Every parliamentary written question tabled by James Cartlidge this session, with the full answer and department. Back to the MP page.
Showing 1,001–1,020 of 3,185 · this parliament
With reference to the transcript of his speech entitled Defence Secretary speech on threats to the UK, published on 19 November 2025, what is the total monetary value of the over 1,000 major contracts signed.
The total value of the 953 Ministry of Defence (MOD) contracts over £1 million is £23,411,117,978.37 (excluding VAT).
With reference to his Department's press release entitled 100 new jobs created as drone factory opens in Swindon, published on 20 November 2025, if he will list all contracts placed by his Department with STARK since 5 July 2024.
The Department has not awarded any contracts to STARK to date.
With reference to the Chancellor of the Exchequer's Oral Statement on 26 March 2025 entitled Spring Statement, Official Report, if he will state the size of the MOD equipment budget as a (i) percentage of GDP and (ii) cash figure in each financial year of the current Parliament.
In financial year (FY) 2024-25, Ministry of Defence spend on equipment was £24.92 billion, which is around 0.85% of GDP. This is an increase of over £2 billion from the equipment budget for FY2023-24.While the current FY is ongoing and work on the Defence Investment Plan continues, it is not possible to provide figures for the remaining financial years of this Parliament.
With reference to his Department's press release entitled Major £5 billion technology investment accelerates UK defence innovation in a European first, published on 2 June 2025, as a monetary figure, how much of the £4 billion for autonomous systems will be spent in the next Parliament.
Uncrewed and Autonomous systems are integral to the modern way of warfighting, exemplified in the lessons gleaned from the war in Ukraine. The Ministry of Defence has spent over £450 million on Uncrewed Systems, including over £300 million on their research and development over the last year. The Strategic Defence Review announced an increase in autonomy investment of £2 billion in this Parliament, taking total Defence investment in autonomy to circa £4 billion. Work to deliver the Strategic Defence Review recommendations, including on autonomy and drones, will be prioritised appropriately against the threat as part of the future Integrated Force and set out in the Defence Investment Plan to be published this year.
Whether he has met with representatives of the National Security Strategic Investment Fund since 5 July 2024.
The Secretary of State for Business and Trade has not met with representatives of the National Security Strategic Investment Fund (NSSIF) since his appointment.While the Secretary of State is the sole shareholder of the British Business Bank, which provides operational support and the investment platform for NSSIF, the strategic mandate and policy direction for NSSIF are set by the Department for Science, Innovation and Technology.
With reference to the transcript of his speech entitled Defence Secretary speech on threats to the UK, published on 19 November 2025, if he will list the 1,000 major defence contracts that have been signed.
The Department is withholding the information as full disclosure of all the contract details may prejudice commercial interests and national security. The Department has provided a list of British companies that were awarded contracts out of the 1,000 major contracts. These suppliers can be found in the attachment provided.
With reference to his Department's press release entitled Major £5 billion technology investment accelerates UK defence innovation in a European first, published on 2 June 2025, as a monetary figure, how much of the £4 billion for autonomous systems is currently unallocated.
The Strategic Defence Review 2025 recommended a shift towards greater use of autonomy and Artificial Intelligence within the UK's conventional force. Defence will deliver on this commitment by incorporating uncrewed and autonomous systems into the Integrated Force in higher numbers over the next five years.We are committed to ensuring the Defence industry is a powerhouse for economic growth through strengthened industrial relationships and domestic investment, and will leverage investments such as the Autonomy Fund to this end whilst ensuring operational benefits. Work to deliver the Strategic Defence Review recommendations, including autonomous and uncrewed systems, will be prioritised appropriately against the threat as part of the future Integrated Force and set out in the Defence Investment Plan to be published this year.
With reference to the transcript of his speech entitled Defence Secretary speech on threats to the UK, published on 19 November 2025, if he will provide a list of the British firms that were awarded contracts out of the 1,000 major contracts.
The Department is withholding the information as full disclosure of all the contract details may prejudice commercial interests and national security. The Department has provided a list of British companies that were awarded contracts out of the 1,000 major contracts. These suppliers can be found in the attachment provided.
With reference to his Department's press release entitled 100 new jobs created as drone factory opens in Swindon, published on 20 November 2025, how many orders he has placed for AI-enabled uncrewed systems.
