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Written question asked by Stuart Anderson (Conservative) on Tuesday, 2 June 2026, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Monday, 8 June 2026 (named day). It was answered by Luke Pollard (Labour) on Monday, 8 June 2026 on behalf of the Ministry of Defence.


China: Defence Equipment

Question

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, what steps he is taking to help ensure that the defence sector's supply chain for rare earth metals does not depend on China.

Answer

In line with Vision 2035: Critical Minerals Strategy, the Ministry of Defence (MOD) contributes to wider government work to diversify the UK critical minerals supply chain, including rare earth metals, and reduce reliance on a single source.

We are working with industry through the Defence Industrial Joint Council (DIJC) and international partners such as NATO, G7, and other allies including Australia to improve the end-to-end visibility of critical mineral supply chains, diversify sources and ensure dependencies are actively managed and mitigated.


Secondary information

Type
Written question
Reference
6004
Session
2026-27
Subjects
Defence equipment China Metals Supply chains
Link
View this Written question on www.parliament.uk