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To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, what assessment he has made of the suitability of the process by which US Military Police or the USAF Office of Special investigations can take charge of an investigation involving British civilian victims and US military suspects in the UK.
To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, what assessment he has made of the suitability of the process by which US Military Police or the USAF Office of Special investigations can take charge of an investigation involving British civilian victims and US military suspects in the UK.
The Visiting Forces Act (1952) sets out the legal basis for how jurisdiction for criminal offences is decided between the UK civil authorities and a Visiting Force’s service court martial. This is implemented in practice by the police, the Crown Prosecution Service and the UK courts as part of the criminal justice system. Following the deeply distressing case involving Dr Steele, officials are working across government to establish the full facts of how this process was enacted for that case.
To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, with reference to the opening address by the Chief of the General Staff at the RUSI Land Warfare Conference 2026, what is the British Army data standard adopted by the US military.
To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, with reference to the opening address by the Chief of the General Staff at the RUSI Land Warfare Conference 2026, what is the British Army data standard adopted by the US military.
The Chief of the General Staff was referring to the British Army's ASGARD DECIDE ‘Rules of the Game’, which codify the principles, standards and integration requirements for capabilities operating within the Army's decision-support ecosystem. The ‘Rules of the Game’ establish the standards and behaviours expected of organisations seeking to integrate capabilities within ASGARD.
To ask the Secretary of State for Justice, what assessment has he made of the adequacy of the treatment of British victims of sexual assault in the US military court martial system during proceedings regarding offences committed on UK soil by US service personnel.
To ask the Secretary of State for Justice, what assessment has he made of the adequacy of the treatment of British victims of sexual assault in the US military court martial system during proceedings regarding offences committed on UK soil by US service personnel.
The recent case in Cambridgeshire is clearly extremely concerning, and I extend my sympathy to the victim. Where an offence is committed in England and Wales, under the Victims’ Code all victims have the right to seek support from available victim support services to help them cope and recover from the impact of a crime. This is still true even if that offence is then not prosecuted in the England and Wales criminal justice system.
Where an offence is reported to a police force in England and Wales, the victim has the right to be referred to support services directly. If they choose not to report the crime, or report it to another jurisdiction, such as the military police, they would be able to self-refer to victim support services.
This Government is committed to making sure all victims know about their rights under the Victims’ Code. This includes through a public awareness campaign, and through placing a new duty on criminal justice agencies to promote the code with service users and the public, which we will commence in due course.
The Ministry of Justice is investing £550 million in victim support services over the next three years – the biggest investment in victim support services to date.
To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what progress she has made in filling the post of Chargé d'Affaires and Deputy Head of Mission in the US.
To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what progress she has made in filling the post of Chargé d'Affaires and Deputy Head of Mission in the US.
The appointment of a Deputy Head of Mission to the British Embassy in Washington will be confirmed in due course in the normal way. The individual in question would only be appointed as Chargé d'Affaires if there was a temporary vacancy in the role of Ambassador.
To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, what information his Department holds on the number of US military firearms (a) lost and (b) stolen in the UK.
To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, what information his Department holds on the number of US military firearms (a) lost and (b) stolen in the UK.
To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, pursuant to the Answer of 8 June 2026 to Question 5120 on USA: Red Arrows, if he will publish the bespoke risk assessment for transit to the United States that supplements the extant Hawk T1 Air System Safety Case.
To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, pursuant to the Answer of 8 June 2026 to Question 5120 on USA: Red Arrows, if he will publish the bespoke risk assessment for transit to the United States that supplements the extant Hawk T1 Air System Safety Case.
Managing Hawk T1 operations to deliver safe outcomes is a core Defence activity. The Royal Air Force does not routinely publish bespoke risk assessments for the Red Arrows as they are continuously reviewed and updated, including during the preparation and execution of the Red Arrows transit to the USA.
To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, what assessment he has made of the potential impact on the UK's NATO Force Model contributions of the decision by the US of rightsizing its own contributions, as announced at NATO headquarters in Brussels on 22 May 2026.
