Written questions by Maskell.

If he will review the proposed closure of (a) Imphal Barracks in York and (b) other barracks.

There are no plans to review the closure of barracks identified as becoming surplus to military requirements under the Defence Estate Optimisation Portfolio, which are due to release enough land for over 32,000 new homes as well as supporting schools, offices, shops and parks. This includes Imphal Barracks which has been identified in the emerging City of York Local Plan to deliver over 750 new homes when it is due for disposal from 2030.

If he will increase the use of Armed Forces personnel in supporting movements of humanitarian aid into Gaza.

The Foreign and Commonwealth Development Office leads on coordinating the HMG’s humanitarian response to deliver lifesaving assistance to the civilian population in Gaza. The Ministry of Defence has provided military support when requested to facilitate the delivery of lifesaving assistance. Royal Fleet Auxiliary Cardigan Bay is in the Eastern Mediterranean and tasked with providing support to the Cypriot Maritime Aid Corridor. We continue to monitor the situation and consider what further assistance Defence could contribute to the HMG and international efforts.

If he will take steps to ensure that the Army continue to have a presence in the city of York.

The Army remains committed to retaining an Army Regular, Reserve and Cadets presence in and around York in Yeomanry and Worsley Barracks, Queen Elizabeth Barracks and Towthorpe Lines.