Written questions by Glindon.

With reference to the Strategic Defence Review published on 2 June 2025, when an announcement will be made of the sites of the six new munitions factories.

The Strategic Defence Review committed to build at least six new energetics and munitions factories in the UK. The Ministry of Defence (MOD) is currently developing a plan to deliver this commitment alongside our wider Defence Industrial Strategy, delivering long-term investment to boost UK growth and generating skilled UK jobs and export opportunities. The MOD is carefully considering arrangements for those factories including potential locations, and more detail will be set out in due course. It is currently considered to be premature to discuss specific proposals or sites until the necessary preparatory work has concluded. I can reassure the hon. Member that I am aware of lobbying by MPs from then North East looking to increase defence investment in the region and as this Government delivers defence being an engine for growth I believe there are opportunities for the region in the future. I would be happy meeting her and regional colleagues to discuss further.

If he will make an assessment of the potential impact of the decision of Norway to purchase five Type 26 frigates from BAE Systems on businesses in the North East.

I refer the hon. Members to the answer given by my noble Friend, the Minister of State in the Ministry of Defence (Lord Coaker), on 16 September 2025 to Question number HL10176 in the House of Lords. The Norwegian Government’s announcement on 31 August 2025, that it had selected the UK as a strategic partner for their acquisition of Type 26 warships, will sustain around 4,000 jobs across the UK’s supply chain until well into the 2030s. This is the largest ever UK warship export deal by value and it is expected to provide a £10 billion boost to the UK economy and support more than 400 British companies across all regions, including the north east of England. It is a huge vote of confidence in the UK’s defence industry and supply chains, which are supported by small and medium enterprises.

With reference to the Strategic Defence Review published on 2 June 2025, whether his Department has considered establishing one of the new munitions factories in the North East.

The Strategic Defence Review committed to build at least six new energetics and munitions factories in the UK. The Ministry of Defence (MOD) is currently developing a plan to deliver this commitment alongside our wider Defence Industrial Strategy, delivering long-term investment to boost UK growth and generating skilled UK jobs and export opportunities. The MOD is carefully considering arrangements for those factories including potential locations, and more detail will be set out in due course. It is currently considered to be premature to discuss specific proposals or sites until the necessary preparatory work has concluded. I can reassure the hon. Member that I am aware of lobbying by MPs from then North East looking to increase defence investment in the region and as this Government delivers defence being an engine for growth I believe there are opportunities for the region in the future. I would be happy meeting her and regional colleagues to discuss further.

What estimate he has made of the proportion of rejected applications to the Afghan Relocations and Assistance Policy that were judged eligible on review in (a) 2024 and (b) the first six months of 2025.

In 2024, the Ministry of Defence (MOD) received 27,491 applications to the Afghan Relocations and Assistance Policy (ARAP) scheme. Additionally the Department reviewed and confirmed the ineligible outcome of 1,070 principal applications where the applicant had requested a review. Of those applications reviewed, seven were overturned. These figures include first time, duplicate and additional principal applications. The MOD also made decisions on 7,046 principal first time applications, with 375 (5.3%) being found eligible. From 1 January to 30 June 2025, the MOD received 17,625 principal applications. The Department reviewed the ineligible outcome of 91 principal applications where the applicant had requested a review. Of those applications reviewed, six were overturned. These figures include first time, duplicate and additional principal application. The MOD also made decisions on 3,579 principal first time applications, with 73 being found eligible.

How many applications were made to the Afghan Relocations and Assistance Policy in (a) 2024 and (b) the first six months of 2025.

In 2024, the Ministry of Defence (MOD) received 27,491 applications to the Afghan Relocations and Assistance Policy (ARAP) scheme. Additionally the Department reviewed and confirmed the ineligible outcome of 1,070 principal applications where the applicant had requested a review. Of those applications reviewed, seven were overturned. These figures include first time, duplicate and additional principal applications. The MOD also made decisions on 7,046 principal first time applications, with 375 (5.3%) being found eligible. From 1 January to 30 June 2025, the MOD received 17,625 principal applications. The Department reviewed the ineligible outcome of 91 principal applications where the applicant had requested a review. Of those applications reviewed, six were overturned. These figures include first time, duplicate and additional principal application. The MOD also made decisions on 3,579 principal first time applications, with 73 being found eligible.

What estimate he has made of the proportion of first-time applications to the Afghan Relocations and Assistance Policy that were successful in (a) 2024 and (b) the first six months of 2025.

In 2024, the Ministry of Defence (MOD) received 27,491 applications to the Afghan Relocations and Assistance Policy (ARAP) scheme. Additionally the Department reviewed and confirmed the ineligible outcome of 1,070 principal applications where the applicant had requested a review. Of those applications reviewed, seven were overturned. These figures include first time, duplicate and additional principal applications. The MOD also made decisions on 7,046 principal first time applications, with 375 (5.3%) being found eligible. From 1 January to 30 June 2025, the MOD received 17,625 principal applications. The Department reviewed the ineligible outcome of 91 principal applications where the applicant had requested a review. Of those applications reviewed, six were overturned. These figures include first time, duplicate and additional principal application. The MOD also made decisions on 3,579 principal first time applications, with 73 being found eligible.

Whether his Department formally recognises the contribution of Canary Girls munitions factory workers in the (a) First and (b) Second World War.

The Government recognises the hard work of the Munitions workers and is extremely grateful for their input and sacrifices made during both world wars often working in harsh conditions, to ensure that our soldiers were well equipped during the war effort. The role of munitions workers, largely carried out by women during the First and Second World Wars, was critical to victory. It is important that their effort and sacrifice, often undertaken in dangerous conditions, is remembered. This is not an issue for which the Ministry of Defence is responsible, and in the past was addressed by the former Ministry for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy.

Whether his Department has made an assessment of the potential merits of sponsoring a memorial at the National Memorial Arboretum to the Canary Girls munitions factory workers in the (a) First and (b) Second World War.

The Government recognises the hard work of the Munitions workers and is extremely grateful for their input and sacrifices made during both world wars often working in harsh conditions, to ensure that our soldiers were well equipped during the war effort. The role of munitions workers, largely carried out by women during the First and Second World Wars, was critical to victory. It is important that their effort and sacrifice, often undertaken in dangerous conditions, is remembered. This is not an issue for which the Ministry of Defence is responsible, and in the past was addressed by the former Ministry for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy.

Whether he plans to commemorate the contribution of Canary Girls munitions factory workers in the (a) First and (b) Second World War.

The Government recognises the hard work of the Munitions workers and is extremely grateful for their input and sacrifices made during both world wars often working in harsh conditions, to ensure that our soldiers were well equipped during the war effort. The role of munitions workers, largely carried out by women during the First and Second World Wars, was critical to victory. It is important that their effort and sacrifice, often undertaken in dangerous conditions, is remembered. This is not an issue for which the Ministry of Defence is responsible, and in the past was addressed by the former Ministry for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy.

Whether the UK is carrying out airstrikes in Yemen.

The situation in the Red Sea remains extremely serious. The Houthis continue to conduct illegal and dangerous attacks that risk innocent lives, exacerbate the humanitarian suffering in Yemen, threaten regional security and harm the global economy. In response to the Houthi attacks, the Royal Air Force conducted five self-defensive strikes against Houthi targets between January and May, acting alongside the United States, with non-operational support from Australia, Bahrain, Canada, the Netherlands, Denmark, and New Zealand.