To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, what assessment he has made of the potential impact on the UK's NATO Force Model contributions of the decision by the US of rightsizing its own contributions, as announced at NATO headquarters in Brussels on 22 May 2026.
We welcome the US’s briefing which enables NATO Allies to plan and sequence the shift as part of greater European burden sharing.
The UK is a fully committed Ally; we offer almost all our Armed Forces and significant capability contributions to NATO. Currently, the UK Carrier Strike Group is deployed to the North Atlantic and High North, working with NATO Allies to deter Russian threats.
We are working with the US to ensure all Allies are contributing fairly through NATO Force Sourcing processes, and we remain committed to working with Allies to strengthen NATO by ensuring Europe is more capable, more resilient, and better able to shoulder the Alliance’s shared security burdens.
To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, pursuant to the Answer of 2 June 2026 to Question 3899 on Diego Garcia: Military Bases, what progress he has made with the United States and with Mauritius on the way forward for the UK-Mauritius Agreement since 13...
To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, pursuant to the Answer of 2 June 2026 to Question 3899 on Diego Garcia: Military Bases, what progress he has made with the United States and with Mauritius on the way forward for the UK-Mauritius Agreement since 13...
I refer the Hon Member to the answer mentioned in his question. Future updates will be provided to the House in the normal way in due course.
To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, with reference to the news story entitled UK Armed Forces salute 250 years of American independence with US celebrations, published on 18 May 2026, what assessment he has made of the risk of transiting to the United States via (a) Greenland and...
To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, with reference to the news story entitled UK Armed Forces salute 250 years of American independence with US celebrations, published on 18 May 2026, what assessment he has made of the risk of transiting to the United States via (a) Greenland and...
A bespoke risk assessment was conducted to supplement the extant Hawk T1 Air System Safety Case. The associated risks are well understood and appropriately mitigated for the Atlantic crossing between the UK, Iceland, Greenland, Canada, and the USA.
To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, with reference to the news story entitled UK Armed Forces salute 250 years of American independence with US celebrations, published on 18 May 2026, which Royal Navy ships will visit (a) New Orleans and (b) New York and New Jersey.
To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, with reference to the news story entitled UK Armed Forces salute 250 years of American independence with US celebrations, published on 18 May 2026, which Royal Navy ships will visit (a) New Orleans and (b) New York and New Jersey.
The Ministry of Defence does not routinely comment on future ship movements for reasons of safeguarding operational security.
To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, with reference to the news story entitled UK Armed Forces salute 250 years of American independence with US celebrations, published on 18 May 2026, how many Hawk T1 aircraft the Red Arrows will take to the United States.
To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, with reference to the news story entitled UK Armed Forces salute 250 years of American independence with US celebrations, published on 18 May 2026, how many Hawk T1 aircraft the Red Arrows will take to the United States.
The number of Hawk T1 aircraft transiting to the USA is currently expected to be between 10 and 12.
To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, with reference to the fourth report of the Joint Committee on the National Security Strategy (CP1338), published on 24 June 2025, what progress he has made on a) renewing and b) increasing greater strategic depth with the US.
To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, with reference to the fourth report of the Joint Committee on the National Security Strategy (CP1338), published on 24 June 2025, what progress he has made on a) renewing and b) increasing greater strategic depth with the US.
The US is the UK’s principal defence and security partner. The depth of our defence relationship with the US remains an essential pillar of our security. Our defence cooperation is mutually supportive, and we continue deep cooperation with the US on issues from current military operations to developing technologies such as AI. The Prime Minister also raised at Munich Security Conference, that Europe must shift from overdependence on the US to interdependence, answering the call for burden sharing in full.
Our increasing strategic depth was most recently illustrated on 30 May by the Defence Secretary’s announcement, alongside the U.S. Secretary of War and the Australian Deputy Prime Minister, of the development, production and deployment of cutting-edge technologies carried by uncrewed underwater vessels.
To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, what are the repayment terms for construction and maintenance work carried out to bases used by US forces.
To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, what are the repayment terms for construction and maintenance work carried out to bases used by US forces.
