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 1,961–1,980 of 3,171 · this parliament
When he plans to answer Question 37245, tabled on 11 March 2025.
There are no plans for funding to be taken from the Ministry of Defence for the use of the Intelligence and Security services. The Prime Minister has outlined plans to increase spending on defence to 2.5% of GDP from April 2027, and set an ambition to spend 3% of GDP on defence in the next Parliament.
What recent progress his Department has made on implementing the E7 Wedgetail Programme.
I refer the hon. Member to the answer I gave to the right hon. Member for Rayleigh and Wickford (Mark Francois) on 4 February 2025 to Question 26432.
What recent progress his Department has made on implementing the Fleet Solid Support Programme.
Successful delivery of the Fleet Solid Support (FSS) ship programme, which is currently in the design phase, remains a priority. The recent acquisition of Harland & Wolff (H&W) by Navantia UK (NUK), following the administration of H&W, has provided greater certainty to the delivery of the FSS programme and protects UK’s shipbuilding capability. The works to recapitalise the Belfast shipyard have restarted since NUK’s takeover of the four H&W yards in January 2025. This investment will further strengthen UK capability, modernising the shipbuilding facilities in Belfast and leading to increased productivity and capacity. Design work is progressing well and production of the first FSS ship is expected to begin in 2025, with all three vessels bolstering the Royal Fleet Auxiliary over the coming decade. Following the administration and takeover of H&W, the Government has worked closely with NUK on the future of the FSS programme and agreed with them the minimum changes to the contract necessary, on commercial terms, to ensure the programme’s continued delivery with the least possible delay. Extensive work is being undertaken to understand the full impact on the programme.
What recent progress his Department has made on implementing the Future Combat Air System programme.
Progress continues to be made on the Future Combat Air System (FCAS). The core platform, that will sit at its heart, is being delivered through the Global Combat Air Programme (GCAP).The GCAP International Government Organisation (GIGO) to oversee delivery on behalf of our partner governments, Japan and Italy, has been created. Additionally, on 13 December, BAE Systems (UK), Leonardo (Italy), and Japan Aircraft Industrial Enhancement Co Ltd (JAIEC), reached an agreement to form a new company under a business joint venture for GCAP, subject to regulatory approvals.Both the GIGO and the proposed Industry Joint Venture will have their Head Quarters in Reading.
What recent progress his Department has made on implementing the A400M programme.
The delivery of all 22 A400M Atlas airframes is now complete and they are in frontline service. In co-ordination with the National Infrastructure and Service Transformation Authority, the A400M Programme off-boarded from the Government Major Projects Portfolio on 31 March 2025. The UK remains committed to the six-Partner Nation agreement for A400M and signed the 'Global Deal' in September 2024 to confirm the final standard of aircraft, commit to the global spares support contract for the coming years and the first spiral upgrade to assure A400M remains at the forefront of technology.
What recent progress his Department has made on implementing the Defence Estate Optimisation Programme.
The Department continues to deliver on its commitment to invest in its military estate with six infrastructure projects in construction, and four surplus sites sold in the current Parliament.
What recent progress his Department has made on implementing the Armed Forces Recruiting Programme.
The Armed Forces Recruiting Service contract with Serco commenced on 1 April 2025, with full unification of recruitment being implemented by October 2027, replacing separate schemes for the Royal Navy, Army, and RAF. This will create a streamlined, accessible single-entry point to attract diverse talent and modernise recruitment - making it faster and simpler. Between the contract start and full implementation in October 2027, we are in a funded discovery phase involving development, testing, and configuration, supported by the Single Services to ensure a smooth transition. A robust governance and reporting framework oversees progress, supports decision-making, manages risks, issues, and escalations, and monitors performance. Serco is integrated into all levels of this framework to foster collaboration and shared responsibility for a successful transition.
What recent progress his Department has made on implementing the Lightning Programme.
The declaration of Full Operating Capability for the first procurement phase is scheduled to occur no later than 31 December 2025, with graduation as a Government Major Projects Portfolio programme by 31 March 2026. The first procurement phase of 48 aircraft continues to be delivered.617 Squadron and 809 Naval Air Squadron have now embarked on HMS Prince of Wales for Operation Highmast. This mission will involve exercises with allies across Europe and Asia, solidifying the UK's crucial role in NATO and global defence. It will be the largest ever operational deployment of a fifth-Generation air wing component aboard a single aircraft carrier in history.
