Every parliamentary written question tabled by James Cartlidge this session, with the full answer and department. Back to the MP page.
Showing 141–160 of 3,185 · this parliament
Whether he plans to deploy Royal Navy capabilities to the Strait of Hormuz.
The Government is in discussions with the US, and Gulf, European and international partners on what we can do to open up the Strait of Hormuz, restoring freedom of navigation as quickly as possible and ease the economic impact. It would be premature for me to comment on any military planning, noting the need for using all Government levers including diplomacy and working with partners.
Food and Rural Affairs, pursuant to the Answer of 11 December to Question 97538 on Flood Control: South Suffolk, when her Department plans to publish plans for the additional funding at Long Melford and Glemsford.
The Environment Agency (EA) has previously confirmed £50,000 of additional investment for Long Melford and Glemsford in December 2025, which was provided through other environmental funding. That £50,000 has now been fully spent. The EA works to enhance upstream floodplains and improve wetlands have recently been completed and are expected to perform well. The EA has also provided separate MP correspondence setting out project allocations elsewhere in the South Suffolk constituency for the coming financial year. If further details are required the EA Area Director, Graham Verrier, would be happy to discuss this further.
Whether his Department plans to extend the scope of support for people using heating oil who are not eligible for the Household Support fund or the Crisis and Resilience Fund.
Support for vulnerable households affected by the rising cost of heating oil will be treated as crisis payments under the Crisis and Resilience Fund and as per guidance, local authorities have flexibility to determine eligibility for crisis payments.
Pursuant to the Answer of 5 March 2026 to Question 116970 on Autonomous Weapons: Procurement, how many further phases will take place if procurement is progressed.
The low-cost air defence effector project under the LEAP initiative, as announced on 20 February, is now entering the international industrial selection phase in each of the E5 nations. This will be followed by a multilateral phase. Once the multilateral phase is complete the E5 nations will decide whether to proceed to a full demonstration and manufacture phase.
Pursuant to the Answer of 16 March 2026 to Question 119399 on Cyprus: Military Bases, what the evidential basis is that the relationship with the Republic of Cyprus has never been closer.
The UK's defence relationship with the Republic of Cyprus is multifaceted, underscored by an annual multi-domain bilateral cooperation programme. The activity outlined in this programme continues to increase year-on-year, identifying and exploiting previously unconsidered areas to the benefit of both nations. Evidence of this was the completion of the inaugural UK-Cyprus Industry Day, held at the Cypriot High Commission in December 2025.The collaboration at the operational level is deep. This has been demonstrated through the coordination of air defence efforts in response to the current situation in the Middle East.
Pursuant to the Answer of 4 March to Question 116531 on Defence: Finance, when the UK's return for 2027 will be produced.
The UK will submit its 2027 defence return at the next suitable point. NATO returns are usually required in May each year.
Pursuant to the Answer of 16 March 2026 to Question 119399 on Cyprus: Military Bases, whether he has been invited to hold discussions with Defence Minister Palmas and other Cypriot Government officials on the sovereignty of the Sovereign Base Areas on the island of Cyprus.
No, the Ministry of Defence has not been invited to hold discussions with the Government of the Republic of Cyprus regarding the sovereignty of the Sovereign Base Areas on the island of Cyprus.
What steps her Department is taking to support the growth of the Gaming Industry in Suffolk.
The government recognises the role the leisure sector plays in terms of its economic contribution but also to our culture. In the context of gaming, the government understands the benefits that bingo halls bring to local communities, and that bingo is a low-risk activity. To support the high street and community activities the government is abolishing Bingo Duty from April 2026. More broadly, we are keen to ensure that Britain’s coastline – including the Suffolk coast – remain an attraction to domestic and international visitors. The government has set an ambitious goal to grow annual inbound tourism to 50 million visitors by 2030. To help achieve this, we have established a new Visitor Economy Advisory Council, which is currently helping to co-create a Visitor Economy Growth Strategy. The Strategy endeavours to share the benefits of tourism across every nation and region, including coastal and seaside areas.
What fiscal support her Department is providing to support the growth of the Gaming Industry.
The government recognises the role the leisure sector plays in terms of its economic contribution but also to our culture. In the context of gaming, the government understands the benefits that bingo halls bring to local communities, and that bingo is a low-risk activity. To support the high street and community activities the government is abolishing Bingo Duty from April 2026. More broadly, we are keen to ensure that Britain’s coastline – including the Suffolk coast – remain an attraction to domestic and international visitors. The government has set an ambitious goal to grow annual inbound tourism to 50 million visitors by 2030. To help achieve this, we have established a new Visitor Economy Advisory Council, which is currently helping to co-create a Visitor Economy Growth Strategy. The Strategy endeavours to share the benefits of tourism across every nation and region, including coastal and seaside areas.
