I refer the hon. Member to the answer given to Question 27303 on 9 September 2026.

https://questions-statements.parliament.uk/written-questions/detail/2026-09-04/27303

Defence already provides a range of opportunities for young people to experience military service. In response to the Strategic Defence Review 2025, Defence introduced the Armed Forces Foundation Scheme (“Gap Year”) to provide a new route into Service, through a shorter commitment that may appeal to more of society. This is an attractive voluntary employment scheme aimed at young people aged 18 to 25, including those who may never previously have considered a career in the Armed Forces, as well as those who are interested but unsure about committing to a longer period of service. Participants undertake a shorter period of paid military training and service, that promotes teamwork and problem solving, while gaining experience and insight into Service life. On completion, they may choose to continue into Regular or Reserve service through a streamlined transition route, or they may leave to pursue a civilian career with skills that set them up for life.

Alongside this, the Armed Forces undertake extensive engagement with schools, colleges, universities and community organisations across the United Kingdom. This includes careers engagement, leadership and skills development activities, and Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) outreach programmes. Through this combination of military experience, engagement, education, skills development and voluntary service opportunities, Defence is already helping more young people understand the role of the Armed Forces, experience Service life, develop valuable skills, and explore opportunities to contribute to national security and public service.

This Government has no current plans for compulsory military service. Since 1963, it has been the policy of successive Governments that the best way of providing for the defence of our country is by maintaining professional Armed Forces which are manned by volunteers.

The UK Government is steadfast in its support for the Falkland Islanders’ right of self-determination.

The Ministry of Defence is committed to maintaining a defensive military presence in the South Atlantic to ensure the protection of the Falkland Islands. Our defences in the South Atlantic are robust, consisting of air, land, and maritime forces with a strong permanent presence on the Falkland Islands. I am confident that our military presence is at the appropriate level for the defence of the Islands, and we keep this under constant review.

The Government is focused upon improving Armed Forces recruitment, modernising and refining our policies and processes to attract the best possible talent across all roles and missions within the Armed Forces. Defence is already delivering a range of new and more flexible routes into service designed to widen participation, attract specialist talent and improve access to military careers.

The 2026-27 Single Service recruitment targets for Regular and Reserve (Officer and Other ranks) are detailed below:

The Naval Service (inclusive of the Royal Marines and the Royal Fleet Auxiliary) total Recruitment Targets for all streams for Recruiting Year 2026-27, ending 31 March 2027 is 4,630 (rounded).

The total Army Recruitment Targets for Recruiting Year 2026-27, for all streams is 14,410 (rounded).

The total Royal Air Force Recruitment Targets for all streams for Recruiting Year 2026-27 is 4,730 (rounded).

The British Armed Forces defines fighting power through three core, mutually supporting components detailed in doctrine (JDP 0-01): the conceptual, the moral, and the physical. Pastoral care, practical and financial support form part of the moral component and is therefore, central to our operational planning.

Given the imminent delivery of the Armed Forces Recruiting Service (AFRS), which will dramatically decrease the waiting time for candidates seeking to join the Armed Forces, Defence Ministers agreed that the resource cost of establishing a Tri-Service ‘Phase 0’ camp programme outweighed the potential benefits, especially during the transition to AFR. Ministers directed that the recommendation not be taken further at this time, and should be reviewed after the transition to AFR.

The Ministry of Defence is considering how it can best take advantage of the greater flexibility under the Procurement Act 2023 for Defence and Security (except for non-sensitive goods) requirements to restrict competition and favour trusted supply chains, including, British-based suppliers.

Procurement Policy Note (PPN) 025 is intended to strengthen UK national security through public procurement by encouraging contracting authorities to consider supply chain resilience, sovereign capability and strategic dependency when procuring in critical sectors:

1. Steel
2. Shipbuilding
3. Artificial Intelligence (AI)
4. Energy Infrastructure

A Preliminary Market Engagement Notice was released in Dec 25 drawing suppliers’ attention to a pilot procurement for several lines of miliary clothing with the intention of establishing whether it is feasible to procure such items on a more “resilient” basis without compromising quality, price and delivery. This pilot is to gain insight from the market to help determine the future strategy, including challenges to overcome.

