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 2,981–3,000 of 3,162 · this parliament
Pursuant to the Answer of 4 December 2024 to Question 17024 on Defence Equipment and Support, whether he has instructed his Department to put a hold on new procurement in this financial year.
The Department has not been told to put a hold on new procurement in this financial year.
What the cost has been of (a) capital and (b) non-capital expenditure on (i) HMS Albion, (ii) HMS Bulwark, (iii) HMS Northumberland, (iv) RFA Wave Knight and (v) RFA Wave Ruler in each of the last five financial years.
A breakdown of the costs requested is set out in the attached table.
Commonwealth and Development Affairs, when Ministers from his Department have met representatives of the Chagossian community since 4 July 2024; and which Minister met how many Chagossians on each such occasion.
I have met with members of the Chagossian community twice since 4 July 2024. There are a large number of Chagossian groups in the UK and internationally with a spectrum of views. We will continue efforts to engage the community.
Whether he has instituted a freeze in his Department on new procurement to satisfy Urgent Capability Requirements.
The Department has not been told to put a hold on new procurement in this financial year.
Commonwealth and Development Affairs, with reference to the oral Answer by the Minister for the Armed Forces on 2 December 2024, Official Report, Column 27, if he will make an estimate of the cost to his Department of implementing the proposed UK-Mauritius treaty on the Chagos Islands excluding the Government-to-Government payment.
This Agreement will be underpinned by a financial package which will support a new era of economic partnership between the UK and Mauritius and demonstrate the commitment of both parties to support the welfare of Chagossian communities. Financial obligations arising from this agreement, including departmental budgetary responsibilities, will be managed responsibly within the Government's fiscal framework.
Commonwealth and Development Affairs, when Ministers from his Department have met representatives of the Maldives Government to discuss the future of the Chagos Islands since 4 July 2024; and which Minister met which representative of the Maldives on each such occasion.
The Foreign Secretary met Maldives Foreign Minister Khaleel at the Commonwealth Heads of Government on 25 October. They discussed a range of issues, including matters relating to the British Indian Ocean Territory. Minister West also spoke with Foreign Minister Khaleel virtually on 14 October and met with the Maldivian High Commissioner on 30 September.
Pursuant to the Answer of 26 November 2024 to Question 16211 on National Grid: Costs of the Western and Eastern Links, whether (a) he and (b) Ofgem is able to provide the estimate requested.
The analysis of an onshore reinforcement (i.e. overhead pylons) for Western Green Link was conducted 16 years ago and cost estimates for alternative options are not available.As the option of an onshore reinforcement for Eastern Green Link 1&2 did not meet the timeline for delivery, it was not progressed to the cost benefit analysis stage. As such, an estimate was not made for that option. Analysis of further stages of Eastern Green Link will be available in the future.
When the Strategic Defence Review will be (a) delivered to Ministers and (b) made available to the public.
As previously announced by the Secretary of State for Defence to the House of Commons, the Reviewers will make their final report to the Prime Minister, Chancellor of the Exchequer and Secretary of State for Defence in the Spring of 2025. The Secretary of State for Defence will subsequently publish a version of that report to Parliament.
What assessment he has made of the potential impact of the retirement of HMS (a) Albion and (b) Bulwark on the capability of the armed forces.
The retirement of HMS Albion and Bulwark will not impact the operational programme of the Royal Marines, who continue to deploy globally. Both are currently held at lower readiness having not been to sea since 2023 and 2017 respectively. This Government inherited a position where neither was due to go to sea again before their planned out of service dates of 2033 and 2034. The Royal Marines are supported by the three Bay Class Landing Ship Dock (Auxiliary) and RFA ARGUS, which also provides aviation support and can act as a casualty receiving ship. These ships will continue to support amphibious capability until they are succeeded by planned Multi Role Support Ships.
When he received the External Scrutiny Team Report 2024 into the Reserves as referred to in Section 113a of the Reserve Forces Act 1996; and whether he plans to publish his response.
My right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Defence received the External Scrutiny Team’s 2024 report on 29 July 2024. We are most grateful to the team for their work. The Ministry of Defence will place their 2024 report in the Library of the House in the next few weeks and will provide a substantive response to the report at the same time.
Whether he plans to commission a Women’s Veterans Strategy.
This Government will always stand up for those who have served our country, and I am leading work across Government and with civil society to look at the best ways to ensure all veterans get access to the support and opportunities they need and deserve. Women are a crucial part of the Armed Forces community, both through the value of their service and their contribution to society as veterans. We do not have any plans to commission a Women Veterans’ Strategy, however we will set out our plans in due course for all veterans in our updated Veterans’ Strategy, which will include a specific section on women.
When he plans to publish his Department’s pathway for reaching 2.5% of GDP being spent on Defence; and whether he has made any changes to that timetable since 1 November.
As the Prime Minister has confirmed the path to spending 2.5% of GDP on Defence will be set out in spring 2025.
