Written questions by Cartlidge.

With reference to paragraph 2.8 of the Spring Statement, 26 March 2025, whether he plans to set a formal target for end to end procurement time for rapid commercial exploitation.

The Ministry of Defence is reforming its acquisition system to deliver defence capabilities at greater pace, secure the best possible value for money and support growth, under the leadership of a new National Armaments Director. These reforms will enable the end-to-end procurement approach to be tailored according to the nature of each programme, delivering capability into the hands of the war fighter more quickly to maintain operational advantage. As set out in the Spring Statement, the department will set targets for time to contract as part of its new segmented approach to procurement. While larger, complex platforms, such as those in the Government Major Projects Portfolio, will often take longer to deliver, we will look for opportunities to drive pace at every stage of the acquisition process.

With reference to paragraph 2.8 of the Spring Statement, published on 26 March 2025, what the cash terms figure is for the 10% of his Department’s equipment procurement that will be spent on novel technologies.

As set out in the Chancellor’s Spring Statement the Ministry of Defence will establish UK Defence Innovation (UKDI). This new body will consolidate, cohere and simplify the current Ministry of Defence (MOD) structures for innovation. As well as capitalise on lessons from Ukraine. It supports the Government’s wider agenda for greater departmental agility, driven by advances in technology and increased productivity. UKDI will be granted greater freedoms to exploit and capitalise on new ideas, equip Britain’s Armed Forces with cutting-edge tech faster, support the growth of high-tech businesses across the UK and demonstrate the UK’s ability to respond at pace to external threats. UKDI will report under the new National Armaments Director (NAD) and sit within the Ministry of Defence as part of the new operating model being established through Defence Reform. Its output will be fully accountable to Ministers and Parliament. UKDI will be part of cross Government growth boards. UKDI is not a new Arm's Length Body, nor will it pull in any existing Arm’s Length Bodies. UKDI is a key part of the biggest overhaul of Defence for over 50 years and will be an essential part of reforming defence acquisition. UKDI will reach initial operating capability in July 2025, that output will provide more detail on the admin and running costs of UKDI, the detailed design and interactions with MSHQ, other Government departments and industry. This work will look at the size and shape of the workforce needed to deliver the ambition. UKDI will be given the appropriate delegation, resources and authority to achieve its goals. To achieve these aims UKDI will be given a ringfenced budget to give confidence to industry in the acquisition programme and to be able to move from concept to delivery at pace. Investment cases will prioritise UK SMEs. The Spring Statement also confirmed that from next year the MOD will spend at least 10% of its equipment procurement budget on novel tech including dual-use technologies such as uncrewed and autonomous systems and AI-enabled capabilities. UKDI will be closely linked to the DE&S and DASA teams which have recently been involved in recent rapid procurement activities where appropriate. The creation of UKDI underlines this Government's commitment to exploiting new ideas and technologies to equip our Armed Forces with cutting edge tech and grow high tech businesses across the UK.

With reference to paragraph 2.8 of the Spring Statement, published on 26 March 2025, what will be the construct of UK Defence Innovation.

As set out in the Chancellor’s Spring Statement the Ministry of Defence will establish UK Defence Innovation (UKDI). This new body will consolidate, cohere and simplify the current Ministry of Defence (MOD) structures for innovation. As well as capitalise on lessons from Ukraine. It supports the Government’s wider agenda for greater departmental agility, driven by advances in technology and increased productivity. UKDI will be granted greater freedoms to exploit and capitalise on new ideas, equip Britain’s Armed Forces with cutting-edge tech faster, support the growth of high-tech businesses across the UK and demonstrate the UK’s ability to respond at pace to external threats. UKDI will report under the new National Armaments Director (NAD) and sit within the Ministry of Defence as part of the new operating model being established through Defence Reform. Its output will be fully accountable to Ministers and Parliament. UKDI will be part of cross Government growth boards. UKDI is not a new Arm's Length Body, nor will it pull in any existing Arm’s Length Bodies. UKDI is a key part of the biggest overhaul of Defence for over 50 years and will be an essential part of reforming defence acquisition. UKDI will reach initial operating capability in July 2025, that output will provide more detail on the admin and running costs of UKDI, the detailed design and interactions with MSHQ, other Government departments and industry. This work will look at the size and shape of the workforce needed to deliver the ambition. UKDI will be given the appropriate delegation, resources and authority to achieve its goals. To achieve these aims UKDI will be given a ringfenced budget to give confidence to industry in the acquisition programme and to be able to move from concept to delivery at pace. Investment cases will prioritise UK SMEs. The Spring Statement also confirmed that from next year the MOD will spend at least 10% of its equipment procurement budget on novel tech including dual-use technologies such as uncrewed and autonomous systems and AI-enabled capabilities. UKDI will be closely linked to the DE&S and DASA teams which have recently been involved in recent rapid procurement activities where appropriate. The creation of UKDI underlines this Government's commitment to exploiting new ideas and technologies to equip our Armed Forces with cutting edge tech and grow high tech businesses across the UK.

