Written questions by Johnson.

What definition he uses for defensive operations in relation to United States use of UK bases and airspace.

Awaiting answer.

Whether Government authorisation is required for refuelling, staging, maintenance, intelligence support and overflight, in addition to aircraft launching from UK territory.

Awaiting answer.

Whether he reviews target-level information before approving United States missions supported from UK bases.

Awaiting answer.

Whether missions supported from UK bases are approved on a case-by-case basis.

Awaiting answer.

What legal basis under international law underpins the Government’s definition of “defensive operations” in relation to support for United States military activity.

Awaiting answer.

What UK locations, including civilian airports, have been used to support United States aircraft transiting to operations in the Middle East since the start of the Iran conflict in February 2026.

Awaiting answer.

Whether she plans to bring forward legislative proposals to (a) recognise and (b) protect vessels carrying British personnel and civilians and lost to hostile action in a way that is comparable to military maritime graves; if she will make an assessment of the potential merits of using the Armed Forces Bill 2026 to do this; if she will consider extending a framework consistent with international principles on underwater cultural heritage to Government-owned wrecks in international waters; and whether the wreck of the SS Tilawa will be considered for designation as a protected heritage site.

The sinking of the SS Tilawa, and many other merchant vessels during the world wars, represents a tragic loss of life that we must all strive to remember and reflect upon. It is right that we honour and recognise this sacrifice and strive to ensure the grave sites of those who have been lost receive appropriate protection. While the specific scope and purpose of the Armed Forces Bill preclude such an extension to merchant wrecks, we will continue to ensure underwater cultural heritage receives the highest levels of protection available in accordance with international law and best practice.

With reference to the Answer of 13 July 2020 to Question 68798 on Yemen: Military Intervention, whether his Department maintains its Tracker database of alleged instances of breaches or violations of International Humanitarian Law with regards to arms sales to the United Arab Emirates.

The UK maintained a database of alleged instances of breaches or violations of International Humanitarian Law by members of the Saudi Led Coalition in Yemen, including the United Arab Emirates. As the Coalition no longer operates in Yemen and there have been no new allegations, I can confirm this record is no longer maintained.

How much his Department has spent with Straight Flight Nevada Commercial Leasing LLC since October 2023.

The Ministry of Defence has been conducting unarmed surveillance flights over Gaza for the sole purpose of locating hostages. The UK controls what information is passed on to Israeli authorities and only information relating to hostage rescue will be passed to the relevant authority, and only when we believe it will be used in accordance with International Humanitarian Law. I cannot comment on these matters further for reasons of operational security.

Whether his Department holds contracts with Straight Flight Nevada Commercial Leasing LLC.

As the hon. Member will recall from the previous answer. I cannot comment on these matters for reasons of operational security.

Whether his Department holds contracts with Straight Flight Nevada Commercial Leasing LLC.

I cannot comment on these matters for reasons of operational security.

What is the the cost of the RAF's surveillance flights over Gaza, for each month from October 2023 .

The Ministry of Defence has been conducting unarmed surveillance flights over Gaza for the sole purpose of locating hostages.While I am unable to disclose these costs for reasons of operational security and as a matter of policy, Defence operational spend in relation to the Israel-Gaza conflict for 2023/24 has been published in its Annual Reports and Accounts for that financial year online. The Department's accounts for 2024-25 will be published in due course.

What is the cost of using RAF (a) personnel and (b) equipment to prepare Straight Flight Nevada Commercial Leasing LLC for surveillance flights over Gaza, for each month from October 2023.

The Ministry of Defence has been conducting unarmed surveillance flights over Gaza for the sole purpose of locating hostages.While I am unable to disclose these costs for reasons of operational security and as a matter of policy, Defence operational spend in relation to the Israel-Gaza conflict for 2023/24 has been published in its Annual Reports and Accounts for that financial year online. The Department's accounts for 2024-25 will be published in due course.

What assessment he has made of the potential impact of procuring Multi-Role Strike Ships rather than Multi-Role Support Ships on the Royal Fleet Auxiliary.

The Multi-Role Strike Ship programme is in its Concept Phase during which the requirements, including appropriate crewing models are determined.The name change from Multi-Role Support Ship to Multi-Role Strike Ship better reflects the platform’s function and does not indicate any change of requirement.

What the operational status is of RFA Argus.

RFA ARGUS is maintained at a state of readiness for tasks including serving as an Aviation Support Ship for the UK’s Littoral Response Group (LRG), and as a Primary Casualty Receiving Facility. During periods when it is not needed for LRG or medical operations, ARGUS is utilised as an Aviation Training Ship, offering a platform for the training and qualification of UK MOD pilots. I visited RFA ARGUS recently alongside in Falmouth and can report I met with very capable members of the RFA on board who stand ready to deliver defence tasks with professionalism and courage.

What the Royal Fleet Auxiliary’s (a) vessel, (b) crewing and (c) operational contributions will be to the UK Carrier Strike Group exercises in the Indo-Pacific region in 2025.

RFA Tidespring will provide support to the UK Carrier Strike Group throughout the Operation HIGHMAST deployment in 2025, including during exercises in the Indo-Pacific region. RFA Tidespring is fully crewed, and her principal role is to provide fuel to the UK Carrier Strike Group while underway, enabling the ships and embarked aircraft to remain at sea for longer periods. In addition, RFA Tidespring has a Royal Navy Merlin Mk2 helicopter and Uncrewed Air Systems embarked.

How many potential violations of international humanitarian law by Israel he has assessed since 8 October 2023.

The MOD works closely with the FCDO, who continue to assess Israel’s commitment and capability to comply with International Humanitarian Law.