The Ministry of Defence (MOD) initially meets all costs for construction and maintenance work on United States Visiting Forces (USVF) projects. The timing of payments to contractors depends on the terms agreed in each contract. Once the MOD has paid the contractor invoices, it raises recharge invoices to the USVF. These recharge invoices must be settled within 60 days.
Additionally, the USVF provides a contribution equal to 7.5% of the actual construction costs towards MOD overheads. This contribution is also payable within 60 days, in line with the recharge terms for construction and maintenance expenditure.
To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, what assessment has he made of the potential merits of collaborating with the US Navy on the F/A-XX programme.
To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, what assessment has he made of the potential merits of collaborating with the US Navy on the F/A-XX programme.
The UK continues to work closely with the United States Navy on future combat air capabilities. The UK is not a partner in the F/A-XX programme.
To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, pursuant to the Answer of 20 April 2026 to Question 125362 on USA:Anniversaries, whether his Department has accepted the invitation by Sail Boston to showcase a Daring Class Destroyer between 11 to 16 July 2026.
To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, pursuant to the Answer of 20 April 2026 to Question 125362 on USA:Anniversaries, whether his Department has accepted the invitation by Sail Boston to showcase a Daring Class Destroyer between 11 to 16 July 2026.
HM Government continues to support the USA in the celebration of their 250th anniversary, highlighted through the State Visit of His Majesty the King. The Ministry of Defence does not comment on future ship movements or commitments for reasons of operational security.
To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what level of security clearance was granted to Peter Mandelson prior to his appointment as Ambassador to the United States.
To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what level of security clearance was granted to Peter Mandelson prior to his appointment as Ambassador to the United States.
I refer the Hon Member to the statement made by the Prime Minister on 20 April, and his answers to the questions raised in response.
To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, pursuant to the answer of 11 March 2026 to question 118315 on USA: RAF Akrotiri, what is the scope of the permissions the US have been granted to use RAF Akrotiri.
To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, pursuant to the answer of 11 March 2026 to question 118315 on USA: RAF Akrotiri, what is the scope of the permissions the US have been granted to use RAF Akrotiri.
As the Defence Secretary previously stated, the UK has agreed to a US request for permission to use RAF Fairford and Diego Garcia for specific defensive purposes to destroy Iranian missiles and launchers at source.
For operational security reasons, we do not offer comment on information relating to foreign nation’s military operations. Permissions to utilise UK military bases are considered on a case-by-case basis and the decision to grant permission is dependent on the nature and purpose of their activity.
To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, pursuant to the Answer of 6 March 2025 to Question 36208 on USA: Military Alliances, what discussions he has held with his US counterparts on the ongoing commitment of the United States to the European Reassurance Initiative.
To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, pursuant to the Answer of 6 March 2025 to Question 36208 on USA: Military Alliances, what discussions he has held with his US counterparts on the ongoing commitment of the United States to the European Reassurance Initiative.
The Defence Secretary speaks with his US counterpart regularly on a range of topics to ensure coherence and alignment between our two nations. However, they have not recently discussed the US’ European Reassurance Initiative.
To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, pursuant to the Answer of 22 April 2025 to Question 44689 on RAF Molesworth: Construction, if he will set out the payment terms for construction and maintenance work for United States Visiting Forces projects that are subsequently recharged to the United States...
To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, pursuant to the Answer of 22 April 2025 to Question 44689 on RAF Molesworth: Construction, if he will set out the payment terms for construction and maintenance work for United States Visiting Forces projects that are subsequently recharged to the United States...
The Ministry of Defence (MOD) initially meets all costs for construction and maintenance work on United States Visiting Forces (USVF) projects. The timing of payments to contractors depends on the terms agreed in each contract. Once the MOD has paid the contractor invoices, it raises recharge invoices to the USVF. These recharge invoices must be settled within 60 days.
Additionally, the USVF provides a contribution to cover MOD overheads. This contribution is also payable within 60 days, in line with the recharge terms for construction and maintenance expenditure.
To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, which Royal Navy ships he plans to send to the 250th anniversary celebrations in the US.
