Every parliamentary written question tabled by Luke Akehurst this session, with the full answer and department. Back to the MP page.
Showing 141–160 of 261 · this parliament
What the status is of the Remote Controlled Howitzer (RCH) 155 gun system programme.
I refer the hon. Member to the answer given on 12 November to Question 88294, which remains extant: The project aims to achieve Minimum Deployable Capability (MDC) within this decade and will deliver the Remote-Controlled Howitzer 155mm (RCH 155) Calibre Wheeled Artillery System. The project remains in its assessment phase and therefore it remains too early to provide an exact in-service date
What the current lead times are for procuring new tanks, artillery systems and missile platform and how do those times compare to other NATO countries; and what steps he is taking to reduce those timelines.
The Defence Industrial Strategy set out an average of six years to contract for major defence platforms. Whilst differing procurement systems make direct comparisons with other countries challenging, our new segmented approach to procurement, supported by accelerated commercial pathways, is designed to enable programmes to get to contract faster. We are making progress towards the target date of 1 April 2026 for establishment of the segmented approach in line with the Strategic Defence Review.
What the status is of the SKYNET 6 programme.
The Skynet 6 programme continues to progress to meet Defence’s satellite communication needs. The build of the Skynet 6A satellite has transitioned into the testing and validation phase, and the competition and final negotiations for the remaining Skynet 6 satellites are nearing conclusion. The Skynet 6 programme will ensure that the UK retains a resilient satellite communications enterprise out to 2040.
What the status is of the New Medium Helicopter programme.
I refer the hon. Member to the answer I gave on 25 November 2025 to Question 91436:
What progress has been made on adapting Type 45 destroyers to carry Sea Ceptor missiles.
Sea Ceptor is already in service on all Type 23 frigates and work is underway to introduce it onto the Type 45 destroyers, as well as the new Type 26 and Type 31 frigates. This expansion of Sea Ceptor will further strengthen local air defence capabilities in the surface fleet.
What steps he is taking to expand the UK industrial footprint for Boxer vehicle assembly to increase surge capacity in the event of a prolonged conflict.
We have made significant investments in the UK industrial base, including factories, the workforce, and supply chains, to support the manufacture of Boxer vehicles. The Boxer programme is now in full production, with the potential to accommodate additional orders for surge delivery or export customers.
What assessment he has made of the potential operational risks arising from reliance on funding from European allies in Ground-Based Air Defence and Integrated Air and Missile Defence.
Whilst the UK works with European partners on a range of air and missile defence issues, the UK is not reliant on funding from European allies for our Ground Based Air Defence or Integrated Air and Missile Defence capabilities. His Majesty’s Government announced a £1 billion UK spend on Integrated Air and Missile Defence in the Strategic Defence Review. Further announcements on Integrated Air and Missile Defence investment will be made within the Defence Investment Plan.
What assessment has been made of whether current and planned orders for Starstreak and Lightweight Modular Missiles are sufficient to replenish stockpiles provided to Ukraine.
We are committed to investing more in munitions as set out in the Strategic Defence Review and details of what we will be investing in will be in the Defence Investment Plan.
What the status is of the Future Combat Air System Tempest programme.
I refer the hon. Member to the answer I gave on 20 October 2024 to Question 79701 to the hon. Member for Huntingdon (Mr Obese-Jecty).
What assessment he has made of the UK’s ability to improve Challenger 3 production rates.
The Ministry of Defence is working closely with the supply chain to ensure the timely development of Challenger 3. Focus remains on securing the necessary materials, identifying opportunities and mitigating risk to deliver tanks to users as soon as practicable.
Whether the replacement for Hawk fast jet trainer aircraft will be manufactured in the UK.
The Strategic Defence Review stated the intent to seek cost effective replacements for the Hawk aircraft. Decisions regarding the production, sustainment, and replacement of these aircraft will be made following the completion of the Defence Investment Plan. The Hon. Gentleman will be aware of this Government’s strong support for making more defence equipment in the UK.
What progress he has made on reducing procurement timelines for major military platforms from six years to two.
The Defence Industrial Strategy set out an average of six years to contract for major defence platforms. Whilst differing procurement systems make direct comparisons with other countries challenging, our new segmented approach to procurement, supported by accelerated commercial pathways, is designed to enable programmes to get to contract faster. We are making progress towards the target date of 1 April 2026 for establishment of the segmented approach in line with the Strategic Defence Review.
What assessment he has made of the UK’s ability to sustain production of major defence equipment during a high-intensity conflict without reliance on overseas supply chains.
The Strategic Defence Review (SDR) set out how we must move to warfighting readiness, that includes increasing industrial production and capacity and adding resilience. We are delivering on the SDR vision and the Defence Investment Strategy (DIS) sets out steps forward in this respect. The UK Ministry of Defence (MOD) is strengthening its supply chains to ensure procurement is more resilient, innovative, and agile. Under the Strategic Defence Review and Defence Industrial Strategy, we are developing a collaborative wargaming capability focused on supply chain resilience. This includes surge capacity planning, investment in UK industrial capability, and circular economy initiatives to secure critical raw materials and enable rapid production scaling during times of conflict.
