a proposed fee to participate in the proposed SAFE instrument.

The UK is committed to resetting our relationship with the EU. We continue working to implement the package agreed at the UK-EU Summit and build on our landmark Security and Defence Partnership – which includes exploring UK participation in the EU’s Security Action For Europe (SAFE) instrument. As part of these efforts, the Ministry of Defence continues to work closely across the whole of Government, and in cooperation with industry partners and all our European allies, to inform our approach to enhancing Europe's defence industrial capacity and production and deliver critical capabilities required to support Ukraine. SAFE negotiations are ongoing andwe will not provide a running commentary on talks.This Government has been clear that we would only agree to a deal if we were satisfied it provided value for money to UK taxpayers.

Pursuant to the Answer of 2 June to Question 53596 on European Union: Military Alliances, did the European Union request payment to allow UK participation in the proposed SAFE instrument.

The UK is committed to resetting our relationship with the EU. We continue working to implement the package agreed at the UK-EU Summit and build on our landmark Security and Defence Partnership – which includes exploring UK participation in the EU’s Security Action For Europe (SAFE) instrument. As part of these efforts, the Ministry of Defence continues to work closely across the whole of Government, and in cooperation with industry partners and all our European allies, to inform our approach to enhancing Europe's defence industrial capacity and production and deliver critical capabilities required to support Ukraine. SAFE negotiations are ongoing andwe will not provide a running commentary on talks.This Government has been clear that we would only agree to a deal if we were satisfied it provided value for money to UK taxpayers.

Pursuant to the Answer of 2 June to Question 53596 on European Union: Military Alliances, whether the European Union has formally invited the UK to join the proposed SAFE instrument.

The UK is committed to resetting our relationship with the EU. We continue working to implement the package agreed at the UK-EU Summit and build on our landmark Security and Defence Partnership – which includes exploring UK participation in the EU’s Security Action For Europe (SAFE) instrument. As part of these efforts, the Ministry of Defence continues to work closely across the whole of Government, and in cooperation with industry partners and all our European allies, to inform our approach to enhancing Europe's defence industrial capacity and production and deliver critical capabilities required to support Ukraine. SAFE negotiations are ongoing andwe will not provide a running commentary on talks.This Government has been clear that we would only agree to a deal if we were satisfied it provided value for money to UK taxpayers.

Pursuant to the Answer of 2 June to Question 53596 on European Union: Military Alliances, whether he has held discussions with Cabinet ministers on the participation of the UK in common procurement under SAFE since 2 June 2025.

The UK is committed to resetting our relationship with the EU. We continue working to implement the package agreed at the UK-EU Summit and build on our landmark Security and Defence Partnership – which includes exploring UK participation in the EU’s Security Action For Europe (SAFE) instrument. As part of these efforts, the Ministry of Defence continues to work closely across the whole of Government, and in cooperation with industry partners and all our European allies, to inform our approach to enhancing Europe's defence industrial capacity and production and deliver critical capabilities required to support Ukraine. SAFE negotiations are ongoing andwe will not provide a running commentary on talks.This Government has been clear that we would only agree to a deal if we were satisfied it provided value for money to UK taxpayers.

With reference to the announcement of the security review into the defence estate in connection to the security breach at RAF Brize Norton, on 20 June 2025, how many meetings his Department has held in relation to the review since 20 June 2025.

Further to the written ministerial statement of 27 November, work in relation to the MOD Security Review is continuing at pace. All military sites were assessed and prioritised, and a programme of site reviews is ongoing. Ministers are kept regularly informed through routine meetings and frequent written and oral updates. Defence is taking decisive action to strengthen security across our estate, reversing years of under-investment and focusing our resources on our highest priority sites. We have delivered urgent physical enhancements, introduced advanced surveillance technology such as the Immediate Threat Mitigation Solution, and we are investing £20 million in digital transformation to modernise our approach. Enhanced vigilance, updated guidance, and improved reporting have made it easier for personnel and industry partners to report incidents, while successful recruitment campaigns are increasing our policing and guard capacity. Our multi-layered security approach combines technology, workforce, and physical security to protect our people and assets. The piloting of Restricted Airspace above strategic sites and significant investment in remotely piloted aerial systems further enhance our ability to deter and respond to threats. Defence will use all available levers to take swift action wherever and whenever security is threatened and will not hesitate to pursue prosecution where criminality is suspected. Safeguarding the Defence estate remains a key priority, and we will continue to relentlessly pursue improvements to ensure we deliver the highest standards of security and resilience for our estate.

With reference to the announcement of the security review into the defence estate in connection to the security breach at RAF Brize Norton, on 20 June 2025, how many military sites have been assessed in relation to the review since 20 June 2025.

Further to the written ministerial statement of 27 November, work in relation to the MOD Security Review is continuing at pace. All military sites were assessed and prioritised, and a programme of site reviews is ongoing. Ministers are kept regularly informed through routine meetings and frequent written and oral updates. Defence is taking decisive action to strengthen security across our estate, reversing years of under-investment and focusing our resources on our highest priority sites. We have delivered urgent physical enhancements, introduced advanced surveillance technology such as the Immediate Threat Mitigation Solution, and we are investing £20 million in digital transformation to modernise our approach. Enhanced vigilance, updated guidance, and improved reporting have made it easier for personnel and industry partners to report incidents, while successful recruitment campaigns are increasing our policing and guard capacity. Our multi-layered security approach combines technology, workforce, and physical security to protect our people and assets. The piloting of Restricted Airspace above strategic sites and significant investment in remotely piloted aerial systems further enhance our ability to deter and respond to threats. Defence will use all available levers to take swift action wherever and whenever security is threatened and will not hesitate to pursue prosecution where criminality is suspected. Safeguarding the Defence estate remains a key priority, and we will continue to relentlessly pursue improvements to ensure we deliver the highest standards of security and resilience for our estate.

