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 1,901–1,920 of 3,171 · this parliament
What assessment he has made of the potential impact of proposed changes to the universal service obligation on (a) postal services and (b) South Suffolk constituency.
It is the responsibility of Ofcom, as the independent regulator of postal services, to ensure the provision of a universal postal service that meets the reasonable needs of users, throughout the United Kingdom, and is financially sustainable and efficient.
Whether his Department has decided whether to procure additional Typhoon fighter jets.
I refer the hon. Member to the answer I gave to the hon. Member for Fylde (Andrew Snowden) on 4 March 2025 for Question 34040.
Whether his Department has decided whether to procure additional F-35 fighter jets.
I refer the hon. Member to the answer I gave to the hon. Member for Huntingdon (Ben Obese-Jecty) on 28 April 2025 to Question 45186.
Whether he plans to procure the MQ-28 Ghost Bat for use by the Royal Navy.
The Royal Navy is exploring how Fixed Wing Autonomous Collaborative Platforms (FW ACPs) could augment F35B Lightning embarked in Queen Elizabeth Class (QEC) carriers to provide additional strike capability. There are a number of emerging solutions for this capability and the Royal Navy will work collaboratively with the Royal Air Force to evaluate these solutions.
Whether he has made an assessment of the potential merits of expanding Project ASGARD.
The potential merits of expanding Project ASGARD are continually assessed by the Department. Over time, ASGARD will deliver a suite of benefits across the Field Army. At this stage in the project, the capabilities are being operated by a single Brigade. At the midpoint of the current Project ASGARD delivery phase, an independent review was commissioned to assess progress. The recommendations from that review were adopted in full and are being implemented. Upon completion of the current delivery phase, a formal lesson identification and capture process will be conducted, in line with best practice guidance from the National Infrastructure and Service Transformation Authority.
Pursuant to the Answer of 23 April to Question 45049 on Military Strategic Headquarters: Armed Forces, whether posts will be (a) rotational, (b) competitive and (c) divided between the services to be filled by their own boarding procedures.
It is too early to specify the staffing requirements and representation levels for the four new areas of Defence created by Defence Reform: Department of State, Defence Nuclear Enterprise, National Armaments Director Group, and Military Strategic Headquarters (MSHQ). Head Office responsibilities have been subsumed into the new structure, and Strategic Command is part of MSHQ.However, Service personnel apportionment and representation will be balanced to ensure effective strategic direction, policy formulation, and coordination of joint capabilities and operations. It is anticipated that this continue to apply in new structure through a combination of rotation, competition-based appointments, and individual Service boarding procedures to ensure career progression and suitably qualified individuals.
What recent progress he has made on procuring a ground-based ballistic missile defence radar.
The Strategic Defence Review (SDR) is looking at the threats we face and the capabilities we need to meet the challenges, threats and opportunity of the 21st century. The SDR will ensure the UK is secure at home and strong abroad.
What the out of service date is for the Viking Personnel Armoured Vehicle.
The current projected Out of Service Dates (OSD) for the requested British Army vehicles can be found in the table below. VehicleOSDBulldog Armoured Personnel Carrier2030Warrior IFV2027Viking Personnel Armoured Vehicle2029Jackal 2 Reconnaissance Vehicle2030
Pursuant to the Answer of 23 April to Question 45049 on Military Strategic Headquarters: Armed Forces, what the apportionment is of service representation in his Department's (a) Head Office, (b) MSHQ, (c) Strategic Command and (d) the National Armaments Director Group.
It is too early to specify the staffing requirements and representation levels for the four new areas of Defence created by Defence Reform: Department of State, Defence Nuclear Enterprise, National Armaments Director Group, and Military Strategic Headquarters (MSHQ). Head Office responsibilities have been subsumed into the new structure, and Strategic Command is part of MSHQ.However, Service personnel apportionment and representation will be balanced to ensure effective strategic direction, policy formulation, and coordination of joint capabilities and operations. It is anticipated that this continue to apply in new structure through a combination of rotation, competition-based appointments, and individual Service boarding procedures to ensure career progression and suitably qualified individuals.
What assessment he has made of the adequacy of the delivery of Project ASGARD.
The potential merits of expanding Project ASGARD are continually assessed by the Department. Over time, ASGARD will deliver a suite of benefits across the Field Army. At this stage in the project, the capabilities are being operated by a single Brigade. At the midpoint of the current Project ASGARD delivery phase, an independent review was commissioned to assess progress. The recommendations from that review were adopted in full and are being implemented. Upon completion of the current delivery phase, a formal lesson identification and capture process will be conducted, in line with best practice guidance from the National Infrastructure and Service Transformation Authority.
Whether he plans to procure the MQ-9B Sea Protector variant for use by the Royal Navy.
