Written questions by Gibson.

What assessment he has made of the potential merits of introducing routine monitoring and data collection on neurodivergent Service Personnel, including those with conditions beyond Specific Learning Differences; and whether his Department plans to revise the guidance entitled JSP 822, Volume 7, to require such monitoring.

The Ministry of Defence is committed to a diverse workforce and regularly reviews both its policies and its data collection requirements on neurodiversity, however, there are no current plans to revise Joint Service Publication 822 Defence Direction for Training and Education (Volume 7, Specific Learning Differences) to specifically require monitoring of neurodiversity status. As at 1 July 2025, two per cent of Serving UK Regular Armed Forces personnel had a read code for autism, ADHD, dyslexia or dyspraxia entered into their electronic medical record. This figure is a minimum; if personnel have not discussed their condition with their military GP, they will not have a read code for the condition in their medical record.

Whether his Department holds data on the proportion of neurodivergent service personnel.

The Ministry of Defence is committed to a diverse workforce and regularly reviews both its policies and its data collection requirements on neurodiversity, however, there are no current plans to revise Joint Service Publication 822 Defence Direction for Training and Education (Volume 7, Specific Learning Differences) to specifically require monitoring of neurodiversity status. As at 1 July 2025, two per cent of Serving UK Regular Armed Forces personnel had a read code for autism, ADHD, dyslexia or dyspraxia entered into their electronic medical record. This figure is a minimum; if personnel have not discussed their condition with their military GP, they will not have a read code for the condition in their medical record.

What steps the new cross-government veteran employment taskforce is taking to ensure that small and medium-sized enterprises, including those in rural areas, have access to veteran talent.

The Government recognises the vital role small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) across the UK play in our economy and is committed to ensuring they have access to the skills and talents they need to succeed. Veterans bring exceptional qualities such as leadership, teamwork, critical thinking, and resilience, which are invaluable to UK business, from SMEs to large organisations. The recently published Veterans Strategy sets out how this Government will ensure veterans can maximise the skills gained during their time in service, whether supporting them into sustainable careers in high growth, critical industries, or ensuring they can access the tools needed to set up and scale their own business. The Veteran Employment Taskforce will bring together teams from across government, including the Defence Office for Defence Small Business Growth, to ensure veterans are reflected in the Government's employment strategies and identify opportunities for SMEs to access veteran talent effectively. This will be supported by ongoing collaboration with businesses, particularly the 8,000+ Defence Employer Recognition Scheme holders, to identify and share best practice.

Whether he plans to publish the membership and terms of reference for the cross-government delivery group for veterans.

The Veterans Strategy commits to redesign the underpinning governance and engagement that drives delivery of veterans’ priorities and decision making. I will work with Ministers across UK Government and Devolved Governments to deliver on the priorities set out in the strategy. The cross-Government delivery group is an official level group that supports Ministers to implement this important strategy.

What steps he is taking to ensure that VALOUR-recognised support centres will be evenly distributed across rural areas.

Applications are currently open for organisations to bid to become VALOUR recognised centres. The locations of centres will be dependent on which organisations apply and are awarded funding; however, consideration will be given to the geographic spread of centres. The programme guidance for applicants encourages them to consider how their bid will deliver more equity of access and consistency in service quality throughout the UK. VALOUR recognised centres will facilitate in-person access to multiple services for veterans right across the UK. These centres will be required to meet high standards and provide timely data to the UK Government regarding the needs and experiences of veterans to inform future service improvements.

What steps he is taking to help ensure that veterans without reliable digital access can still obtain the Digital Veteran Card.

We recognise that not all veterans can reliably access digital services or the internet. The digital Veteran Card is an optional version of the existing physical HM Armed Forces Veteran Card. Eligibility for a digital version, includes that applicants must already hold a physical card.Applications for both Veteran Cards can be made either online or via post, ensuring that a fully non-digital route remains available. This approach ensures that all veterans can access the support and benefits they are entitled to. Veterans who require additional help can access support through the Veterans UK helpline.

When the Government plans to publish the first tranche of data gathered through VALOUR support centres, and whether that data will be disaggregated by region.

