Written question asked by James Cartlidge (Conservative) on Monday, 13 July 2026, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Wednesday, 15 July 2026. It was answered by Luke Pollard (Labour) on Tuesday, 21 July 2026 on behalf of the Ministry of Defence.

Defence: Public Appointments

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, with reference to the hearing of the Defence Committee on 7 July 2026, HC 530, what assessment he has made of the potential impact of the delay in appointing the National Arms Director on the timeline for the delivery of the Defence Investment Plan, published on 30 June 2026.

Answer: The Defence Investment Plan (DIP) is backed by £298 billion of investment over the next four years. The Plan will transform our Armed Forces, delivering on the vision of the 2025 Strategic Defence Review. There was no impact on the DIP from the timing of the appointment of the National Armament Director (NAD); both Rupert Pearce and the former Acting NAD, Andy Start, were involved in the development of the DIP and there was no gap between their tenures.

Secondary information

Type: Written question
Reference: 18073
Session: 2026-27
Related items: Defence Investment Plan
Tuesday, 7 July 2026
Parliamentary committees
House of Commons
Subjects: Defence Public appointments
Link: View this Written question on www.parliament.uk