How Defence Equipment and Support will interact with UK Defence Innovation.

As set out in the Chancellor’s Spring Statement the Ministry of Defence will establish UK Defence Innovation (UKDI). This new body will consolidate, cohere and simplify the current Ministry of Defence (MOD) structures for innovation. As well as capitalise on lessons from Ukraine. It supports the Government’s wider agenda for greater departmental agility, driven by advances in technology and increased productivity. UKDI will be granted greater freedoms to exploit and capitalise on new ideas, equip Britain’s Armed Forces with cutting-edge tech faster, support the growth of high-tech businesses across the UK and demonstrate the UK’s ability to respond at pace to external threats. UKDI will report under the new National Armaments Director (NAD) and sit within the Ministry of Defence as part of the new operating model being established through Defence Reform. Its output will be fully accountable to Ministers and Parliament. UKDI will be part of cross Government growth boards. UKDI is not a new Arm's Length Body, nor will it pull in any existing Arm’s Length Bodies. UKDI is a key part of the biggest overhaul of Defence for over 50 years and will be an essential part of reforming defence acquisition. UKDI will reach initial operating capability in July 2025, that output will provide more detail on the admin and running costs of UKDI, the detailed design and interactions with MSHQ, other Government departments and industry. This work will look at the size and shape of the workforce needed to deliver the ambition. UKDI will be given the appropriate delegation, resources and authority to achieve its goals. To achieve these aims UKDI will be given a ringfenced budget to give confidence to industry in the acquisition programme and to be able to move from concept to delivery at pace. Investment cases will prioritise UK SMEs. The Spring Statement also confirmed that from next year the MOD will spend at least 10% of its equipment procurement budget on novel tech including dual-use technologies such as uncrewed and autonomous systems and AI-enabled capabilities. UKDI will be closely linked to the DE&S and DASA teams which have recently been involved in recent rapid procurement activities where appropriate. The creation of UKDI underlines this Government's commitment to exploiting new ideas and technologies to equip our Armed Forces with cutting edge tech and grow high tech businesses across the UK.

With reference to paragraph 2.8 of the Spring Statement, published on 26 March 2025, what will be the governance of UK Defence Innovation (UKDI).

As set out in the Chancellor’s Spring Statement the Ministry of Defence will establish UK Defence Innovation (UKDI). This new body will consolidate, cohere and simplify the current Ministry of Defence (MOD) structures for innovation. As well as capitalise on lessons from Ukraine. It supports the Government’s wider agenda for greater departmental agility, driven by advances in technology and increased productivity. UKDI will be granted greater freedoms to exploit and capitalise on new ideas, equip Britain’s Armed Forces with cutting-edge tech faster, support the growth of high-tech businesses across the UK and demonstrate the UK’s ability to respond at pace to external threats. UKDI will report under the new National Armaments Director (NAD) and sit within the Ministry of Defence as part of the new operating model being established through Defence Reform. Its output will be fully accountable to Ministers and Parliament. UKDI will be part of cross Government growth boards. UKDI is not a new Arm's Length Body, nor will it pull in any existing Arm’s Length Bodies. UKDI is a key part of the biggest overhaul of Defence for over 50 years and will be an essential part of reforming defence acquisition. UKDI will reach initial operating capability in July 2025, that output will provide more detail on the admin and running costs of UKDI, the detailed design and interactions with MSHQ, other Government departments and industry. This work will look at the size and shape of the workforce needed to deliver the ambition. UKDI will be given the appropriate delegation, resources and authority to achieve its goals. To achieve these aims UKDI will be given a ringfenced budget to give confidence to industry in the acquisition programme and to be able to move from concept to delivery at pace. Investment cases will prioritise UK SMEs. The Spring Statement also confirmed that from next year the MOD will spend at least 10% of its equipment procurement budget on novel tech including dual-use technologies such as uncrewed and autonomous systems and AI-enabled capabilities. UKDI will be closely linked to the DE&S and DASA teams which have recently been involved in recent rapid procurement activities where appropriate. The creation of UKDI underlines this Government's commitment to exploiting new ideas and technologies to equip our Armed Forces with cutting edge tech and grow high tech businesses across the UK.