The VALOUR programme is being developed and funding for VALOUR Recognised Centres opened on 10 November and closes on 14 January 2026. There will be an expectation on centres to share data with VALOUR HQ, where it will then be reviewed and analysed, to be then be used to further inform policymaking.

What the timeline is for implementing the Government’s Forces First approach for new homes built on surplus Ministry of Defence land, and whether any such sites are planned in Wiltshire.

The Government’s Forces First approach will apply to a proportion of new homes on selected surplus Defence sites, agreed between the Ministry of Defence (MOD), the local authority and the developer based on demand and site viability. This will increase the number of Service Family Accommodation through MOD acquisition of high-quality new build properties developed on surplus Defence sites, where these are needed. This ensures military families benefit directly from the construction taking place on former military land, creating investment and improvement. Final plans for construction are pending, so any future military housing in Wiltshire cannot yet be confirmed. Priority access to selected sites will be agreed with local authorities and developers to support Service personnel and national housebuilding targets.

What steps he is taking to ensure that VALOUR field officers are trained to understand the needs of veterans from underrepresented groups including LGBT+ and non-UK veterans.

Across the UK, new dedicated and regionally based VALOUR field officers will oversee the establishment and support the running of a network of place-based partnerships. These partnerships will bring together partners from across local government, public services and the third sector to drive forward delivery of the Veterans' Strategy and Armed Forces Covenant in their area. VALOUR Field Officers will work closely with existing Armed Forces Champions and other similar posts operating at the local level and share insights and learning between local partnerships and a new VALOUR HQ. Field Officers will additionally share best practice across their networks, which may include training materials for front line staff as required. In addition, VALOUR field officers will be supported in understanding the diverse needs of veterans-including LGBT+ and non-UK veterans by Veteran Services (VS), the MOD statutory service. VS have a wealth of experience in assessing and supporting service leavers, veterans, and their families in welfare-based case management. VS will play a pivotal role supporting VALOUR, with their own field teams distributed across the UK. This MOD collaboration will ensure VALOUR field officers will be able to provide expert guidance and practical support to ensure that they are equipped to deliver inclusive and informed services to all veterans.

How many veterans in Wiltshire accessed support through Op FORTITUDE in the last 12 months, and what assessment he has made of future needs.

Between 21 November 2024 and 21 November 2025, Op FORTITUDE has received 47 referrals in Wiltshire. This Government is fully committed to ensuring that all veterans across the UK have access to the support they need on housing. That is why we have committed an additional £12 million to ensure the continuation of the Reducing Veteran Homelessness programme. Op FORTITUDE will also be extended, putting the service that has already supported over 1,000 veterans on a sustainable footing. These programmes will deliver three years of support services across the UK for veterans at risk of or experiencing homelessness.

What assessment he has made on the Government’s progress in implementing the recommendations of the House of Commons Defence Committee's report entitled Protecting those who protect us: Women in the Armed Forces from Recruitment to Civilian Life, published on 25 July 2021.

I refer the hon. Member to the answer I gave on 6 March 2025 to Question 34425 to the hon. Member for Newton Abbot (Martin Wrigley). Regarding outstanding recommendations from the Report, the new Armed Forces Sexual Harassment Survey has been launched, and the Veterans’ Strategy, to be published later this year, will include a dedicated section on female veterans. In March I briefed the House of Commons Defence Committee on additional commitments Defence has made: We are improving how the most serious Service Complaints are dealt with quickly, fairly and in a standardised way across the Armed Forces via the establishment of an independent tri-Service team, and we have begun work to develop a Violence Against Women and Girls Taskforce to support the broader government agenda on this important subject.

Whether his Department has reviewed the performance of housing maintenance contracts for military service accommodation in Wiltshire.

The Defence Infrastructure Organisation continues to drive for improved performance from the Future Defence Infrastructure Services Accommodation Industry Partners in all regions, including Wiltshire. Performance is monitored on a monthly basis, including oversight at Chief Executive level, to hold Industry Partners to account. The performance of housing maintenance contracts for Service Family Accommodation in Wiltshire has not been specifically reviewed since it is part of the contract covering the wider South West accommodation region.

