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 3,101–3,120 of 3,710 · this parliament
What plans he has to increase the provision of all types of mortar rounds to Ukraine.
We continue to work closely with the Ukrainian Government to ensure the capabilities we provide meet the priorities of the Armed Forces of Ukraine.Since 2022, we have provided over 12,000 mortar rounds to Ukraine across various calibres.
How many (a) 60mm and (b) 81mm high explosive mortar rounds have been procured for Ukraine since 5 July 2024.
Since 2022, we have provided over 12,000 mortar rounds to Ukraine across various calibres. The hon. Member will be aware that for operational security reasons I am unable to provide more detailed procurement and delivery schedules. This Government is steadfast in our commitment to support Ukraine for as long as it takes. This year the UK will give more military support to Ukraine than ever before, with a £4.5 billion boost.
How many (a) 60mm and (b) 81mm mortar smoke rounds have been procured for Ukraine since 5 July 2024.
Since 2022, we have provided over 12,000 mortar rounds to Ukraine across various calibres. The hon. Member will be aware that for operational security reasons I am unable to provide more detailed procurement and delivery schedules. This Government is steadfast in our commitment to support Ukraine for as long as it takes.
What percentage of child custody disputes resulted in custody being awarded to the father in the latest year for which figures are available.
His Majesty’s Courts & Tribunals Service does not centrally hold this data, this could only be provided at disproportionate cost.
Whether he has had discussions with the Cabinet Office on potential efficiency savings in his Department since 30 October 2024.
There have been no discussions with Cabinet Office of potential efficiency savings since that date. However, this is an area that the Department takes extremely seriously. The Department is forecasting £3,376 million of efficiency savings this financial year, of which £171 million are new efficiencies and £3,205 million are in delivery.
Whether he plans to introduce new performance standards for senior officials serving in his Department.
Through the Defence Reform Programme we will improve procurement efficiency and secure better value for taxpayers, creating a simpler Defence focused on warfighting and deterrence. A key facet of this programme is ongoing work to create a stronger Defence centre with clearer accountabilities through the Permanent Secretary, Chief of Defence Staff, National Armaments Director and Chief of Defence Nuclear. Our work on reforming Defence also includes implementation of the renewed Senior Civil Service performance management framework which sets clear expectations of senior officials.
What efficiency savings targets does his Department have for financial year (a) 2024-25 and (b) 2025-26.
The Ministry of Defence does not have a set efficiency target for 2024-25. However, the Department is forecasting £3,376 million of efficiency savings this financial year, of which £171 million are new efficiencies and £3,205 million are in delivery. His Majesty's Treasury have set all Departments a 2% productivity, efficiency and savings target for RDEL spending in 2025-26.
Whether he plans to take steps to increase the accountability of senior officials in his Department.
Through the Defence Reform Programme we will improve procurement efficiency and secure better value for taxpayers, creating a simpler Defence focused on warfighting and deterrence. A key facet of this programme is ongoing work to create a stronger Defence centre with clearer accountabilities through the Permanent Secretary, Chief of Defence Staff, National Armaments Director and Chief of Defence Nuclear. Our work on reforming Defence also includes implementation of the renewed Senior Civil Service performance management framework which sets clear expectations of senior officials.
When he plans to respond to Question 23387 on the Strategic Defence Review, tabled on 13 January 2025 by the hon. Member for South Suffolk.
I responded to the hon. Member on 7 February 2025.
Media and Sport, if she will publish an impact assessment of the introduction of the new cap of £25,000 to the Listed Places of Worship Scheme.
We do not have any plans to publish an impact assessment. Based on previous scheme data, we expect 94% of claims to be unaffected by the change.
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.
What the estimated cost to the public purse is of delivering Gravehawk.
The UK's financial contribution to the Gravehawk project is circa £13M.The price of designing, producing and delivering the first two Gravehawk prototype systems was circa £6M and borne by the UK. The price for the follow-on 15 Gravehawk systems is circa £14M, which is split 50:50 between the UK and Denmark. 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 a formal target date for the deployment of Project COOKSON.
Project COOKSON is in the early stages of development and there is no firm target date for its deployment.We are engaging with industry partners to understand what new capabilities may exist that would support our concept for a small, fast attack vessel equipped with modular payloads and capable of operating in challenging environments.In order to inform the next stages of Project COOKSON, we held an industry Challenge Session in January and plan to launch a competitive procurement process in early 2025, for demonstrations in late 2025 or early 2026.
When he expects Gravehawk to reach minimum deployable capability.
Gravehawk is a bespoke air defence system rapidly developed for the Armed Forces of Ukraine and jointly funded by the United Kingdom and Denmark.Following testing last autumn, Gravehawk has now reached minimum deployable capability. Two prototypes have been handed over to the Armed Forces of Ukraine, and it will be an operational decision for them when to deploy this capability.
When he expects the Snapper maritime system to reach minimum deployable capability.
The Snapper 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.
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 assessment she has made of the potential merits of installing a passenger lift at Marks Tey station.
This Government is committed to improving the accessibility of the railway and recognises the social and economic benefits this brings to communities. Marks Tey has step free access to all platforms but not between platforms. It was nominated for the Access for All programme but is not among the next tranche of stations selected for feasibility studies by the previous Government. If any passenger is unable to use the station, they should contact Greater Anglia who will arrange alternative transport at no additional cost.
Media and Sport, what plans she has to implement funding for the Listed Places of Worship Scheme beyond 2026.
Future Government spending is a matter for the 2026 Spending Review.
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.