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 1,221–1,240 of 3,710 · this parliament
With reference to his Department's press release entitled Underwater robot could improve pipeline and cable security, published on 9 June 2025, if he will list all contracts placed by his Department with Atlantas Marine since 5 July 2024.
The Department has placed one contract with Atlantas Marine since 5 July 2024, this can be found below. Contract NameSupplier NameVideo Ray Defender (VRD) ROVs Training and Maintenance.ATLANTAS MARINE LIMITED
Pursuant to the Answer of 20 May 2025 to Question 52284 on Defence Industrial Joint Council, whether the inaugural DIJC meeting took place in June 2025.
The inaugural Meeting of the Defence Industrial Joint Council (DIJC) Top Council took place on 9 June 2025, with the second meeting taking place on 10 September 2025, during the DSEI (Defence and Security Equipment International) exhibition. The Top Council will now target three meetings each year. Additionally, the DIJC Delivery Group, chaired by the National Armaments Director and his industry counterpart met for the first time in November.
Pursuant to the Answer of 20 May to Question 52284 on Defence Industrial Joint Council, whether the inaugural DIJC has met since June 2025.
The inaugural Meeting of the Defence Industrial Joint Council (DIJC) Top Council took place on 9 June 2025, with the second meeting taking place on 10 September 2025, during the DSEI (Defence and Security Equipment International) exhibition. The Top Council will now target three meetings each year. Additionally, the DIJC Delivery Group, chaired by the National Armaments Director and his industry counterpart met for the first time in November.
Whether he plans to increase the number of staff supporting the special representative on AUKUS.
The Ministry of Defence is planning to provide two secondees to the Cabinet Office. These roles will support the Prime Minister’s Special Representative for AUKUS and help drive strategic delivery for AUKUS across His Majesty's Government.
Pursuant to the Answer of 25 November to Question 93042 on Unmanned Air Systems: Manufacturing Industries, whether his Department hold a figure for how many of the 100,000 drones produced this year were made by British companies.
The Department does hold information on how many of the 100,000 drones due to be provided to Ukraine this year will be made by British companies. However, the release of the figure requested would prejudice national security and commercial interests.More than 85,000 military drones have been delivered by the UK to Ukraine in just six months this year by accelerating production from British companies, supporting hundreds of highly skilled jobs across the country and contributing to local economies.
What assessment he has made of the performance of the Power Improvement Project upgrade on HMS Dauntless.
HMS Dauntless was the first of class to undergo the Type 45 Power Improvement Project upgrade. The ship has since seen increased resilience and confidence in her power and propulsion system upon her return to operational service.
Pursuant to the Answer of 10 March 2025 to Question 34903 on Defence: Procurement, what recent progress he has made on implementing the Defence Small and Medium Enterprise Support Hub.
I refer the hon. Member to the answer I gave him on 4 November 2025 to Question 85228. Written questions and answers - Written questions, answers and statements - UK Parliament
How many mobile launchers will Project Nightfall deliver.
The number of mobile launchers for Project Nightfall is not yet confirmed, as it will depend on the solutions presented by industry, including how many effectors can be carried by a single launcher.
Whether the special representative on AUKUS employs any full time staff.
The Prime Minister's Special Representative, Sir Stephen Lovegrove, is supported by Civil Servants within the Cabinet Office with responsibility for coordinating and driving cross-Government work across AUKUS.
Pursuant to the Answer of 9 September to Question 70699 on UK Defence and Security Exports, where UK Defence and Security Exports is based.
Responsibility for defence exports moved to the Ministry of Defence on 31 July 2025. Security exports were not in scope of this Machinery of Government change and responsibility remains with the Department for Business and Trade.
With reference to the Autumn Budget 2025, published on 26 November, HC 1492, what her proposed timetable is for spending 3% of GDP on defence.
The Government’s ambition remains to spend 3 per cent of GDP on defence when economic and fiscal conditions allow.
Pursuant to the Answer of 24 November to Question 92321 on Armed Forces: Training, whether he has plans to reduce the amount of training exercises conducted at unit level or higher by the (i) British Army, (ii) Royal Navy and (iii) Royal Air Force in financial year (a) 2025-2026, (b) 2026-2027, (c) 2027-2028 and (d) 2028-2029.