What recent progress his Department has made on implementing the Chinook Capability Sustainment Programme.
The first tranche of the Chinook Capability Sustainment programme to deliver 14 new build heavy assault Chinook helicopters remains on course to deliver Initial Operating Capability in May 2029 and Full Operating Capability in October 2030. Following Ministerial re-approval of the programme in May 2024, production of the simulators has progressed to plan and construction of the first two Chinook H-47 (Extended Range) aircraft has commenced in Philadelphia, with the first aircraft due to be delivered in 2027. Training of UK aircrew instructors in the US is due to commence in August 2025.
What recent progress his Department has made on implementing the European Common Radar System Mk2 Programme.
The European Common Radar System Mk2 prototype system has completed a successful initial flight test campaign demonstrating maturity in key capability areas. Development of the production standard system remains on track.
What recent progress his Department has made on implementing the Brimstone 3 programme.
Brimstone 3 remains in the Demonstration and Manufacture phase. The first safe separation firing from the Typhoon aircraft is expected to occur in summer 2025, prior to the weapons system being fielded on Protector in Quarter four 2025 and Typhoon in Quarter four 2026.
What recent progress his Department has made on implementing the Future Cruise Anti Ship Weapon programme.
Work on the Future Cruise/Anti-Ship Weapon programme is continuing under contract with MBDA. Discussions with our partners to finalise arrangements for the next phase are in progress.
What assessment he has made of the potential impact of the proposed Security Pact with the European Union on UK operational independence.
The Government has been clear about our commitment to negotiate an ambitious Security and Defence Partnership with the EU to strengthen European security and reinforce NATO. Talks are ongoing, and no agreements have been reached. I hope the hon. Member will understand that we will not provide a running commentary on their substance.
What assessment he has made of the potential impact of the proposed Security Pact with the European Union on NATO.
The Government has been clear about our commitment to negotiate an ambitious Security and Defence Partnership with the EU to strengthen European security and reinforce NATO. Talks are ongoing, and no agreements have been reached. I hope the hon. Member will understand that we will not provide a running commentary on their substance.
What assessment he has made of the potential impact of the proposed Security Pact with the European Union on AUKUS.
The Government has been clear about our commitment to negotiate an ambitious Security and Defence Partnership with the EU to strengthen European security and reinforce NATO. Talks are ongoing, and no agreements have been reached. I hope the hon. Member will understand that we will not provide a running commentary on their substance.
What assessment he has made of the potential impact of the proposed Security Pact with the European Union on UK Defence policy.
The Government has been clear about our commitment to negotiate an ambitious Security and Defence Partnership with the EU to strengthen European security and reinforce NATO. Talks are ongoing, and no agreements have been reached. I hope the hon. Member will understand that we will not provide a running commentary on their substance.
What assessment he has made of the potential impact of the proposed Security Pact with the European Union on existing intelligence sharing structures.
The Government has been clear about our commitment to negotiate an ambitious Security and Defence Partnership with the EU to strengthen European security and reinforce NATO. Talks are ongoing, and no agreements have been reached. I hope the hon. Member will understand that we will not provide a running commentary on their substance.
What the cost to the public purse has been of the National Insurance holiday for the employers of veterans in each financial year since the introduction of that policy.
HMRC publishes estimates for the National Insurance contributions relief for veterans annually which are available here: https://www.gov.uk/government/statistics/main-tax-expenditures-and-structural-reliefs
What assessment he has made of the potential impact of the proposed Security Pact with the European Union on existing UK defence programmes.
The Government has been clear about our commitment to negotiate an ambitious Security and Defence Partnership with the EU to strengthen European security and reinforce NATO. Talks are ongoing, and no agreements have been reached. I hope the hon. Member will understand that we will not provide a running commentary on their substance.
Pursuant to the Answer of 15 April to Question 43574 on Defence: Reform, if he will set out the terms of reference for the Quad.
The "Quad" refers to the Permanent Under Secretary, the Chief of Defence Staff, the National Armaments Director and Chief of Defence Nuclear. Each have clear and distinct accountabilities, and together are responsible for the Department's outcomes.The Quad is not a formal board. All four individuals sit on the Defence Board, the Executive Committee, and various other governance fora, which have their own specific terms of reference.