I have regular discussions on cyber threats with colleagues across Government. We take the cyber threat very seriously, and are strengthening our defences against increasingly sophisticated attacks. Our approach to cyber defence includes a wide range of technical, operational and administrative measures.

The Ministry of Defence takes its responsibility for mitigation of the risks to Armed Forces personnel deployed overseas very seriously. We take a risk-based approach to deployments and consider each on a case by case basis; identified risks are factored into decision making and appropriate action is taken to ensure the safety and security of our Armed forces personnel overseas.

Information on the number of 16-year olds who have joined the UK Regular Armed Forces in the requested period is provided in the table below:

Intake to Regulars at 16 years old by Service, 12-month period to 30 September

Notes:

1. UK Regulars comprise of full-time Service personnel, including Nursing Services, but excluding Full Time Reserve Service personnel, Gurkhas, mobilised Reservists, Military Provost Guard Service, Locally Engaged Personnel and Non-Regular Permanent Staff.

2. Figures have been rounded to the nearest 10, though numbers ending in a “5” have been rounded to the nearest multiple of 20 to prevent the systematic bias caused by always rounding numbers upwards.

I regularly discuss the UK's leading role in European security with NATO counterparts. As NATO's leading European ally, the UK is clear that NATO forms the cornerstone of European defence and security. The Government intends to co-operate closely with the EU on defence and security as part of an ambitious security partnership; both on a case-by-case basis and when it is in our mutual interest. The UK has consistently called for any EU defence programmes and initiatives to be open to third parties and complementary with NATO.

The requested figures, by complete Financial Year (FY), are provided in the following table.

Notes:

All figures are for actual expenditure and are rounded. Figures for the Naval Service component of this expenditure are available only from FY2015-16.

In the month of January 2019 British Army personnel were deployed on, or in support of, operations in 31 countries.

The Ministry of Defence places a high priority on assuring its systems and dedicates considerable resources to assessing cyber threats; and we continue to apply all necessary mitigations to combat these threats. We work hard to protect our Armed Forces and the Nation from hostile activity 24/7, 365 Days year from our world-class Global Operations and Security Control Centre. We work hand in hand with the National Cyber Security Centre, operating alongside and within its structures constantly.

A 21st Century military has to operate as effectively in cyberspace as it does by sea and land, in the air and in space. We are developing a range of cyber capabilities which can be used at a time and place of our choosing, in accordance with international law.

Our vision is that the UK is secure and resilient to cyber threats, prosperous and confident in the digital world.

The Army is taking proactive measures to better prepare candidates for selection, and potential recruits for Basic Training, without lowering entry standards. This enables more of society to maximise their talents through a career in the Army. This includes:

• comprehensive advice on the Army website, with the mandatory tests fully explained to allow individuals to begin preparing early, a dedicated Army fitness app (which is available to wider members of the public to utilise) and advice on healthy eating;

• courses for those who need either additional physical training ahead of starting basic training;

• more tailored advice and mentoring throughout the recruiting process from support officers regarding body mass composition and the associated health and wellbeing risks;

• from January 2019, potential recruits who are in all other respects suitable for Army Service will be offered a tailored support package, which for appropriate candidates may include a pre-conditioning course specifically designed to correct weight management issues prior to commencing basic training.

And;

• basic training is also progressive and designed to build up a recruit's fitness, strength and stamina before completing the Army's mandatory assessments ahead of Field Army service.

Russia has developed a more assertive military posture towards the West. Many Russian military activities are routine while some are more provocative. Russian interaction with UK aircraft and ships are generally safe and professional.

The attractiveness of the offer that we are making to reservists in terms of challenge, opportunity and reward has improved markedly under the Reserves 2020 (FR20) programme, with access to modern equipment, better training opportunities, and improved remuneration and support.

As part of FR20, each Service has its own strategy for encouraging people to join the Reserve Forces.

The Royal Navy marketing strategy includes the use of media outlets to encourage potential candidates to visit the careers website, contact their call centre, or attend a Reserves Experience event, where they are able to engage with regional reserve units. The Navy introduced a seamless transfer process in 2015 called Project Firefly to encourage Regular Service Leavers to join the Maritime Reserves. This scheme has recently been expanded to attract former Regulars who have been outside the Service for two years or less.

Recruitment for the Army Reserve is part of the wider Army 'Belonging' recruitment campaign. This campaign was enhanced in autumn 2018 through a bespoke Army Reserve video on demand campaign to encourage Army Reserve applications. The Army also seeks to attract Regular soldiers at the end of their full-time Service, and has introduced a range of financial incentives.

Royal Air Force Reserve Squadrons are marketed nationally under the strap-line 'Royal Air Force Regular and Reserve'. Additionally, the RAF have produced an informative brochure about joining the RAF Reserves that is publicised via the RAF recruiting website, social media channels and is also available at Armed Forces Careers Offices.

The Army recruits through a diverse and wide range of methods and is taking steps to improve its recruitment processes. Applications to the Army are received through the Army website.

In January 2018 we launched the second phase of the 'This is Belonging' marketing campaign. This is a continuation of last year's successful campaign and focuses on reaching out to a broader community of young talent, in addition to those traditionally attracted to an Army career. It is active on television, radio, cinema and a variety of social media outlets. In addition, the Army advertises for specialist staff through online job advertising boards.

The Army continues to work closely with their recruiting partner, Capita, on an improvement plan which aims to increase the conversion rate of applicants into recruits and shorten the time it takes to join the Army. To support recruitment operations, we also launched the new Defence Recruiting System in November 2017, to replace the former 20 year old IT system. While there have been some transition issues with the new system it will enable a quicker and easier recruitment process for applicants and the Armed Forces.

This is all supported by extensive Army regional engagement to promote awareness across society of the role of the Army and the career opportunities that it presents. The Army is Britain's biggest provider of apprenticeships, offering not just a job, but a career with ongoing training and qualifications.

The Army also seek to attract recruits from across the UK, and continues to work hard at recruiting a diverse work force. It has made addressing issues of equality, diversity and inclusivity a priority in order to ensure that it is a modern employer which is capable of recruiting talent from all elements of society. The lifting of the exclusion for women serving in Ground Close Combat roles highlights the commitment to offering maximum opportunity for all.

The number of Army Reserve Officers that deployed on operations between 1 January 2017 and 31 December 2017 was 70.