The Ministry of Defence (MOD) is actively integrating the findings of the Joint Intelligence Committee’s assessment on global biodiversity loss and ecosystem collapse into its strategic planning and intelligence work.

While MOD has not separately commissioned a dedicated military implications assessment focused solely on the six critical ecosystem regions, it is working closely with cross-government partners and internal analysis teams to understand and anticipate the security risks arising from ecosystem degradation globally. These considerations are embedded within the broader Strategic Defence Review and ongoing resilience planning, such as the UK’s National Adaptation Programme, to ensure military preparedness for emerging environmental challenges.

Equinity is a sub-contractor of Sopra Steria and pays approximately 477,000 Armed Forces Pensions annually on behalf of the Ministry of Defence. 335 individuals were overpaid a total of £5.1 million, owing to National Insurance (NI) abatement calculation errors by the paying agent Equinity. This represents a small proportion of payments and are not reflective of the overall payment service provided.

The Ministry of Defence (MOD) exercises oversight through established governance, contract management, assurance and audit arrangements. These include contractual performance monitoring, regular service reporting, quality assurance activity undertaken by the service providers, independent assurance reviews commissioned by the Authority, and external scrutiny through established audit processes. The Armed Forces Pension Scheme is also subject to review by the Government Internal Audit Agency and examination by the National Audit Office as part of wider governance, risk and assurance arrangements. Following identification of the National Insurance abatement issue, additional oversight arrangements were introduced to monitor corrective activity, review root causes, validate proposed corrections, track progress against remediation plans and strengthen preventative and detective controls designed to reduce the risk of similar issues arising in future.

The MOD first identified that there was a potential issue relating to the application of National Insurance abatements in November 2024. Further extensive work was subsequently undertaken to establish the full extent of the issue, determine the affected population and validate individual cases before corrective action could commence. Corrective activity commenced following identification of the affected population, completion of calculation and assurance activity, and approval of the proposed corrective approach. Revision of affected awards and notification of individuals commenced in January 2026.

We recognise that this situation may cause uncertainty for those affected and continue to provide comprehensive one-to-one welfare support from Veterans Services Welfare managers. Anyone who believes repayment may not be possible, or could cause financial hardship should contact the Ministry of Defence using the details provide in their letters.

Individuals can make a defence against recovery based on an assessment of their personal circumstances. Guidance on valid reasons for disputing repayment can be found in Managing Public Money - Annex 4.11. (https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/managing-public-money

There are no Ministry of Defence (MOD) white fleet vehicles currently held in storage at MOD Ashchurch.

Vehicles held at MOD Ashchurch that may resemble white fleet vehicles are managed under other vehicle categories and are not classified as white fleet.

The Government remains fully committed to delivering its manifesto commitment to scrap visa fees for non-UK veterans who have served for four years or more, and their dependants. Home Office officials are continuing to work closely with colleagues in the Ministry of Defence on its implementation.

The Government will update Parliament on implementation in due course.

The Strategic Defence Review (SDR) Recommendation 19 has three separate recommendations. Recommendation 19a relates to the revision of Defence policy for training and education within Joint Services Publication 822 (JSP 822). This was completed by 30 Jan 2026 in line with the SDR recommendation. The revision has provided a more flexible approach to the design of training and education, allowing the Military Commands the ability to adapt processes to support the incorporation of lessons, changes in technology and broader innovation in the delivery of training and education.

Work is progressing to understand the scope and deliver against recommendation 19b. The Defence Modelling and Simulation Centre is aligning with the National Armaments Directorate Group (NADG) to use their expertise to undertake this task. Work has already proceeded to identify key stakeholders across Defence. The focus is on ensuring that systems are integrated into an eco-system that can interoperate across the Military Commands.

