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Written question asked by Susan Murray (Liberal Democrat) on Wednesday, 18 June 2025, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Friday, 20 June 2025. It was answered by Luke Pollard (Labour) on Thursday, 26 June 2025 on behalf of the Ministry of Defence.

Armed Forces: Ceremonies

Question

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, what estimate his Department has made of the volume of carbon dioxide emissions produced by the ceremonial activities associated with Trooping the Colour; and what steps his Department is taking to mitigate the environmental impact of state ceremonial events.

Answer

The Ministry of Defence does not record the volume of carbon dioxide emissions for individual events. However, the Department is committed to reducing carbon emissions and operate sustainably where practical with no compromise to national security.

The troops involved in Trooping the Colour marched from barracks in the immediate vicinity of the parade.

For the aircraft participating in the King's Birthday Flypast the RAF continues to lead the way in operating more sustainably as part of Defence's commitment to reduce carbon emissions. For this flypast, jets from the Royal Air Force Aerobatic Team were powered with a high-ratio blend of sustainable aviation fuel (SAF). This is thought to be the first time anywhere in the world that a national aerobatic squadron has switched to both a SAF blend for propulsion and a renewable biofuel, known as Hydrotreated Vegetable Oil to produce its trademark vapour trails.

Secondary information

Type
Written question
Reference
61047
Session
2024-26
Transferred
Yes
Subjects
Armed forces Carbon dioxide Ceremonies
Contains statistics
Yes
Link
View this Written question on www.parliament.uk