Which sites will be included in the refurbishment of military housing.

We are unable to give details of our future plans for specific sites at this time. The Defence Housing Strategy Review to determine how the Department will utilise its properties reacquired from Annington following the completion of the deal in January 2025 is now underway. The Military Housing Strategy planned for publication in Summer 2025 will set out a roadmap to deliver a generational renewal of military accommodation.

With reference to paragraph 2.7 of the Spring Statement, published on 26 March 2025, how the UK’s programme of joint exercises with NATO allies will be enhanced.

The UK will participate in exercises with NATO Allies to build and enhance interoperability in multi-domain operations, key to NATO’s operational effectiveness. This will be demonstrated through participation in Exercises Hedgehog and Steadfast Deterrence in May of this year, which aim to strengthen NATO’s defence and deterrence in the Euro-Atlantic area.

With reference to paragraph 2.8 of the Spring Statement, published on 26 March 2025, what the forecasted annual administration cost of UK Defence Innovation is.

As set out in the Chancellor’s Spring Statement the Ministry of Defence will establish UK Defence Innovation (UKDI). This new body will consolidate, cohere and simplify the current Ministry of Defence (MOD) structures for innovation. As well as capitalise on lessons from Ukraine. It supports the Government’s wider agenda for greater departmental agility, driven by advances in technology and increased productivity. UKDI will be granted greater freedoms to exploit and capitalise on new ideas, equip Britain’s Armed Forces with cutting-edge tech faster, support the growth of high-tech businesses across the UK and demonstrate the UK’s ability to respond at pace to external threats. UKDI will report under the new National Armaments Director (NAD) and sit within the Ministry of Defence as part of the new operating model being established through Defence Reform. Its output will be fully accountable to Ministers and Parliament. UKDI will be part of cross Government growth boards. UKDI is not a new Arm's Length Body, nor will it pull in any existing Arm’s Length Bodies. UKDI is a key part of the biggest overhaul of Defence for over 50 years and will be an essential part of reforming defence acquisition. UKDI will reach initial operating capability in July 2025, that output will provide more detail on the admin and running costs of UKDI, the detailed design and interactions with MSHQ, other Government departments and industry. This work will look at the size and shape of the workforce needed to deliver the ambition. UKDI will be given the appropriate delegation, resources and authority to achieve its goals. To achieve these aims UKDI will be given a ringfenced budget to give confidence to industry in the acquisition programme and to be able to move from concept to delivery at pace. Investment cases will prioritise UK SMEs. The Spring Statement also confirmed that from next year the MOD will spend at least 10% of its equipment procurement budget on novel tech including dual-use technologies such as uncrewed and autonomous systems and AI-enabled capabilities. UKDI will be closely linked to the DE&S and DASA teams which have recently been involved in recent rapid procurement activities where appropriate. The creation of UKDI underlines this Government's commitment to exploiting new ideas and technologies to equip our Armed Forces with cutting edge tech and grow high tech businesses across the UK.

With reference to paragraph 2.7 of the Spring Statement, published on 26 March 2025, how the investment in Directed Energy Weapons will be spent.