What the potential operational implications are of retiring HMS (a) Albion and (b) Bulwark in March 2025.
The retirement of HMS Albion and Bulwark will not impact the operational programme of the Royal Marines, who continue to deploy globally. Both are currently held at lower readiness having not been to sea since 2023 and 2017 respectively. This Government inherited a position where neither was due to go to sea again before their planned out of service dates of 2033 and 2034. The Royal Marines are supported by the three Bay Class Landing Ship Dock (Auxiliary) and RFA ARGUS, which also provides aviation support and can act as a casualty receiving ship. These ships will continue to support amphibious capability until they are succeeded by planned Multi Role Support Ships.
Whether it is his policy that the Airbus H-145 will enter service to replace the Puma by 2026.
The out of service date for Puma was originally scheduled for 21 Mar 22; however, the platform was extended to fulfil some capabilities in Brunei and Cyprus until March 2025. In 2023, the Department agreed to procure the H-145 aircraft to fulfil these capabilities and the aircraft are expected to be in service in those locations from 2026.
With reference to his oral statement on Defence Programmes Developments of 20 November 2024, Official Report, column 287, whether he has made an assessment of the potential merits of gifting the (a) 14 Chinook and (b) Puma helicopters to Ukraine.
Further decisions on Puma and Chinook will be made in due course and be communicated in the usual way. We continue to assess the feasibility and utility of Granting-in-Kind different capabilities to Ukraine.
What the potential operational implications are of retiring 14 Chinook helicopters early.
The phased retirement of the 14 oldest Chinook helicopters will not negatively impact the delivery of current Defence operational outputs, as these retirements will be synchronised with the delivery of replacement state-of-the-art Chinook H-47 (Extended Range) from 2027 onwards, maintaining our fleet number. A phased transition will see the old aircraft retired from service at the point they are due to enter into costly maintenance packages; ensure that we retain the necessary aircraft to cover operational commitments; and that engineers and pilots are available to transition onto the new H-47(ER) aircraft. H-47(ER) is a modern capability that will allow us to operate even closer with partner nations, including the US. This decision will allow greater efficiency within the maintenance cycles and better enable the transition process to the new aircraft.
What the potential operational implications are of retiring 14 Chinook helicopters early for (a) 16 Air Assault Brigade Combat Team, (b) the Air Manoeuvre Task Force, (c) Joint Helicopter Command, (d) the Global Response Force, (e) the Army and (f) the RAF.
The phased retirement of the 14 oldest Chinook helicopters will not negatively impact the delivery of current Defence operational outputs, as these retirements will be synchronised with the delivery of replacement state-of-the-art Chinook H-47 (Extended Range) from 2027 onwards, maintaining our fleet number. A phased transition will see the old aircraft retired from service at the point they are due to enter into costly maintenance packages; ensure that we retain the necessary aircraft to cover operational commitments; and that engineers and pilots are available to transition onto the new H-47(ER) aircraft. H-47(ER) is a modern capability that will allow us to operate even closer with partner nations, including the US. This decision will allow greater efficiency within the maintenance cycles and better enable the transition process to the new aircraft.
Whether he plans to gift (a) cannibalised parts of and (b) complete Watchkeeper Mk 1 platforms to allies.
The Army will procure a modern Land Tactical Deep Find (LTDF) capability to replace the 14 years old Watchkeeper Mk 1 capability following its retirement from March 2025. This procurement will leverage lessons from Ukraine and emerging technologies to deliver a capability direct to NATO’s front line. Plans currently identify that 47 Regiment Royal Artillery will continue to deliver the Army’s Deep Find capability by turning their skills and experience from Watchkeeper Mk 1 to lead on fielding the new Deep Find capability. Plans for the Watchkeeper capability following its phased withdrawal from service are in development.
What assessment he has made of the potential impact of a reduction in the number of Chinook helicopters on air assault operations.
The phased retirement of the 14 oldest Chinook helicopters will not negatively impact the delivery of current Defence operational outputs, as these retirements will be synchronised with the delivery of replacement state-of-the-art Chinook H-47 (Extended Range) from 2027 onwards, maintaining our fleet number. A phased transition will see the old aircraft retired from service at the point they are due to enter into costly maintenance packages; ensure that we retain the necessary aircraft to cover operational commitments; and that engineers and pilots are available to transition onto the new H-47(ER) aircraft. H-47(ER) is a modern capability that will allow us to operate even closer with partner nations, including the US. This decision will allow greater efficiency within the maintenance cycles and better enable the transition process to the new aircraft.
What plans he has for (a) HMS Albion, (b) HMS Bulwark, (c) RFA Wave Knight and (d) RFA Wave Ruler after they leave service.
As yet, no further decisions have been made regarding disposal plans for HMS Albion, HMS Bulwark, RFA Wave Knight, and RFA Wave Ruler. As with all decommissioned ships, a full suite of options is being assessed to ensure that the disposal achieves value for money and is policy compliant (safety, environmental and security).