To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, which Royal Navy ships he plans to send to the 250th anniversary celebrations in the US.
HM Government supports the USA in the celebration of their 250th anniversary. The Ministry of Defence does not comment on future ship movements for reasons of operational security.
To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, whether any British service personnel are currently serving with the United States Army 82nd Airborne Division.
To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, whether any British service personnel are currently serving with the United States Army 82nd Airborne Division.
For reasons of operational and personnel security, the Ministry of Defence does not comment on the specific roles, locations, or units in which UK personnel may be embedded.
To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, whether any British service personnel are serving with the United States Marine Corps 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit.
To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, whether any British service personnel are serving with the United States Marine Corps 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit.
For reasons of operational and personnel security, the Ministry of Defence does not comment on the specific roles, locations, or units in which UK personnel may be embedded.
To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office, what the outcome was of the investigation into Dame Antonia Romeo in 2017.
To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office, what the outcome was of the investigation into Dame Antonia Romeo in 2017.
The allegations were dismissed 9 years ago on the basis that there was no case to answer.
We do not release confidential documents relating to internal HR processes.
To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, on what date Lord Mandelson (a) was appointed to and (b) commenced his role as Ambassador to the United States of America.
To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, on what date Lord Mandelson (a) was appointed to and (b) commenced his role as Ambassador to the United States of America.
Peter Mandelson's appointment was announced on 20 December 2024 and he commenced his role as Ambassador to the United States of America on 10 February 2025.
To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office, what role Chris Wormald played in the (a) selection and (b) appointment of Peter Mandelson as UK Ambassador to the United States.
To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office, what role Chris Wormald played in the (a) selection and (b) appointment of Peter Mandelson as UK Ambassador to the United States.
I refer you to the former Cabinet Secretary’s oral evidence before the Foreign Affairs Committee on 3 November 2025, and the Government's statement and release of information on 11 March, providing an update on the response to the Humble Address.
To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, what type of Iranian missile that was intercepted by the United States Navy was directed at Naval Support Facility Diego Garcia.
To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, what type of Iranian missile that was intercepted by the United States Navy was directed at Naval Support Facility Diego Garcia.
We do not comment on the detail of such threats for reasons of safeguarding operational security.
To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, what recent discussions she has had with her US counterpart on the Metropolitan Police’s Mutual Legal Assistance Request.
To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, what recent discussions she has had with her US counterpart on the Metropolitan Police’s Mutual Legal Assistance Request.
As a longstanding matter of Government policy, the Home Office can neither confirm nor deny whether a request for Mutual Legal Assistance has been made or received.
This is to protect the integrity of criminal investigations and proceedings.
To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, if he will make an assessment of the potential vulnerability of (a) Taiwan and (b) the first and second island chain following the deployment of the 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit from Okinawa to the Arabian Gulf.
To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, if he will make an assessment of the potential vulnerability of (a) Taiwan and (b) the first and second island chain following the deployment of the 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit from Okinawa to the Arabian Gulf.
The MOD does not comment on assessments conducted on the military capabilities of other states for reasons of operational security.
To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office, what information does his Department hold on the role did the UK National Security Advisor had in the (a) consideration, (b) selection and (c) appointment of Peter Mandelson as UK Ambassador to the United States.
To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office, what information does his Department hold on the role did the UK National Security Advisor had in the (a) consideration, (b) selection and (c) appointment of Peter Mandelson as UK Ambassador to the United States.
I refer the Honourable Member to the Government's statement and release of information on 11th March, providing an update on the response to the Humble Address. The Government is working to ensure that Parliament’s instruction is met with the urgency and transparency that it deserves.
To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office, whether the Prime Minister was informed by the (a) US and (b) Israeli government of their intention to attack Iran prior to strikes being launched.
To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office, whether the Prime Minister was informed by the (a) US and (b) Israeli government of their intention to attack Iran prior to strikes being launched.
The Government was informed of the action in advance.
To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, what discussions has he had with (a) his United States counterparts and (b) the United States military on the drone attack at RAF Akrotiri.