The additional funding announced in the Spring Statement is contributing to advanced technology within Defence, including securing the in service date for the DragonFire Laser Directed Energy Weapons (DEW). This investment will continue development of software and overall lethality, integration of the system, and will support the UK industrial base and specialist skills. DragonFire is an example of our commitment to developing UK sovereign capability, and is not the totality of MOD’s investment in DEW. We will wait for the outcomes of the Strategic Defence Review and Spending Review before making further announcements on plans for DEW capability.

With reference to paragraph 2.8 of the Spring Statement, published on 26 March 2025, whether a board will be created for UK Defence Innovation.

As set out in the Chancellor’s Spring Statement the Ministry of Defence will establish UK Defence Innovation (UKDI). This new body will consolidate, cohere and simplify the current Ministry of Defence (MOD) structures for innovation. As well as capitalise on lessons from Ukraine. It supports the Government’s wider agenda for greater departmental agility, driven by advances in technology and increased productivity. UKDI will be granted greater freedoms to exploit and capitalise on new ideas, equip Britain’s Armed Forces with cutting-edge tech faster, support the growth of high-tech businesses across the UK and demonstrate the UK’s ability to respond at pace to external threats. UKDI will report under the new National Armaments Director (NAD) and sit within the Ministry of Defence as part of the new operating model being established through Defence Reform. Its output will be fully accountable to Ministers and Parliament. UKDI will be part of cross Government growth boards. UKDI is not a new Arm's Length Body, nor will it pull in any existing Arm’s Length Bodies. UKDI is a key part of the biggest overhaul of Defence for over 50 years and will be an essential part of reforming defence acquisition. UKDI will reach initial operating capability in July 2025, that output will provide more detail on the admin and running costs of UKDI, the detailed design and interactions with MSHQ, other Government departments and industry. This work will look at the size and shape of the workforce needed to deliver the ambition. UKDI will be given the appropriate delegation, resources and authority to achieve its goals. To achieve these aims UKDI will be given a ringfenced budget to give confidence to industry in the acquisition programme and to be able to move from concept to delivery at pace. Investment cases will prioritise UK SMEs. The Spring Statement also confirmed that from next year the MOD will spend at least 10% of its equipment procurement budget on novel tech including dual-use technologies such as uncrewed and autonomous systems and AI-enabled capabilities. UKDI will be closely linked to the DE&S and DASA teams which have recently been involved in recent rapid procurement activities where appropriate. The creation of UKDI underlines this Government's commitment to exploiting new ideas and technologies to equip our Armed Forces with cutting edge tech and grow high tech businesses across the UK.

What steps he plans to take to help ensure that proposed increases in defence spending create economic growth in all regions.

In the recent announcements of an extra £5 billion for defence next year and setting a pathway to spend 2.5% of GDP by 2027, this Government recognised that Defence and national security are foundational for economic growth across the UK. We are determined to go further and use Defence procurement and investment to actively generate wealth, boost export potential and create high quality jobs across all the nations and regions of our country. This Government is hard-wiring growth considerations into Defence processes. The new Defence Growth Board, which will be co-chaired by the Chancellor and Secretary of State for Defence, will ensure growth considerations are central to our decision-making. The Defence Industrial Strategy Statement of Intent, published in December 2024, identified spreading prosperity as one of six key priorities. The new UK Defence Innovation organisation and the associated commitment to spend 10% of the Ministry of Defence’s budget on novel technologies, together with fundamental reforms to defence procurement and a new small and medium sized enterprises hub will benefit industry across the UK. The Ministry of Defence continues to engage with industry, devolved Governments and local authorities to better understand the regional opportunities and barriers for growth in the defence sector. We are working with partners across Government to determine how these can best be addressed.

With reference to paragraph 2.8 of the Spring Statement, published on 26 March 2025, if he will list all the arms-length bodies which will be rolled in to UK Defence Innovation.

