Every parliamentary written question tabled by James Cartlidge this session, with the full answer and department. Back to the MP page.
Showing 101–120 of 2,790 · Ministry of Defence
Whether a decision has been made on replacements for the Royal Navy's minehunters.
I refer the hon. Member to the response I gave to the hon. Member for Slough (Tanmanjeet Singh Dhesi) to Question 120373. Find written questions and answers - Written questions, answers and statements - UK Parliament
Whether he plans to announce his plans to increase defence spending to 3% of GDP (a) before or (b) after the next NATO threat and capability review.
The Government has already committed to spending 3% of GDP in the next parliament, when fiscal and economic conditions allow. Furthermore, in June last year the UK made a historic commitment to spend 5% of GDP on core defence and national security by 2035.
When he plans to respond to Question 98515 on Uncrewed Systems: Procurement.
I will respond to the hon. Member shortly.
When he plans to respond to Question 98512 on Uncrewed Systems: Procurement.
I will respond to the hon. Member shortly.
Whether he has received a request from the Cyprus Government to negotiate the sovereignty of UK bases on Cyprus.
It would not be appropriate to comment on diplomatic discussions.
When he plans to respond to Question 98516 on Uncrewed Systems: Procurement.
I will respond to the hon. Member shortly.
When he plans to respond to Question 98514 on Uncrewed Systems: Procurement.
I will respond to the hon. Member shortly.
What UK uncrewed naval technology is operational in the Middle East.
I refer the hon. Member to the answer I gave to the hon. Member for Huntingdon on 17 March 2026 to Question 118983.
Whether Remus reconnaissance drones require the presence of other Royal Navy vessels to be deployed in the Strait of Hormuz.
I refer the hon. Member to the answer I gave to the hon. Member for Huntingdon on 17 March 2026 to Question 118983.
How many UK minehunting capabilities are pre-positioned in the Middle East.
I refer the hon. Member to the answer I gave to the hon. Member for Huntingdon on 17 March 2026 to Question 118983.
How many Remus reconnaissance drones his Department has ordered since 5 July 2024.
The Ministry of Defence does not routinely publish procurement quantities for uncrewed systems due to commercial and operational sensitivities.
Whether he has obtained legal advice for UK military support to the United States to reopen the Strait of Hormuz.
A summary of the Government’s overall legal position was published on gov.uk on 1 March 2026. Summary of the UK Government legal position: The legality of defensive action in respect of Iranian regional attacks - GOV.UK
Whether he plans to deploy Royal Navy capabilities to the Strait of Hormuz.
The Government is in discussions with the US, and Gulf, European and international partners on what we can do to open up the Strait of Hormuz, restoring freedom of navigation as quickly as possible and ease the economic impact. It would be premature for me to comment on any military planning, noting the need for using all Government levers including diplomacy and working with partners.
Whether the offer of UK military support to the United States to reopen the Strait of Hormuz requires a UN resolution.
The Government is in discussions with the US, and Gulf, European and international partners on what we can do to open up the Strait of Hormuz, restoring freedom of navigation as quickly as possible and ease the economic impact. It would be premature for me to comment on any military planning, noting the need for using all Government levers including diplomacy and working with partners.
Whether Royal Navy minesweepers will be included in the Defence Investment Plan.
The Strategic Defence Review considered all aspects of Defence, including the capabilities required by UK Defence to meet the challenges, threats, and opportunities of the twenty-first century. The plan for implementing the Review’s recommendations for the Integrated Force will be set out in the forthcoming Defence Investment Plan.
How many UK minehunting drones are operational in the Middle East.
I refer the hon. Member to the answer I gave to the hon. Member for Huntingdon on 17 March 2026 to Question 118983.
How many Royal Navy minesweepers are operating in the Middle East.
I refer the hon. Member to the answer I gave to the hon. Member for Huntingdon on 17 March 2026 to Question 118983.
Whether he will offer military support to the United States to reopen the Strait of Hormuz.
The Government is in discussions with the US, and Gulf, European and international partners on what we can do to open up the Strait of Hormuz, restoring freedom of navigation as quickly as possible and ease the economic impact. It would be premature for me to comment on any military planning, noting the need for using all Government levers including diplomacy and working with partners.
Pursuant to the Answer of 16 March 2026 to Question 119399 on Cyprus: Military Bases, whether he has been invited to hold discussions with Defence Minister Palmas and other Cypriot Government officials on the sovereignty of the Sovereign Base Areas on the island of Cyprus.
No, the Ministry of Defence has not been invited to hold discussions with the Government of the Republic of Cyprus regarding the sovereignty of the Sovereign Base Areas on the island of Cyprus.
Pursuant to the Answer of 16 March 2026 to Question 119399 on Cyprus: Military Bases, what the evidential basis is that the relationship with the Republic of Cyprus has never been closer.
The UK's defence relationship with the Republic of Cyprus is multifaceted, underscored by an annual multi-domain bilateral cooperation programme. The activity outlined in this programme continues to increase year-on-year, identifying and exploiting previously unconsidered areas to the benefit of both nations. Evidence of this was the completion of the inaugural UK-Cyprus Industry Day, held at the Cypriot High Commission in December 2025.The collaboration at the operational level is deep. This has been demonstrated through the coordination of air defence efforts in response to the current situation in the Middle East.