Whether his Department classifies publishing a video on social media filmed at a secret location in an operational theatre containing information that could allow adversaries to geolocate that location as a security incident that could compromise operational security and the safety of personnel.
On 7 March 2026 we further highlighted our support for Ukraine through our maintenance, repair and overhaul systems facilities in Ukraine. These pioneering facilities are helping keep Ukraine’s defiant Armed Forces in the fight against Putin’s brutal attacks and we are rightly proud of that support. All social and press content was approved by the relevant Ministry of Defence processes ahead of publication, but because we take security seriously, we took steps to further reassure ourselves after publication of this content. The work in the MRO facility continues. From the factory floor to the frontline, the UK is standing with Ukraine and we will never waver in that support.
If he will list all orders placed as Urgent Operational Requirements since 1 January 2026 in relation to the current Middle East operations.
The Ministry of Defence is monitoring the threat posed to the UK and our interests, with the Urgent Capability Requirements process in place to rapidly deliver capability required by Operational Commanders. We are working with allies and industry to ensure that capabilities are delivered where required. Due to operational sensitivity, it is inappropriate to comment further.
What discussions he has had with his Cabinet Office colleagues on publishing the Defence Investment Plan during a period of purdah.
We will publish the Defence Investment Plan (DIP) as soon as possible. It is essential that we take the time required to ensure decisions are robust and support the transformation of the Armed Forces outlined in the Strategic Defence Review. Once finalised, the DIP will be laid before Parliament in accordance with the appropriate Parliamentary procedures. As always, the Government will adhere to pre‑election period restrictions.
Whether he has held discussions with the Chancellor of the Exchequer on the use of the Treasury Reserve to fund Urgent Operational Requirement orders for munitions in relation to operations in the Middle East.
The Chancellor of the Exchequer has confirmed that the Ministry of Defence has access to the Special Reserve, meaning that the net additional cost of military operations will be funded by the Treasury.
How much his Department is forecast to spend from the Treasury Reserve on supporting operations in the Middle East in the (a) current and (b) next financial year.
Forecast spending remains subject to change as operational requirements develop.Final allocations for the current and next financial years will be confirmed at the Supplementary Estimates, with outturn reported in the Department's Annual Report and Accounts in the usual way.
What his Department's policy is on publishing public policy documents during the purdah period.
We will publish the Defence Investment Plan (DIP) as soon as possible. It is essential that we take the time required to ensure decisions are robust and support the transformation of the Armed Forces outlined in the Strategic Defence Review. Once finalised, the DIP will be laid before Parliament in accordance with the appropriate Parliamentary procedures. As always, the Government will adhere to pre‑election period restrictions.
Pursuant to the Answer of 16 March to Question 119960 on Armed Forces: Disclosure of Information, if he will list the technical issues affecting data quality.
An unexpected failure of the data flows into Defence analytical systems meant that our usual data processing procedures could not be applied and we were therefore unable to derive the statistics or assure them to the usual standard. This has been rectified and steps are being taken to prevent it from happening again. We have commenced production of the statistics, which are now scheduled for publication on 2 April 2026.
How much his Department expects to spend from funding allocated from the Treasury Reserve for operations in the Middle East in the (a) current and (b) next financial year.
Forecast spending remains subject to change as operational requirements develop.Final allocations for the current and next financial years will be confirmed at the Supplementary Estimates, with outturn reported in the Department's Annual Report and Accounts in the usual way.
Media and Sport, whether projects for repairs under the listed places of worship that are already underway will be eligible for support under the proposed Places of Worship Renewal Fund.
The Places of Worship Renewal Fund will have a budget of £23 million per year. Further details regarding the eligibility criteria and application process will be published in due course. The fund will begin in the financial year 2026-27.
Pursuant to the Answer of 27 February to Question 112837 on Navy: North Atlantic Ocean, how much of the £14 million committed to testing and development this year is from (a) Ministry of Defence and (b) industry.
The £14 million committed this year to testing and development is a joint investment by the Ministry of Defence and industry partners. Due to commercial sensitivities, it would be inappropriate to give a more detailed breakdown at this stage.
Media and Sport, whether funding provided through the Proposed Places of Worship Renewal Fund will be subject to an annual cap.
The Places of Worship Renewal Fund will have a budget of £23 million per year. Further details regarding the eligibility criteria and application process will be published in due course. The fund will begin in the financial year 2026-27.