As set out in the Chancellor’s Spring Statement the Ministry of Defence will establish UK Defence Innovation (UKDI). This new body will consolidate, cohere and simplify the current Ministry of Defence (MOD) structures for innovation. As well as capitalise on lessons from Ukraine. It supports the Government’s wider agenda for greater departmental agility, driven by advances in technology and increased productivity. UKDI will be granted greater freedoms to exploit and capitalise on new ideas, equip Britain’s Armed Forces with cutting-edge tech faster, support the growth of high-tech businesses across the UK and demonstrate the UK’s ability to respond at pace to external threats. UKDI will report under the new National Armaments Director (NAD) and sit within the Ministry of Defence as part of the new operating model being established through Defence Reform. Its output will be fully accountable to Ministers and Parliament. UKDI will be part of cross Government growth boards. UKDI is not a new Arm's Length Body, nor will it pull in any existing Arm’s Length Bodies. UKDI is a key part of the biggest overhaul of Defence for over 50 years and will be an essential part of reforming defence acquisition. UKDI will reach initial operating capability in July 2025, that output will provide more detail on the admin and running costs of UKDI, the detailed design and interactions with MSHQ, other Government departments and industry. This work will look at the size and shape of the workforce needed to deliver the ambition. UKDI will be given the appropriate delegation, resources and authority to achieve its goals. To achieve these aims UKDI will be given a ringfenced budget to give confidence to industry in the acquisition programme and to be able to move from concept to delivery at pace. Investment cases will prioritise UK SMEs. The Spring Statement also confirmed that from next year the MOD will spend at least 10% of its equipment procurement budget on novel tech including dual-use technologies such as uncrewed and autonomous systems and AI-enabled capabilities. UKDI will be closely linked to the DE&S and DASA teams which have recently been involved in recent rapid procurement activities where appropriate. The creation of UKDI underlines this Government's commitment to exploiting new ideas and technologies to equip our Armed Forces with cutting edge tech and grow high tech businesses across the UK.

With reference to paragraph 2.8 of the Spring Statement, published on 26 March 2025, if he will fully define each of the areas of investment to be covered by the 10% of his Department’s equipment procurement that will be spent on novel technologies.

As set out in the Chancellor’s Spring Statement the Ministry of Defence will establish UK Defence Innovation (UKDI). This new body will consolidate, cohere and simplify the current Ministry of Defence (MOD) structures for innovation. As well as capitalise on lessons from Ukraine. It supports the Government’s wider agenda for greater departmental agility, driven by advances in technology and increased productivity. UKDI will be granted greater freedoms to exploit and capitalise on new ideas, equip Britain’s Armed Forces with cutting-edge tech faster, support the growth of high-tech businesses across the UK and demonstrate the UK’s ability to respond at pace to external threats. UKDI will report under the new National Armaments Director (NAD) and sit within the Ministry of Defence as part of the new operating model being established through Defence Reform. Its output will be fully accountable to Ministers and Parliament. UKDI will be part of cross Government growth boards. UKDI is not a new Arm's Length Body, nor will it pull in any existing Arm’s Length Bodies. UKDI is a key part of the biggest overhaul of Defence for over 50 years and will be an essential part of reforming defence acquisition. UKDI will reach initial operating capability in July 2025, that output will provide more detail on the admin and running costs of UKDI, the detailed design and interactions with MSHQ, other Government departments and industry. This work will look at the size and shape of the workforce needed to deliver the ambition. UKDI will be given the appropriate delegation, resources and authority to achieve its goals. To achieve these aims UKDI will be given a ringfenced budget to give confidence to industry in the acquisition programme and to be able to move from concept to delivery at pace. Investment cases will prioritise UK SMEs. The Spring Statement also confirmed that from next year the MOD will spend at least 10% of its equipment procurement budget on novel tech including dual-use technologies such as uncrewed and autonomous systems and AI-enabled capabilities. UKDI will be closely linked to the DE&S and DASA teams which have recently been involved in recent rapid procurement activities where appropriate. The creation of UKDI underlines this Government's commitment to exploiting new ideas and technologies to equip our Armed Forces with cutting edge tech and grow high tech businesses across the UK.

How the National Armaments Director will interact with UK Defence Innovation.