To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, what discussions has he had with (a) his United States counterparts and (b) the United States military on the drone attack at RAF Akrotiri.
Both the Defence Secretary and Defence Officials remain in regular contact with US counterparts on a range of topics to ensure coherence and alignment between our two nations including operational matters.
To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office, what information his Department holds on the vetting process related to the appointment of Lord Mandelson as the UK Ambassador to the United States.
To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office, what information his Department holds on the vetting process related to the appointment of Lord Mandelson as the UK Ambassador to the United States.
I refer the Hon Member to the evidence provided by Sir Oliver Robbins to the Foreign Affairs Select Committee on 03 November 2025, Q277, the Government's response to the Urgent Question tabled on 12th February, and the Written Ministerial Statement in the name of the Chief Secretary to the Prime Minister that same day, which set out an update on the Government's process. We will set out further details in due course. The Government wishes to ensure that Parliament’s instruction is met with the urgency and transparency that it deserves.
To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, what discussions has he had with a) his US counterparts or b) Spektreworks, regarding the Low-cost Uncrewed Combat Attack System (LUCAS).
To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, what discussions has he had with a) his US counterparts or b) Spektreworks, regarding the Low-cost Uncrewed Combat Attack System (LUCAS).
The Department has no records of formal engagement with US counterparts or SpektreWorks regarding the Low‑Cost Uncrewed Combat Attack System (LUCAS).
To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, what protection RAF Akrotiri has against Iranian Medium Range Ballistic Missiles, in the context of the move of the US Navy USS Gerald R Ford Carrier Strike Group to the Red Sea on 5 March.
To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, what protection RAF Akrotiri has against Iranian Medium Range Ballistic Missiles, in the context of the move of the US Navy USS Gerald R Ford Carrier Strike Group to the Red Sea on 5 March.
In addition to the equipment and capabilities stationed at RAF Akrotiri, the Ministry of Defence have added 400 additional personnel, increased air defence radar and missiles since January. We have deployed F-35 and Typhoon aircraft, three Wildcat helicopters and a Merlin helicopter. HMS Dragon has now departed from the UK, where, as the Secretary of State informed the House on 9 March 2026, it will join US air defence destroyers in the Eastern Mediterranean.
To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office, what information his Department holds that was provided by the (a) security and (b) intelligence services regarding the appointment of Lord Mandelson as the UK Ambassador to the United States.
To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office, what information his Department holds that was provided by the (a) security and (b) intelligence services regarding the appointment of Lord Mandelson as the UK Ambassador to the United States.
It is long-standing practice that UK Security Vetting, the body responsible for National Security Vetting across government does not disclose information provided by the security and intelligence services.
To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, what is the operational use of RAF Akrotiri by the United States Air Force on Operation Olive Harvest.
To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, what is the operational use of RAF Akrotiri by the United States Air Force on Operation Olive Harvest.
For operational security reasons, we do not offer comment or information relating to foreign nation’s military operations. Permissions to utilise UK military bases are considered on a case-by-case basis and the decision to grant permission is dependent on the nature and purpose of their activity.
To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, what discussions has he had with his a) US counterparts or b) senior US military personnel, regarding the effectiveness of the US military’s one-way effectors used in the attack on Iran.
To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, what discussions has he had with his a) US counterparts or b) senior US military personnel, regarding the effectiveness of the US military’s one-way effectors used in the attack on Iran.
The US is the UK’s closest defence and security partner. The Secretary of State and his officials are in regular contact with US counterparts on a range of topics to ensure coherence and alignment between our two nations.
You would not expect me to go into detail of operational discussions with the United States, including specific assessments of US capabilities or systems.
To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office, which a) current or b) former Government Ministers were involved in the appointment of Lord Mandelson as the UK Ambassador to the United States.
To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office, which a) current or b) former Government Ministers were involved in the appointment of Lord Mandelson as the UK Ambassador to the United States.
I refer the Hon Member to the evidence given by the Cabinet Secretary and Permanent Under-Secretary to the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office to the Foreign Affairs Committee on 3 November 2025, specifically Q310: https://committees.parliament.uk/oralevidence/16673/html/.