The Royal Navy has a requirement for Carrier Strike Airborne Early Warning following the planned withdrawal of the Crowsnest Airborne Early Warning system when it reaches the end of its service life. A market survey is being conducted to identify suitable solutions to fulfil this requirement. This will aid refinement of the requirements and determine the availability of credible choices based on their performance, availability and wider benefits such as to UK industry and the Government’s sustainability agenda.
Food and Rural Affairs, whether he has made an assessment of the potential impact of only including one food producer on the Food Strategy Board on (a) policy and (b) strategy discussions on food production.
The Food Strategy Advisory Board is a deliberately small group of senior leaders representing important elements and a wealth of experience from across the food system. Its role is to act as a sounding board to stress test ideas and provide advice. The establishment of the Food Strategy Advisory Board represents just one aspect of our engagement across the vast and complex food supply system. We will conduct a series of targeted stakeholder engagements that will include food producers. Alongside these, we will be using insights other Defra strategies, namely the Farming Roadmap, interconnected with the Land Use Framework and Circular Economy Taskforce. In addition, the Farming Profitability Review will include structured engagement to understand barriers to increasing profitability and make recommendations to Government.
With reference to the Written Statement of 28 April 2025 on Creation of the King’s Gurkha Artillery, HCWS 605, whether any financial incentives been offered to encourage serving Gurkhas to transfer to the new unit.
The King’s Gurkha Artillery (KGA) will be employed in the Close Support discipline within the Royal Regiment of Artillery. The KGA will initially be trained on the Light Gun, then ARCHER. They will be trained on the remote-controlled Howitzer 155 artillery system when it comes into service. No financial incentives have been offered. However, the new unit will offer career and development opportunities for Gurkha soldiers who join the KGA in recognition of their service to the UK.
With reference to the Written Statement of 28 April 2025 on Creation of the King’s Gurkha Artillery, HCWS 605, what role the King’s Gurkha Artillery will fulfil within the Royal Artillery.
The King’s Gurkha Artillery (KGA) will be employed in the Close Support discipline within the Royal Regiment of Artillery. The KGA will initially be trained on the Light Gun, then ARCHER. They will be trained on the remote-controlled Howitzer 155 artillery system when it comes into service. No financial incentives have been offered. However, the new unit will offer career and development opportunities for Gurkha soldiers who join the KGA in recognition of their service to the UK.
Pursuant to the Answer of 20 March 2025 to Question 37596 on Ammunition: Lost Property and Theft, whether any losses have been referred to the Service Prosecuting Authority.
All losses and thefts of ammunition are rigorously investigated, in partnership with the Ministry of Defence Police, Service Police and Home Office Police Forces as appropriate. No ammunition was reported stolen during that period and no reports to the Service Prosecution Authority were made.
With reference to the Written Statement of 28 April 2025 on Creation of the King’s Gurkha Artillery, HCWS 605, what equipment will the unit be primarily issued with.
The King’s Gurkha Artillery (KGA) will be employed in the Close Support discipline within the Royal Regiment of Artillery. The KGA will initially be trained on the Light Gun, then ARCHER. They will be trained on the remote-controlled Howitzer 155 artillery system when it comes into service. No financial incentives have been offered. However, the new unit will offer career and development opportunities for Gurkha soldiers who join the KGA in recognition of their service to the UK.
What assessment he has made of the effectiveness of the RAF's air to air refuelling system.
All capability requirements, including those for Air-to-Air refuelling, are being considered as part of the Strategic Defence Review process.
Pursuant to the Answer of 28 April 2025 to Question 44502 on Puma Helicopters: Decommissioning, whether he plans to provide an interim capability for Brunei between 7 April 2025 and 7 April 2026 for non-UK SF training.
Mitigations against jungle training in Brunei are in place. The six Airbus H145 HC2 Jupiter helicopters will deploy and commence operational activity in 2026.
Pursuant to the Answer of 28 April 2025 to Question 44502 on Puma Helicopters: Decommissioning, whether the First Battalion, The Royal Gurkha Rifles make use of jungle training facilities in Brunei.
The resident Battalion of The Royal Gurkha Rifles continue to make use of jungle training in Brunei within the permitted training parameters.
Whether he plans to increase the number of UK SMEs participating in the nuclear programme supply chain.
The Defence Nuclear Enterprise supply chain is made up of over 3,000 UK-based businesses including many Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) who are contributing significantly to innovation, supply chain efficiency, and local economies. The Ministry of Defence continues to work with our largest suppliers through a network of their SME Champions, trade associations and SME representatives to ensure that SMEs have fair access to opportunities in all our supply chains. We have announced the launch of a new hub to provide SMEs with better access to the entire defence supply chain, including the Defence Nuclear Enterprise. We will also set direct SME spending targets by June this year, ensuring that thousands of small businesses in the UK will benefit from the decision to increase defence spending to 2.5% of GDP. This is a chance for small, often family-owned, firms to bring their innovations, agility and their expert workforce to the task of strengthening Britain’s defences.