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Written question asked by Stuart Anderson (Conservative) on Friday, 28 August 2026, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Wednesday, 2 September 2026. It was answered by Luke Pollard (Labour) on Tuesday, 8 September 2026 on behalf of the Ministry of Defence.

Defence: Innovation

Question

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, with reference to page 68 of the Strategic Defence Review 2025, what recent assessment his Department has made of whether Defence training and education can effectively deliver innovation at speed.

Answer

The Ministry of Defence has assessed that training and education are a key enabler of the Strategic Defence Review's objective to deliver innovation at speed. The Review highlighted the importance of training and education that adapt rapidly to changing technology and operational lessons, ensuring Defence personnel develop the skills required to support innovation-led transformation.

UK Defence Innovation in collaboration with the Defence Academy of the United Kingdom, has delivered functional and practical innovation training to Defence personnel for four years through contractor-led provision.

The Defence Academy is developing a custom in-house capability to transition delivery of this training to suitably qualified and experienced Defence instructors, supported by partnerships with industry. This new provision will double the number of training places available, significantly increasing

Defence's capacity to equip personnel with the skills and knowledge required to drive innovation across Defence quickly.

Secondary information

Type
Written question
Reference
21557
Session
2026-27
Related items
Deposited Paper DEP2025-0341
Monday, 2 June 2025
Deposited papers
House of Commons
Subjects
Education Defence Innovation Training
Link
View this Written question on www.parliament.uk