As set out in the Chancellor’s Spring Statement the Ministry of Defence will establish UK Defence Innovation (UKDI). This new body will consolidate, cohere and simplify the current Ministry of Defence (MOD) structures for innovation. As well as capitalise on lessons from Ukraine. It supports the Government’s wider agenda for greater departmental agility, driven by advances in technology and increased productivity. UKDI will be granted greater freedoms to exploit and capitalise on new ideas, equip Britain’s Armed Forces with cutting-edge tech faster, support the growth of high-tech businesses across the UK and demonstrate the UK’s ability to respond at pace to external threats. UKDI will report under the new National Armaments Director (NAD) and sit within the Ministry of Defence as part of the new operating model being established through Defence Reform. Its output will be fully accountable to Ministers and Parliament. UKDI will be part of cross Government growth boards. UKDI is not a new Arm's Length Body, nor will it pull in any existing Arm’s Length Bodies. UKDI is a key part of the biggest overhaul of Defence for over 50 years and will be an essential part of reforming defence acquisition. UKDI will reach initial operating capability in July 2025, that output will provide more detail on the admin and running costs of UKDI, the detailed design and interactions with MSHQ, other Government departments and industry. This work will look at the size and shape of the workforce needed to deliver the ambition. UKDI will be given the appropriate delegation, resources and authority to achieve its goals. To achieve these aims UKDI will be given a ringfenced budget to give confidence to industry in the acquisition programme and to be able to move from concept to delivery at pace. Investment cases will prioritise UK SMEs. The Spring Statement also confirmed that from next year the MOD will spend at least 10% of its equipment procurement budget on novel tech including dual-use technologies such as uncrewed and autonomous systems and AI-enabled capabilities. UKDI will be closely linked to the DE&S and DASA teams which have recently been involved in recent rapid procurement activities where appropriate. The creation of UKDI underlines this Government's commitment to exploiting new ideas and technologies to equip our Armed Forces with cutting edge tech and grow high tech businesses across the UK.

With reference to paragraph 2.9 of the Spring Statement, published on 26 March 2025, whether the Defence Reform Model will include a target for spending on UK Defence SMEs.

The Prime Minister and Secretary of State for Defence have announced that, along with other Government Departments, the Ministry of Defence will publish a target for direct spend with Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) by June 2025. This forms part of broader Defence Reform and complements the commitments within the Spring Statement regarding ringfenced funding for innovation. The Department is committed to a stretching but achievable target to meet this requirement.

What the forecasted annual administration cost is of the Military Strategic Headquarters.

The Military Strategic Headquarters has not been set a specific administration budget for 2025-26.

What size force he intends to send on Exercise Hedgehog in May 2025.

The UK has endorsed the deployment of 4 Brigade and four Typhoons to Exercise HEDGEHOG. The UK will provide roughly 2,500 Service personnel towards the exercise, in addition to the Forward Land Forces armoured battle group already deployed in Estonia, comprising circa 800 soldiers. France will also provide support, alongside Finland and the US.

Whether the Defence Reform Model will have (a) an annual budget and (b) a full time staffing allocation.

Defence Reform is delivering meaningful change through a phased approach over the course of this parliament to reform Defence. However, it is too early to capture the required level of investment in this programme of work, which we expect will deliver net benefits through changes such as more efficient procurement processes, including a reduction in waste. A temporary team was established in Autumn 2024 to lead Defence Reform activity. The team is expected to continue for the duration of the transformation work, and resource and budget will flex to meet the requirements of the programme. A Written Ministerial Statement setting out the key areas and features of Defence Reform was released to the House today.

What recent assessment he has made of the (a) extent and (b) nature of military support from North Korea to Russia’s campaign against Ukraine.

The military co-operation between Russia and the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea (DPRK) has serious security implications for Europe and the Indo-Pacific. North Korea already sends significant munitions and arms to Russia, in direct violation of multiple UN resolutions. It has also been reported that DPRK has subsequently deployed limited numbers of additional troops in support of Russian Forces, who have made territorial gains in recent weeks in offensive operations against Ukrainian forces in Kursk.

Whether he has considered a derogation from the European Convention on Human Rights in the event of the deployment in Ukraine of a British (a) peacekeeping and (b) reassurance force.

The Government is leading detailed military planning, along with allies and partners, to develop potential security guarantees for Ukraine. As longstanding practice over many decades, the UK complies fully with UK and international law whenever it conducts military operations at home or abroad. Our Armed Forces will always have out fullest support.