To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, whether any British military personnel were involved in the (a) planning or (b) intelligence gathering for the US attack on Iran.
To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, whether any British military personnel were involved in the (a) planning or (b) intelligence gathering for the US attack on Iran.
No British military personnel were involved in the planning for the US attack on Iran. It is the longstanding policy of successive Governments that we do not comment on intelligence matters.
To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, whether he has had recent discussions with (a) the Prime Minister, (b) Cabinet colleagues, (c) senior civil servants and (d) the Attorney General on the legality of authorising the United States to launch offensive military operations from RAF Fairford.
To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, whether he has had recent discussions with (a) the Prime Minister, (b) Cabinet colleagues, (c) senior civil servants and (d) the Attorney General on the legality of authorising the United States to launch offensive military operations from RAF Fairford.
UK bases were not involved in the initial strikes on Iran. Permissions to utilise UK military bases are considered on a case-by-case basis and the decision to grant permission is dependent on the nature and purpose of their activity.
To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office, with reference to the oral contribution of the Chief Secretary to the Prime Minister in response to the question from the hon. Member for Huntingdon of 9 February 2026, Official Report, column 583, if he will set out the vetting process that...
To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office, with reference to the oral contribution of the Chief Secretary to the Prime Minister in response to the question from the hon. Member for Huntingdon of 9 February 2026, Official Report, column 583, if he will set out the vetting process that...
I refer you to the Government's response to the Urgent Question tabled on 12th February, and the Written Ministerial Statement, and the Oral Statement on the 23rd February, in the name of the Chief Secretary to the Prime Minister that same day, which set out an update on the Government's process. We will set out further details in due course. The Government wishes to ensure that Parliament’s instruction is met with the urgency and transparency that it deserves.
To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, what the scope is of the UK's participation in Project Convergence.
To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, what the scope is of the UK's participation in Project Convergence.
Project Convergence is a series of multinational experiments led by the United States Army Futures Command to test, integrate, and evaluate emerging technologies that enable faster, data driven decision making across domains.
The United Kingdom participates in Project Convergence as part of its long-standing cooperation with the United States Army on future force development, experimentation, and interoperability. The British Army’s participation ensures that it remains interoperable, digitally connected and prepared for the future demands of conflict.
To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, what assessment he has made of the potential impact of the decision of the (a) US Marines to retain the M27 rifle and (b) US Army’s adoption of the M7 on the ability of UK forces to operate with US forces.
To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, what assessment he has made of the potential impact of the decision of the (a) US Marines to retain the M27 rifle and (b) US Army’s adoption of the M7 on the ability of UK forces to operate with US forces.
The UK and US share evidence on research and experimentation on the development of small arms. Enhancing interoperability with Allies remains an important consideration in any procurement of capability that the Department undertakes. This includes the British Army’s Project GRAYBURN which will deliver the replacement of the L85 rifle. The project is considering different calibres as part of wider interoperability considerations.
To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, what assessment she made of the potential merits of raising the threat level following the US and Israeli strikes on Iran.
To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, what assessment she made of the potential merits of raising the threat level following the US and Israeli strikes on Iran.
The UK National Threat Level is subject to continuous review and assessment, of which the threat to the UK from all forms of terrorism is currently assessed as SUBSTANTIAL. It is not for the Home Secretary to set the UK National Threat Level. Instead, this is done independently of Government by the Joint Terrorism Analysis Centre (JTAC), ensuring it accurately reflects the threat of a terrorist attack in the UK.
Separate to the UK National Threat Level, the threat from Iran, and other states, is kept under constant review and we take protection of individuals’ rights, freedoms, and safety in the UK very seriously.
Any attempt by a foreign power to intimidate, harass or harm individuals or communities in the UK will not be tolerated. Since the start of 2022, the UK has responded to over 20 Iran-backed plots presenting potentially lethal threats to British citizens and UK residents. The Government’s top priority is our national security, and we will continue to use all appropriate tools at our disposal to protect the UK, and its people, from the threats we face.
