Written questions by Cartlidge.

With reference to page 29 of his Department's document entitled Defence Diplomacy Strategy, published on 24 March 2026, whether the review into the use of think tanks will be published before Parliament.

As part of our implementation of the Defence Diplomacy Strategy, the Ministry of Defence has begun work to understand how we can reinvigorate our approach to think tank engagement to better support defence diplomacy activity and enhance our international relationships. Work on the initial review will be completed before the end of 2026, although we anticipate an ongoing conversation with think tanks rather than a one-off project. Defence is considering how best to engage with Parliament. We will ensure the review and the insights it delivers can be implemented effectively in a timely manner within Defence and with the think tank community. The review will be led by the Ministry of Defence’s Defence and Security Policy organisation within the Department of State, with support from the Secretary of State’s Office of Net Assessment and Challenge (SONAC) and other parts of the department as appropriate. The review will be steered by Minister of State Lord Coaker.

With reference to page 29 of his Department's document entitled Defence Diplomacy Strategy, published on 24 March 2026, whether he will publish a terms of reference for the review into the use of think tanks.

As part of our implementation of the Defence Diplomacy Strategy, the Ministry of Defence has begun work to understand how we can reinvigorate our approach to think tank engagement to better support defence diplomacy activity and enhance our international relationships. Work on the initial review will be completed before the end of 2026, although we anticipate an ongoing conversation with think tanks rather than a one-off project. Defence is considering how best to engage with Parliament. We will ensure the review and the insights it delivers can be implemented effectively in a timely manner within Defence and with the think tank community. The review will be led by the Ministry of Defence’s Defence and Security Policy organisation within the Department of State, with support from the Secretary of State’s Office of Net Assessment and Challenge (SONAC) and other parts of the department as appropriate. The review will be steered by Minister of State Lord Coaker.

When he plans to respond to Question 112214 on Lord Mandelson.

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.

When he plans to respond to Question 98518 on Uncrewed Systems: Procurement.

I will respond to the hon. Member shortly.

When he plans to respond to Question 112216 on Ministry of Defence: Procurement.

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.

When he plans to respond to Question 112215 on Ministry of Defence: Procurement.

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.

When he plans to respond to Question 98517 on Uncrewed Systems: Procurement.

I will respond to the hon. Member shortly.

When he plans to respond to Question 112213 on Ministry of Defence: Procurement.

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 there has been a change in the number of usable training villages at the Global Hub Oman since 5 July 2024.

The facility continues to have three usable training villages.

When he plans to respond to Question 112391, tabled on 10 February 2026, on Ministry of Defence: Palantir.

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.

With reference to his Department's press release entitled UK defence industry steps up support for Gulf partners facing Iranian attacks, published on 18 March 2026, who is leading the new Task Force that has been created.

Task Force Sabre, led by NAD Director General Options and Commissioning, was set up on the 18 March 2026. It has been created to support partners across the Middle East working with UK industry. It will also manage the impact of the conflict on the UK defence supply chain and gather requirements for stock replenishment. Task Force Sabre has mobilised and will continue to work closely with industry partners and Gulf states to ensure the rapid delivery of critical capabilities.

With reference to his Department's press release entitled UK defence industry steps up support for Gulf partners facing Iranian attacks, published on 18 March 2026, if he will outline the role of the new Task Force created to support partners across the Middle East working with UK industry.

Task Force Sabre, led by NAD Director General Options and Commissioning, was set up on the 18 March 2026. It has been created to support partners across the Middle East working with UK industry. It will also manage the impact of the conflict on the UK defence supply chain and gather requirements for stock replenishment. Task Force Sabre has mobilised and will continue to work closely with industry partners and Gulf states to ensure the rapid delivery of critical capabilities.

With reference to her Department's press release entitled Joint statement from Finland, the Netherlands, and the United Kingdom on joint defence financing and procurement, published on 17 March 2026, if he will list the other partners referred to.

Last week the Chancellor announced that the UK is exploring a new defence mechanism for financing driving joint demand by 2027 with the Netherlands and Finland and other EU and NATO partners. We continue to work with likeminded allies who are interested in this model.

Whether there has been a change in the number of usable training villages at the Land Regional Hub Germany since 5 July 2024.

There has been no change in the number of usable training villages at the Land Regional Hub Germany. Currently, there are five training villages within the Sennelager Training Area, four of which are active training villages, and one which is no longer in use.

How many training villages are currently active on the Land Regional Hub Germany.

There has been no change in the number of usable training villages at the Land Regional Hub Germany. Currently, there are five training villages within the Sennelager Training Area, four of which are active training villages, and one which is no longer in use.

Food and Rural Affairs, what steps her Department is taking to help reduce sewage discharged by water companies into rivers and estuaries in South Suffolk.

A record £104 billion of private sector investment has been secured to accelerate the cleaning up of our rivers, lakes and seas. This includes over £10 billion to improve about 2,500 storm overflows in England over the next five years. The Environment Agency has appointed new dedicated regulation and enforcement teams to further hold water companies to account. In East Anglia, these teams have carried out more than 1,700 inspections of assets since April 2025, including 72 in the South Suffolk area, pushing companies to fix faults and meet discharge rules.

Pursuant to the Answer of 6 March to Question 116022 on Mauritius: Foreign Relations, whether (a) he and (b) any of his ministerial colleagues have met with the Deputy Prime Minister of Mauritius since August 2025.

In line with the response to Question 116022 on 6 March, despite the UK regularly engaging with the Mauritian Government, neither the Secretary of State nor any other Defence Ministers have met with the Deputy Prime Minister of Mauritius since August 2025.

With reference to his Department's press release entitled UK defence industry steps up support for Gulf partners facing Iranian attacks, published on 18 March 2026, when the new Task Force will be fully operational.

Task Force Sabre, led by Director General Options and Commissioning, was set up on the 18 March 2026. It has been created to support partners across the Middle East working with UK industry. It will also manage the impact of the conflict on the UK defence supply chain and gather requirements for stock replenishment. Task Force Sabre has mobilised and will continue to work closely with industry partners and Gulf states to ensure the rapid delivery of critical capabilities.

With reference to his Department's press release entitled UK defence industry steps up support for Gulf partners facing Iranian attacks, published on 18 March 2026, how much will be spent on the purchase of Lightweight Multirole Missiles.

As announced, the UK intends to buy further Lightweight Multirole Missiles (LMM), to supply British forces and support partners in the Gulf region.The Ministry of Defence is currently confirming price information with Industry. It is expected that a portion of the costs of purchase will fall to the UK, and a portion will fall to Gulf partner nations.

Pursuant to the Answer of 2 December to Question 93395 on Defence, what recent progress he has made on implementing the national conversation on defence and security.

The Ministry of Defence continues to work closely with the Cabinet Office and wider Government Departments, contributing towards cross-Government efforts to increase public awareness and resilience to the most serious risks we face, including conflict scenarios. This is supported by the Prime Minister’s comments at a recent Liaison Committee Oral evidence session, highlighting the Government’s commitment to bringing both industry and the wider public into the critical conversations needed to enable national readiness.