Training continues to be a priority for the Ministry of Defence. The Royal Navy, British Army and Royal Air Force continue to conduct training exercises at unit level or higher, in line with operational and wider priorities.
Pursuant to the Answer of 10 March to Question 34903 on Defence: Procurement, where the Defence Small and Medium Enterprise Support Hub will be based.
I refer the hon. Member to the answers I gave him on 27 November 2025 to Questions 92627 and 92627. https://questions-statements.parliament.uk/written-questions/detail/2025-11-19/92627
With reference to her Oral Statement on 26 March 2025 entitled Spring Statement, Official Report, whether it remains government policy to spend 3% of GDP on defence in the next Parliament.
The Government’s ambition remains to spend 3 per cent of GDP on defence when economic and fiscal conditions allow.
Pursuant to the Answer of 24 November to Question 92321 on Armed Forces: Training, whether he has plans to reduce the amount of overseas training exercises conducted by the (i) British Army, (ii) Royal Navy and (iii) Royal Air Force in financial year (a) 2025-2026, (b) 2026-2027, (c) 2027-2028 and (d) 2028-2029.
The single Services remain committed to prioritising overseas training exercises in alignment with both our own and partners' operational needs, as well as the priorities outlined in the Strategic Defence Review. From financial year (FY) 2026-27, the Army, in collaboration with international partners, plans to reduce the number of overseas training exercises. This adjustment will enable a greater focus on NATO commitments and enhancing land warfighting capabilities. Similarly, over the next four years, the Royal Navy will scale back its participation in overseas training outside the Europe, Atlantic, and Arctic theatre. This shift reflects its evolving global posture, aimed at supporting modernisation efforts and prioritising this theatre as part of NATO and homeland defence. By FY 2027-28, an increase in participation and support for NATO is anticipated, aligned with NATO's strategic objectives.
With reference to his Department's press release entitled Royal Navy trial high-tech autonomous mine hunting capability, published on 10 December 2024, what is the in service date of the Apollo Maritime Counter Measure vessel.
The Maritime Mine Counter Measure programme remains on track to deliver initial operational capability in line with Royal Navy requirements. The first vessel is expected to enter service in early 2026. RNMB APOLLO was on trials and evaluation with the Royal Navy from 2021-2025 and has been returned to the manufacturer for maintenance and critical system updates, as part of its capability development phase, and is due to enter service later next year.
When he will next meet with his US and Australian counterparts to discuss the AUKUS partnership.
The Defence Secretary has regular engagements with the US Secretary of War and the Australian Deputy Prime Minister, where they discuss a range of matters, including AUKUS. The UK continues to work closely with the US and Australia at all levels to maximise the benefits and opportunities that AUKUS presents for our three nations.
With reference to his Department's press release entitled New British Army robotic mine plough aims to better shield soldiers from danger, published on 10 April 2025, how many remote-controlled mine plough systems has he ordered since 10 April 2025.
The WEEVIL prototype currently uses the Warrior Infantry Fighting Vehicle, fitted with a full-width mine plough, advanced remote-control system, and vehicle-mounted cameras. Project Atilla is the Army's term for the delivery of the WEEVIL capability. Whilst Project Atilla is currently in its concept phase, it is expected to have an in-service date of 2032. Since April 2025, one Warrior platform has been adapted with the WEEVIL capability. The Army is considering adapting further Warrior vehicles with the WEEVIL capability in the near future.
With reference to his Department's press release entitled Storage facility for over 900 vehicles completed at MOD Ashchurch, published on 5 March 2025, if he has a target date for the completion of the Vehicle Storage and Support Programme.
The Vehicle Storage and Support Programme at Ministry of Defence Ashchurch remains on target to complete in 2027.
With reference to his Department's press release entitled New British Army robotic mine plough aims to better shield soldiers from danger, published on 10 April 2025, what is the in service date for WEEVIL.
The WEEVIL prototype currently uses the Warrior Infantry Fighting Vehicle, fitted with a full-width mine plough, advanced remote-control system, and vehicle-mounted cameras. Project Atilla is the Army's term for the delivery of the WEEVIL capability. Whilst Project Atilla is currently in its concept phase, it is expected to have an in-service date of 2032. Since April 2025, one Warrior platform has been adapted with the WEEVIL capability. The Army is considering adapting further Warrior vehicles with the WEEVIL capability in the near future.