Written questions by Shastri-Hurst.

If he will take steps to ensure that the Strategic Defence Review contains adequate funding for UK Space Command to deliver (a) on procurement and (b) operationally.

The Strategic Defence Review is considering all aspects of Defence, including the major features of the force structure needed to create the necessary multi-domain integrated Defence capability of the future, of which space is a key part. Space is recognised as a critical enabler for defence, which forms part of the reviewers' considerations around the opportunities for modernisation and transformation.

When the next meeting is of the Space Council.

Along with colleagues from the Department for Science, Innovation and Technology and others across Government, the Ministry of Defence is developing plans for space activities to be coordinated and led across relevant Departments. These efforts will align with the Strategic Defence Review. I am happy to meet with the hon. Member to discuss the issue.

What his policy is on the future of the Tempest programme.

Tempest is the name used in the UK for the next generation combat aircraft being jointly developed with Japan and Italy under the Global Combat Air Programme (GCAP). GCAP is an important programme, as the Prime Minister has stated, which is why the Defence Secretary hosted his Japanese and Italian counterparts within weeks of taking office. Positive progress on GCAP continues, with over 3,500 people employed on future combat air. In October, the UK completed its ratification processes for the GCAP Convention, the International Treaty that sets up the GCAP International Government Organisation, earlier this month.

How much funding his Department plans to provide for training in the (a) Royal Navy, (b) British Army and (c) Royal Air Force in the 2024-25 financial year.

The Department has interpreted funding for training to mean funding for direct training exercises only. This includes Phase 1 (basic training) and Phase 2 (initial training) costs. The final outturn for FY2023-24 is below and the equivalent for the current financial year will be released in due course. (a) Royal Navy: £89 million(b) British Army: £105 million(c) Royal Air Force: £131 million

What steps he is taking to help support jobs in the defence industry.

This Government recognises the vital role the defence industry plays not only in our national security but also to the economic prosperity and growth of the UK.The UK's defence industry is a global leader and defence spending provides good, well-paid jobs. Ministry of Defence spending supports around 434,000 jobs across the UK, with around 239,000 of those supported by industry across the UK. The Strategic Defence Review will put personnel across defence at the core of future defence work.Our industry partners, of all sizes, are very much at the heart of our One Defence approach. That is why this Government is committed to bringing forward a Defence Industrial Strategy aligning our security and economic priorities to boost the prosperity of our people across the country, provide resilience for the UK, and ensure the credibility of our deterrence.