What steps he is taking to improve glioblastoma survival rates.
The Department is committed to supporting an innovative clinical research ecosystem in the United Kingdom so that patients in this country can be among the first to benefit as we make the National Health Service fit for the future.The Government supports Scott Arthur’s Private Members Bill on rare cancers which will make it easier for clinical trials into rare cancers, such as glioblastomas, to take place in England by ensuring the patient population can be easily contacted by researchers. This will ensure that the NHS will remain at the forefront of medical innovation and is able to provide patients with the newest, most effective treatment options, and ultimately boost survival rates.Early next year, the Government will publish a National Cancer Plan which will set out targeted actions to reduce the lives lost to cancers and improve the experience of patients, including rarer cancers such as glioblastomas.
What (a) current and (b) planned capabilities the UK has for defence against attacks by (i) cruise missiles, (ii) drone swarms and (iii) ballistic missiles.
Current capabilities which would be used to defeat cruise missiles, drone swarms and ballistic missiles include existing Royal Navy, British Army and Royal Air Force capabilities. Type 45 destroyers, Ground Based Air Defence, Combat Air platforms and supporting air defence sensing and command and control, as well as Counter-Uncrewed Air System capabilities would all play a part in a response. His Majesty’s Government announced a £1 billion UK spend on Integrated Air and Missile Defence in the Strategic Defence Review which will shape future Integrated Air and Missile Defence capability. Further announcement on Integrated Air and Missile Defence investment will be made within the Defence Investment Plan. We have also recently approved £318 million for dragonfire which will help support protection against air threats with the first system being installed on a type 45 destroyer in 2027.
Whether government departments meet duties to provide reasonable adjustments for disabled staff.
All government departments are subject to the Equality Act 2010, which places a legal duty on employers to make reasonable adjustments for disabled staff and job applicants where they would otherwise be at a substantial disadvantage. Government Departments meet this duty by providing adjustments such as assistive technology, flexible working arrangements, specialist furniture, interpreters, and accessible workplaces. The Department for Work and Pensions leads the Disability Confident scheme in its capacity supporting disabled people into work, which encourages all employers, including government departments, to recruit, retain and develop disabled people and those with health conditions.
What steps he is taking to help prevent retaliatory actions against staff who have made internal disclosures about disability discrimination.
As an accredited Disability Confident Leader, the Department for Work and Pensions take seriously its responsibility to support all staff, including those with a disability, who make disclosures about discrimination and preventing any retaliation.The department has a number of mechanisms, including dedicated harassment, grievance, and HR policies and processes; regular promotion of Speak Up Safely Line and Ambassadors for Fair Treatment providing confidential, and if required anonymous support and guidance. We also provide wellbeing support (including mental health first aiders), as well as promoting a transparent and supportive approach to workplace adjustments, ensuring staff feel safe when disclosing disabilities.
Whether his Department will introduce Access to Work Adjustment Passports for all claimants.
Health Adjustment Passports are voluntary and available to everyone with a health condition or disability. The Health Adjustment Passport enables disabled people to move more easily into employment and between job roles and reduces the need to repeat personal information about their disability. The Passport supports transitions into employment by providing a tool to enable disabled people to have structured conversations with employers about disability. It acts as a transferable record of the adjustments needed, along with sign posts to available support including Access to Work (AtW). If an individual chooses to share the passport with their employer, it can help to raise the visibility of adjustments and highlight support available, including AtW. In the event the user applies for AtW support, the passport can aid an assessment by providing health and disability information beforehand, enabling support to be put in place more quickly. Further information on the Health Adjustments Passport can be found on: Health Adjustment Passport - GOV.UK
What recent assessment his Department has made of the effectiveness of the Health Adjustment Passport in supporting disabled people to (a) enter and (b) remain in employment.
Health Adjustment Passports are voluntary and available to everyone with a health condition or disability. The Health Adjustment Passport enables disabled people to move more easily into employment and between job roles and reduces the need to repeat personal information about their disability. The Passport supports transitions into employment by providing a tool to enable disabled people to have structured conversations with employers about disability. It acts as a transferable record of the adjustments needed, along with sign posts to available support including Access to Work (AtW). If a user chooses to share the passport with their employer, it can help to raise the visibility of adjustments and highlight support available, including AtW. In the event the user applies for AtW support, the passport can aid an assessment by providing health and disability information beforehand, enabling support to be put in place more quickly. Further information on the Health Adjustments Passport can be found on: Health Adjustment Passport - GOV.UK
Innovation and Technology, pursuant to the answer of 11 November 2025 to Question 87510 on Internet: Children and Young People, when the Media Literacy Vision Statement will be published.
The Department for Science, Innovation and Technology is developing a Media Literacy Vision Statement in close collaboration with other government departments. The Vision Statement will set out a shared, whole-of-government vision for a safe, informed, media literate society. It will outline how media literacy will be embedded across key policy areas including education, public services, digital inclusion, and community resilience. We will announce publication in due course.