To deliver 19c, an initial internal report on the review of current standards, qualifications, and in-house training was delivered in April 2026. A final report is currently expected in Autumn 2026. The review has already informed a number of improvements, including significant policy changes to support the expansion of accreditation opportunities across Defence. Publication of this policy is scheduled for October 2026. The review has also examined the role, governance and future operating model of the Defence Awarding Organisation, enabling it to focus on gaps in accreditation provision in line with Defence priorities. In addition, the review has used artificial intelligence-enabled analysis of available training data to assess the extent of alignment between military training, civilian qualifications and recognised standards. An AI-enabled mapping tool is also being piloted to undertake detailed forensic mapping of military training against civilian qualifications and standards; this capability has the potential to significantly reduce a complex process that can take months to complete, supporting the faster delivery of accreditation opportunities across Defence. This work is informing the implementation of Recommendation 19c and supporting the expansion of accreditation opportunities across Defence. Further detail will be available later in the year.

The Strategic Defence Review (SDR) Recommendation 19 has three separate recommendations. Recommendation 19a relates to the revision of Defence policy for training and education within Joint Services Publication 822 (JSP 822). This was completed by 30 Jan 2026 in line with the SDR recommendation. The revision has provided a more flexible approach to the design of training and education, allowing the Military Commands the ability to adapt processes to support the incorporation of lessons, changes in technology and broader innovation in the delivery of training and education.

Work is progressing to understand the scope and deliver against recommendation 19b. The Defence Modelling and Simulation Centre is aligning with the National Armaments Directorate Group (NADG) to use their expertise to undertake this task. Work has already proceeded to identify key stakeholders across Defence. The focus is on ensuring that systems are integrated into an eco-system that can interoperate across the Military Commands.

To deliver 19c, an initial internal report on the review of current standards, qualifications, and in-house training was delivered in April 2026. A final report is currently expected in Autumn 2026. The review has already informed a number of improvements, including significant policy changes to support the expansion of accreditation opportunities across Defence. Publication of this policy is scheduled for October 2026. The review has also examined the role, governance and future operating model of the Defence Awarding Organisation, enabling it to focus on gaps in accreditation provision in line with Defence priorities. In addition, the review has used artificial intelligence-enabled analysis of available training data to assess the extent of alignment between military training, civilian qualifications and recognised standards. An AI-enabled mapping tool is also being piloted to undertake detailed forensic mapping of military training against civilian qualifications and standards; this capability has the potential to significantly reduce a complex process that can take months to complete, supporting the faster delivery of accreditation opportunities across Defence. This work is informing the implementation of Recommendation 19c and supporting the expansion of accreditation opportunities across Defence. Further detail will be available later in the year.

The Strategic Defence Review (SDR) Recommendation 19 has three separate recommendations. Recommendation 19a relates to the revision of Defence policy for training and education within Joint Services Publication 822 (JSP 822). This was completed by 30 Jan 2026 in line with the SDR recommendation. The revision has provided a more flexible approach to the design of training and education, allowing the Military Commands the ability to adapt processes to support the incorporation of lessons, changes in technology and broader innovation in the delivery of training and education.

Work is progressing to understand the scope and deliver against recommendation 19b. The Defence Modelling and Simulation Centre is aligning with the National Armaments Directorate Group (NADG) to use their expertise to undertake this task. Work has already proceeded to identify key stakeholders across Defence. The focus is on ensuring that systems are integrated into an eco-system that can interoperate across the Military Commands.

To deliver 19c, an initial internal report on the review of current standards, qualifications, and in-house training was delivered in April 2026. A final report is currently expected in Autumn 2026. The review has already informed a number of improvements, including significant policy changes to support the expansion of accreditation opportunities across Defence. Publication of this policy is scheduled for October 2026. The review has also examined the role, governance and future operating model of the Defence Awarding Organisation, enabling it to focus on gaps in accreditation provision in line with Defence priorities. In addition, the review has used artificial intelligence-enabled analysis of available training data to assess the extent of alignment between military training, civilian qualifications and recognised standards. An AI-enabled mapping tool is also being piloted to undertake detailed forensic mapping of military training against civilian qualifications and standards; this capability has the potential to significantly reduce a complex process that can take months to complete, supporting the faster delivery of accreditation opportunities across Defence. This work is informing the implementation of Recommendation 19c and supporting the expansion of accreditation opportunities across Defence. Further detail will be available later in the year.