The Strategic Defence Review 2025 recommended a shift towards greater use of autonomy and Artificial Intelligence within the UK's conventional force. Defence will deliver on this commitment by incorporating uncrewed and autonomous systems into the Integrated Force in higher numbers over the next five years.We are committed to ensuring the Defence industry is a powerhouse for economic growth through strengthened industrial relationships and domestic investment, and will leverage investments such as the Autonomy Fund to this end whilst ensuring operational benefits. Work to deliver the Strategic Defence Review recommendations, including autonomous and uncrewed systems, will be prioritised appropriately against the threat as part of the future Integrated Force and set out in the Defence Investment Plan to be published this year.
With reference to his Department's press release entitled Major £5 billion technology investment accelerates UK defence innovation in a European first, published on 2 June 2025, as a monetary figure, how much of the £4 billion for autonomous systems will be spent in the current Parliament.
Uncrewed and Autonomous systems are integral to the modern way of warfighting, exemplified in the lessons gleaned from the war in Ukraine. The Ministry of Defence has spent over £450 million on Uncrewed Systems, including over £300 million on their research and development over the last year. The Strategic Defence Review announced an increase in autonomy investment of £2 billion in this Parliament, taking total Defence investment in autonomy to circa £4 billion. Work to deliver the Strategic Defence Review recommendations, including on autonomy and drones, will be prioritised appropriately against the threat as part of the future Integrated Force and set out in the Defence Investment Plan to be published this year.
With reference to the transcript of his speech entitled Defence Secretary speech on threats to the UK, published on 19 November 2025, how many of the 1,000 signed contracts are valued at (a) below £1 million, (b) between £1 million to £10 million, (c) between £10 million to £100 million, (d) between £100 million to £500 million and (e) above £500 million.
The information requested is outlined in the table below. Contracts by value: Under £1million (M)Nil – original data was for contracts £1M or over£1M - £10M744£10 - £100M177£100M - £500M26Above £500M6
Innovation and Technology, what is the maximum value of an award given to a Defence SME as part of the National Security Strategic Investment Fund.
NSSIF invests in dual use companies across Quantum, Space, AI, and Emerging Technologies, on a range of cheque sizes, co-investing typically at Seed or Series A. NSSIF tends to take a minority stake and not lead the rounds. Details of many of the companies in NSSIF's investment portfolio are published on NSSIF's website (www.nssif.gov.uk).
What the planned in service date is for Project Nightfall.
The Department has not determined the in-service date for Project NIGHTFALL as we have yet to launch the competition and receive formal industry bids. We expect to launch the NIGHTFALL competition in December 2025.
Innovation and Technology, what is the average value of an award given to a Defence SME as part of the National Security Strategic Investment Fund.
NSSIF invests in dual use companies across Quantum, Space, AI, and Emerging Technologies, on a range of cheque sizes, co-investing typically at Seed or Series A. NSSIF tends to take a minority stake and not lead the rounds. Details of many of the companies in NSSIF's investment portfolio are published on NSSIF's website (www.nssif.gov.uk).
Whether he plans to procure an alternative missile to PrSM.
The Ministry of Defence is assessing potential opportunities for a Land Deep Fires munition capable of destroying targets out to extended ranges. A decision on Land Precision Strike progress is pending publication of the Defence Investment Plan.
Innovation and Technology, how many awards have been made to defence SMEs as part of the National Security Strategic Investment Fund since 5 July 2024.
NSSIF invests in dual use companies across Quantum, Space, AI, and Emerging Technologies, on a range of cheque sizes, co-investing typically at Seed or Series A. NSSIF tends to take a minority stake and not lead the rounds. Details of many of the companies in NSSIF's investment portfolio are published on NSSIF's website (www.nssif.gov.uk).
Whether he has made a formal decision on the procurement of a Precision Strike Missile.
The Ministry of Defence is assessing potential opportunities for a Land Deep Fires munition capable of destroying targets out to extended ranges. A decision on Land Precision Strike progress is pending publication of the Defence Investment Plan.
What the cost is of contracting consultants to deliver Defence Reform.
The contract awarded for Defence Reform has a value of £15.8 million (excluding VAT). Further details are available on the GOV.UK Contract Finder.
How many consultants have been contracted as part of Defence Reform.
The Department has one prime supplier contracted to deliver Defence Reform. This supplier operates as a consortium, within which 42 consultants are currently deployed.
When he will open the competition for Project Nightfall.
The Department is currently reviewing feedback from industry on the NIGHTFALL Request for Information, which closed on 24 November 2025. We expect to launch the NIGHTFALL competition in December 2025.