Every parliamentary written question tabled by James Cartlidge this session, with the full answer and department. Back to the MP page.
Showing 461–480 of 3,185 · this parliament
What his planned timetable is for announcing the replacement for the Hawk jet trainer.
A plan to replace these aircraft will be detailed in the forthcoming Defence Investment Plan. All elements of this work, including the aircraft replacement, are progressing together. All decisions on future procurements will be made as part of the Defence Investment Plan.
For what reason was the out of service date of Watchkeeper was extended beyond March 2025.
The Army’s Watchkeeper Mk 1 Uncrewed Aerial System was due to be retired from service from March 2025 but will now remain in service until March 2027 to allow for the delivery of its replacement capability, Project CORVUS. The cost of keeping the Watchkeeper programme in service for the additional two-year period is currently anticipated to be £ 95,659,000.
What is the out of service date of HMS Iron Duke.
As the hon. Member will recall from his time as a Defence Minister. The Ministry of Defence does not routinely publish out-of-service dates for individual Royal Navy vessels. The precise out-of-service date will be determined through balancing operational requirements, maintenance schedules, and transition to modern and world leading capabilities introduced with the Type 26 and Type 31 Frigates entering service.
Whether he received any advice from (a) Peter Mandelson or (b) Global Counsel on the decision to sign a £240,600,000 contract with Palantir.
Details of central Government contracts above £12,000 for procurements commenced before 24 February 2025 are published on Contracts Finder. Contracts procured under the Procurement Act 2023, which came into force on 24 February 2025, are published on the Central Digital Platform Find a Tender service. The details published online include whether each contract was let through competitive tendering or via direct award.
What is the cost of extending the out of service date of Watchkeeper beyond March 2025.
The Army’s Watchkeeper Mk 1 Uncrewed Aerial System was due to be retired from service from March 2025 but will now remain in service until March 2027 to allow for the delivery of its replacement capability, Project CORVUS. The cost of keeping the Watchkeeper programme in service for the additional two-year period is currently anticipated to be £ 95,659,000.
Whether any officials from his Department held discussions with Global Counsel regarding procurement contracts between 10 February 2025 and 11 September 2025.
The information is not held centrally and could be provided only at disproportionate cost. Defence officials discuss Armed Forces capabilities as part of the Defence Industrial Strategy and is focused on preserving sovereign capabilities which supports jobs and economic growth across the United Kingdom.
Whether Peter Mandelson was in attendance in any meetings held by his Department on procurement contracts between 10 February 2025 and 11 September 2025.
I refer the hon. Member to the Government's statement and release of information on 11 March 2026, providing an update on the response to the Humble Address. The Government is working to ensure that Parliament's instruction is met with the urgency and transparency that it deserves.
Whether (a) he or (b) any of his Ministerial colleagues met with Peter Mandelson between 10 February 2025 and 11 September 2025.
I refer the hon. Member to the Government's statement and release of information on 11 March 2026, providing an update on the response to the Humble Address. The Government is working to ensure that Parliament's instruction is met with the urgency and transparency that it deserves.
Whether any officials from his Department held discussions with Peter Mandelson regarding procurement contracts between 10 February 2025 and 11 September 2025.
I refer the hon. Member to the Government's statement and release of information on 11 March 2026, providing an update on the response to the Humble Address. The Government is working to ensure that Parliament's instruction is met with the urgency and transparency that it deserves.
Whether (a) he and (b) any of his Ministerial colleagues held discussions with Peter Mandelson on the procurement of contracts between 10 February 2025 and 11 September 2025.
I refer the hon. Member to the Government's statement and release of information on 11 March 2026, providing an update on the response to the Humble Address. The Government is working to ensure that Parliament's instruction is met with the urgency and transparency that it deserves.
Whether any representatives from his Department were in attendance during the Prime Minister's visit to the headquarters of Palantir in Washington on 27 February 2025.
I refer the hon. Member to the Government's statement and release of information on 11 March 2026, providing an update on the response to the Humble Address. The Government is working to ensure that Parliament's instruction is met with the urgency and transparency that it deserves.
Pursuant to the Answer of 21 January to Question 105260 on Artillery: Procurement, when the full production contract will be placed.
On current plans, the Department intends to place the full production contract for the Mobile Fires Platform in the coming months. Negotiations with the supplier are ongoing, and the Department is making every effort to bring these to a positive conclusion at the earliest opportunity.
Pursuant to the Answer of 23 January to Question 99911, if he will name the two AI contracts that have been awarded by his Department since 5 July 2024.
I am withholding this information for the purpose of safeguarding national security.
If he will state the total cost of delivering Project Corvus.
Project CORVUS is scheduled to deliver Minimum Deployable Capability in late 2026, in advance of the Watchkeeper Out of Service Date of March 2027. The project is currently out to tender and aims to select a bidder by April 2026. Project CORVUS is currently costed at £185 million, however it is subject to wider investment decisions in the Defence Investment Plan.
Pursuant to the Answer of 26 January to Question 107089 on Typhoon Aircraft: Radar, whether the £205 million investment to deliver the European Common Radar System (ECRS) MK2 includes funding for the Phase 4 Enhancement capability package.
The recently announced £205 million, 5-year contract with QinetiQ provides a range of expert technical advice and services to help keep Typhoon safe, airworthy, and upgraded to the latest capability standard. The contract will include technical advice and services to help Ministry of Defence deliver the ECRS Mk2 upgrade into service via the Phase 4 Enhancement programme. However, the main 4-Nation contract to deliver the Phase 4 Enhancement (and which includes a UK share of the funding) is expected to follow in 2027.
What recent progress he has made on delivering Project Corvus.
Project CORVUS is scheduled to deliver Minimum Deployable Capability in late 2026, in advance of the Watchkeeper Out of Service Date of March 2027. The project is currently out to tender and aims to select a bidder by April 2026. Project CORVUS is currently costed at £185 million, however it is subject to wider investment decisions in the Defence Investment Plan.
Pursuant to the Answer of 22 January to Question 107733 on Unmanned Air Systems: Procurement, what conditions need to be met to declare Initial Operating Capability.
I am withholding the definition and specific criteria for achieving Initial Operational Capability as it would harm the security and capability of the Armed Forces. The milestone is clearly defined and the Ministry of Defence is working to ensure the necessary supporting requirements are in place so that it can be met at the earliest opportunity. However, in general terms, the air vehicles are but one part of the air system and therefore milestones will be achieved when requirements are met across a number of areas including; personnel force growth, infrastructure and support contracts, crew training and competence in role, and interoperability.
How many (a) UK and (b) international long-range kinetic drone testing sites will be operational in each remaining financial year of the current Parliament.
Defence uses various sites within the United Kingdom and overseas to test and evaluate operational capabilities. Capabilities are aligned to range standing orders, Training Danger Area limitations and the operational range of the system being evaluated. Given the geographical constraints of the United Kingdom, some capabilities are better evaluated overseas alongside our allies and partners. I am unable to provide further details due to operational sensitivities.
Pursuant to the Answer of 30 January to Question 108701 on Skynet: Procurement, when the Skynet 6A will complete the testing and validation phase.
The Skynet 6 Programme continues to progress in support of Defence’s satellite communications requirements.The testing and validation of Skynet 6A is expected to complete final acceptance activity by mid-2027, leading to issue of the Certificate of Acceptance.
What is the out of service date for Bowman.
On current plans, Bowman's Out of Service Date will be no later than 2035, and no earlier than 2031.