The Strategic Defence Review (SDR) Recommendation 19 has three separate recommendations. Recommendation 19a relates to the revision of Defence policy for training and education within Joint Services Publication 822 (JSP 822). This was completed by 30 Jan 2026 in line with the SDR recommendation. The revision has provided a more flexible approach to the design of training and education, allowing the Military Commands the ability to adapt processes to support the incorporation of lessons, changes in technology and broader innovation in the delivery of training and education.

Work is progressing to understand the scope and deliver against recommendation 19b. The Defence Modelling and Simulation Centre is aligning with the National Armaments Directorate Group (NADG) to use their expertise to undertake this task. Work has already proceeded to identify key stakeholders across Defence. The focus is on ensuring that systems are integrated into an eco-system that can interoperate across the Military Commands.

To deliver 19c, an initial internal report on the review of current standards, qualifications, and in-house training was delivered in April 2026. A final report is currently expected in Autumn 2026. The review has already informed a number of improvements, including significant policy changes to support the expansion of accreditation opportunities across Defence. Publication of this policy is scheduled for October 2026. The review has also examined the role, governance and future operating model of the Defence Awarding Organisation, enabling it to focus on gaps in accreditation provision in line with Defence priorities. In addition, the review has used artificial intelligence-enabled analysis of available training data to assess the extent of alignment between military training, civilian qualifications and recognised standards. An AI-enabled mapping tool is also being piloted to undertake detailed forensic mapping of military training against civilian qualifications and standards; this capability has the potential to significantly reduce a complex process that can take months to complete, supporting the faster delivery of accreditation opportunities across Defence. This work is informing the implementation of Recommendation 19c and supporting the expansion of accreditation opportunities across Defence. Further detail will be available later in the year.

Defence is already delivering a range of new and more flexible routes into service designed to widen participation, attract specialist talent and improve access to military careers. These include the Armed Forces Foundation Scheme, the Defence Direct Entry Cyber pathway and the Zig Zag Careers Pathway, alongside wider recruitment reforms to reduce barriers to entry and improve the journey from application to service.

The Armed Forces Foundation Scheme provides a new, paid opportunity for young adults to experience military service, develop valuable life and employability skills, and gain first-hand insight into the work of the Armed Forces. Delivery is already underway, with Royal Navy participants currently in training and Army candidates progressing into Basic Training, whilst the Royal Air Force continues preparations for implementation later this year.

Alongside this, Defence has introduced new pathways to help address skills challenges in areas where there is strong competition from the civilian labour market. The Defence Direct Entry Cyber pathway provides a streamlined route for individuals with existing skills to enter the Armed Forces, while the Zig Zag Careers Pathway supports more flexible routes into service and helps Defence access specialist talent from a broader pool of experience and expertise.

Defence is also continuing to modernise its medical entry policies to ensure standards remain evidence-based, reflect advances in medical treatment and do not create unnecessary barriers to service. A comprehensive review of entry medical standards delivered over 100 policy amendments, supporting a more inclusive approach to recruitment and enabling more people who can safely and effectively serve in the Armed Forces to do so. Medical entry standards remain under continuous review and assessed against JSP 950 to ensure they reflect the latest evidence whilst maintaining the operational effectiveness required of the Armed Forces.

In addition, Defence is working to introduce greater flexibility of Service through reducing barriers between existing workforce types, including through measures contained within the Armed Forces Bill; this will increase the opportunities available for people to serve within the Armed Forces, whilst enabling Defence to best harness the significant skills of its Service Personnel.

The Department publishes quarterly service personnel statistics at the following link:

https://www.gov.uk/government/statistics/quarterly-service-personnel-statistics-2026

The report on the assurance of critical data flows has been developed and establishes agreed definitions of Critical Data and Critical Data Flows for warfighting, sets out the current state of assurance for critical data flows, and identifies key issues affecting the dissemination, management and exploitation of data across Defence.

Work is underway to develop and implement a plan to address the report's recommendations and to scale the dissemination and exploitation of critical data across Defence.