With reference to the announcement of the security review into the defence estate in connection to the security breach at RAF Brize Norton, on 20 June 2025, how many military sites have been visited in relation to the review since 20 June 2025.

Further to the written ministerial statement of 27 November, work in relation to the MOD Security Review is continuing at pace. All military sites were assessed and prioritised, and a programme of site reviews is ongoing. Ministers are kept regularly informed through routine meetings and frequent written and oral updates. Defence is taking decisive action to strengthen security across our estate, reversing years of under-investment and focusing our resources on our highest priority sites. We have delivered urgent physical enhancements, introduced advanced surveillance technology such as the Immediate Threat Mitigation Solution, and we are investing £20 million in digital transformation to modernise our approach. Enhanced vigilance, updated guidance, and improved reporting have made it easier for personnel and industry partners to report incidents, while successful recruitment campaigns are increasing our policing and guard capacity. Our multi-layered security approach combines technology, workforce, and physical security to protect our people and assets. The piloting of Restricted Airspace above strategic sites and significant investment in remotely piloted aerial systems further enhance our ability to deter and respond to threats. Defence will use all available levers to take swift action wherever and whenever security is threatened and will not hesitate to pursue prosecution where criminality is suspected. Safeguarding the Defence estate remains a key priority, and we will continue to relentlessly pursue improvements to ensure we deliver the highest standards of security and resilience for our estate.

With reference to the announcement of the security review into the defence estate in connection to the security breach at RAF Brize Norton on 20 June 2025, what recent progress he has made on the review.

Further to the written ministerial statement of 27 November, work in relation to the MOD Security Review is continuing at pace. All military sites were assessed and prioritised, and a programme of site reviews is ongoing. Ministers are kept regularly informed through routine meetings and frequent written and oral updates. Defence is taking decisive action to strengthen security across our estate, reversing years of under-investment and focusing our resources on our highest priority sites. We have delivered urgent physical enhancements, introduced advanced surveillance technology such as the Immediate Threat Mitigation Solution, and we are investing £20 million in digital transformation to modernise our approach. Enhanced vigilance, updated guidance, and improved reporting have made it easier for personnel and industry partners to report incidents, while successful recruitment campaigns are increasing our policing and guard capacity. Our multi-layered security approach combines technology, workforce, and physical security to protect our people and assets. The piloting of Restricted Airspace above strategic sites and significant investment in remotely piloted aerial systems further enhance our ability to deter and respond to threats. Defence will use all available levers to take swift action wherever and whenever security is threatened and will not hesitate to pursue prosecution where criminality is suspected. Safeguarding the Defence estate remains a key priority, and we will continue to relentlessly pursue improvements to ensure we deliver the highest standards of security and resilience for our estate.

Pursuant to the Answer of 22 April 2025 to Question 45056 on Artillery: Procurement, what he expects the in service date for RCH155 to be.

The project aims to achieve Minimum Deployable Capability (MDC) within this decade and will deliver the Remote-Controlled Howitzer 155mm (RCH 155) Calibre Wheeled Artillery System. The project remains in its assessment phase and therefore it remains too early to provide an exact in-service date.

With reference to his Department's press release, entitled Government launches Back British industry call to action to boost UK jobs, businesses and skills, published on 23 October 2025, what the total is cost of establishing the new Defence Office for Small Business Growth.

Supporting the new Defence Office for Small Business Growth office is a priority, and we will ensure it has appropriate funding necessary to establish itself and deliver on its objectives.

With reference to his Department's press release entitled, Government launches Back British industry call to action to boost UK jobs, businesses and skills, published on 23 October 2025, who will staff the Defence Office for Small Business Growth.

The Office for Small Business Growth will work collaboratively with other Ministry of Defence and Government organisations, including the Department for Business and Trade Growth Hubs, Regional Defence and Security Clusters, trade associations, strategic partners and other suppliers to bring coherence to the total support offering available to SMEs seeking to work in defence as well as non-traditional suppliers that may have offerings for a Defence application.The exact detail of how the Office will operate, including staffing options, is currently under development. Further detail of how the service will be led and resourced will be released shortly with the aim to deliver a modern, digitally-enabled and user-centric service.

With reference to his Department's press release entitled, Government launches Back British industry call to action to boost UK jobs, businesses and skills, published on 23 October 2025, whether the new Defence Office for Small Business Growth will consult with third parties.

The Office for Small Business Growth is collaborative by design. In planning the scope of the Office, we have already consulted widely with third parties including Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs), prime contractors, trade associations, mid-tier suppliers, Regional Defence and Security Clusters, and academia to ensure that the new service meets defence SMEs needs and fully integrates with support offered to smaller companies by other organisations and Government Departments. Collaboration across the Defence enterprise will continue once the Office has been established to ensure it continues to be a user-centric service for SMEs, start-ups and non-traditional suppliers to Defence.