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Written question asked by Nadia Whittome (Labour) 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 Monday, 7 September 2026 on behalf of the Ministry of Defence.


Armed Forces: Uniforms

Question

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, what steps his Department has taken to reduce the use of fur for bearskin hats for the royal guard.

Answer

I refer my hon. Friend to the answer I gave on 23 June 2026 to Question 9641 to the hon. Friend for York Central (Mrs Maskell):

The Ministry of Defence remains committed to using human made materials to replace natural fur where they provide a suitable, affordable and sustainable alternative and continues to welcome submissions of test results, from a testing house accredited by the United Kingdom Accreditation Service, on synthetic alternatives that meet our criteria.

However, the Department has not yet identified a synthetic alternative that meets the standards required to provide an effective replacement for bearskin ceremonial caps.


Secondary information

Type
Written question
Reference
22063
Session
2026-27
Related items
King's Guards: Uniforms
Tuesday, 23 June 2026
Written questions
House of Commons
Subjects
Armed forces Furs Uniforms Bears
Link
View this Written question on www.parliament.uk