If he will make an assessment of the potential merits of placing a legal duty on all Government departments to give due regard to the Armed Forces Covenant in decision-making affecting military families in Wiltshire.

Following guidance from Ministers to “put the Armed Forces Covenant fully into law”, officials are currently developing plans to extend the scope of the Covenant Legal Duty, in line with our manifesto commitment, across a broad range of policy areas. This broad, and maximalist approach will demonstrate and reinforce the Government’s steadfast commitment to improving the lives of the Armed Forces community and renewing the nation’s contract with those who serve. Ministry of Defence officials anticipate that plans for the Duty extension will raise awareness of the Covenant, drive better outcomes for the Armed Forces community, including those in Wiltshire, and help mitigate and tackle disadvantage. Further details will be brought forward in due course.

Whether his Department plans to increase the number of British Army personnel.

I refer the hon. Member to the answer I gave to the hon. Member for North Down (Alex Easton) on 13 May 2025 to Question 50001.

What his Department's timetable is for publishing (a) a full timeline and (b) funding pathway for achieving the target of spending 2.5% of GDP on defence; and what plans he has for infrastructure upgrades at bases in Wiltshire.

The pathway to spending 2.5% of GDP on defence was set out in the Spring Statement earlier this year and will be reflected in the outcome of the second phase of the Spending Review that is due to be finalised on 11 June 2025.The Defence Housing Strategy, planned for publication later this year, will set out a roadmap to deliver a generational renewal of military accommodation. The main objective is to raise the minimum standard of Armed Forces housing across the MOD estate, including military housing in Wiltshire.

If he will make it his policy to use a proportion of the additional funding for defence to improve (a) accommodation and (b) facilities for (i) service personnel and (ii) their families in Wiltshire.

The Defence Housing Strategy, planned for publication later this year, will set out a roadmap to deliver a generational renewal of military accommodation. The main objective is to raise the minimum standard of Armed Forces housing across the Ministry of Defence estate, including military housing in Wiltshire.

What assessment he has made of the potential merits of ensuring that all Armed Forces Personnel are entitled to the same pension scheme.

As of 1 April 2022, all Serving personnel are members of the Armed Forces Pension Scheme 2015 (AFPS 15). AFPS 15 is the only open pension scheme for both Regular and Reserve personnel, having replaced all existing prior legacy schemes.

What discussions he has had with the Chancellor of the Exchequer on increasing levels of defence expenditure above 2.5% of GDP.

The Government is committed to setting a path to spending 2.5% of GDP on defence in Spring. The Ministry of Defence remains closely engaged with His Majesty's Treasury on this matter.

What comparative assessment he has made of the level of defence expenditure in (a) the UK and (b) Russia; and what recent assessment he has made of the adequacy of the Government's commitment to increase defence expenditure to 2.5% of GDP.

The UK currently spends 2.3% of GDP on defence, and the Government is committed to setting a pathway to 2.5% this Spring.Russia's own public assessment forecast their military expenditure at over 7% of GDP in 2024, with some sources estimating that as much as 9% of Russian GDP is being spent on defence. However, the public figures almost certainly do not tell the full story about Russian expenditure or the true burden on the Russian economy.These figures are not directly comparable as the UK follows NATO's definition of defence spending, Russia does not.

What assessment his Department has made of the potential long-term impact of increasing UK defence spending on (a) economic growth, (b) innovation and (c) job creation in the defence sector.

The Government recognises the vital role Defence plays not only in our national security but also in delivering economic growth to all nations and regions of the United Kingdom. Peace and security are the essential preconditions of long-term economic growth. Added to this, Ministry of Defence (MOD) expenditure with industry supports over 200,000 jobs across the United Kingdom, many of which are outside London and the South East. Overall, 68% of MOD UK industry spending goes to areas outside London and the South East. The £2.6 billion spent on R&D in 2023-24 will also contribute to innovation that both keeps the country safe and leads to spillovers into the wider economy. The Ministry of Defence will bring forward a Defence Industrial Strategy that ensures Defence contributes fully to the Government’s number one mission to drive economic growth.