To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, what assessment he has made of the potential impact of the use of RAF Fairford by the United States Air Force to launch offensive military action on UK security.
To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, what assessment he has made of the potential impact of the use of RAF Fairford by the United States Air Force to launch offensive military action on UK security.
The United States requested permission to use British bases for the limited, defensive purpose of preventing Iranian missiles from killing civilians, British nationals, or our allies in countries that played no part in the initial strike. Permissions to utilise UK military bases are considered on a case-by-case basis and the decision to grant permission is dependant on the nature and purpose of their activity.
To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, what permissions the US requires from the UK Government in order to launch offensive operations from United States Visiting Force bases in the UK.
To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, what permissions the US requires from the UK Government in order to launch offensive operations from United States Visiting Force bases in the UK.
For operational security reasons, we do not offer comment or information relating to foreign nations’ military operations. Permissions to utilise UK military bases are considered on a case-by-case basis and the decision to grant permission is dependent on the nature and purpose of their activity.
To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, what progress he has made in developing interoperability between 16 Air Assault Brigade and (a) the US 82nd Airborne Division and (b) the French 11e Brigade Parachutiste.
To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, what progress he has made in developing interoperability between 16 Air Assault Brigade and (a) the US 82nd Airborne Division and (b) the French 11e Brigade Parachutiste.
We continue to develop interoperability between 16 Air Assault Brigade, the 82nd Airborne Division and the French 11e Brigade Parachutiste. These links are strong and will continue to be demonstrated during 2026.
16 Air Assault Brigade will participate in the 82nd Airborne Division’s validation exercise for its Immediate Reaction Force role in March 2026; this is the culmination of a number of preparatory exercises throughout 2025-2026 which has seen tangible links developed between the two Headquarters. The US relationship is also reinforced annually as part of Exercise SWIFT RESPONSE, which are a series of exercises alongside NATO partners and has been confirmed through to 2027.
The relationship with 11e Brigade Parachutiste is focused around the Airborne Combined Joint Force which is formally recognised within the Lancaster House Treaty. This is a bi-annual alternating responsibility to command a combined brigade. This is achieved through a series of low-level bilateral exercises and culminates in a confirmatory exercise. Furthermore, there are exchange officers between the two brigades who maintain the relationship, offering parachuting and coordinate capability development opportunities.
To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, how many intercept scrambles of Russian military aircraft by USAF aircraft have taken place from a) RAF Lakenheath and b) RAF Mildenhall since 2020.
To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, how many intercept scrambles of Russian military aircraft by USAF aircraft have taken place from a) RAF Lakenheath and b) RAF Mildenhall since 2020.
For operational security reasons, we do not offer comment or information in relation to foreign nations’ military operations.
To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, with reference to the speech by the Prime Minister at the Munich Security Conference on 14 February 2026, on which US capabilities he plans to decrease dependence.
To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, with reference to the speech by the Prime Minister at the Munich Security Conference on 14 February 2026, on which US capabilities he plans to decrease dependence.
The forthcoming Defence Investment Plan will set out how the UK will deliver the ambition of the Strategic Defence Review, ensuring we are integrated into NATO force structures by design but capable of acting as an integrated sovereign force when needed. This includes consideration of enabling capabilities such as munitions stockpiles, cyber resilience, space assets, and critical industrial capacity.
While the UK-US defence relationship remains foundational to our defence and national security, and the UK derives great benefit from it, it is right that the UK continues to invest in a balanced mix of sovereign, bilateral and multilateral programmes. This ensures our Armed Forces can operate effectively with allies, lead when necessary, and maintain freedom of action in any future strategic environment.
To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, what United States Marine Corps aviation assets will operate from HMS Prince of Wales during Operation Firecrest.
To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, what United States Marine Corps aviation assets will operate from HMS Prince of Wales during Operation Firecrest.
Operation FIRECREST will be delivered by the United Kingdom's Carrier Strike Group, led by HMS Prince of Wales.
I am unable to provide further detail of Operation FIRECREST in order to maintain the Operational Security of His Majesty's Armed Forces.