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May I endorse your tribute to the late Sir George Howarth, Mr Speaker? May I also take this opportunity to welcome the incoming Minister for Veterans and People, the hon. Member for Leyton and Wanstead (Mr Bailey), to his new position? In the two years that he has been in the House, he has already established a reputation for independence of mind and for fearlessly speaking truth to power, regardless of the consequences. I am sure that will stand him in very good stead now.
May I ask a specific question about Northern Ireland veterans? When the former Armed Forces Minister, the hon. Member for Birmingham Selly Oak (Al Carns), resigned on principle, partly over the legacy issue, he famously described Labour’s Northern Ireland Troubles Bill as “unfit for purpose”. What does the Secretary of State think he meant by that?
May I endorse your tribute to the late Sir George Howarth, Mr Speaker? May I also take this opportunity to welcome the incoming Minister for Veterans and People, the hon. Member for Leyton and Wanstead (Mr Bailey), to his new position? In the two years that he has been in the House, he has already established a reputation for independence of mind and for fearlessly speaking truth to power, regardless of the consequences. I am sure that will stand him in very good stead now.
May I ask a specific question about Northern Ireland veterans? When the former Armed Forces Minister, the hon. Member for Birmingham Selly Oak (Al Carns), resigned on principle, partly over the legacy issue, he famously described Labour’s Northern Ireland Troubles Bill as “unfit for purpose”. What does the Secretary of State think he meant by that?
I should begin by declaring an interest as a veteran who served in Northern Ireland. This Government are absolutely committed to the troubles Bill, but we are also determined to ensure that everyone involved, including families and veterans, is treated with fairness, dignity and respect. The Government will introduce a substantial package of amendments to strengthen protections for veterans and to provide greater confidence that those who served our country are afforded the appropriate safeguards. We are engaging with stakeholders to ensure that the measures reflect the interests of our defence community, and to deliver a balanced and fair approach to addressing the legacy of the troubles.
We have been waiting for those amendments almost as long as we have been waiting for the DIP. Where is the right hon. Member for Makerfield (Andy Burnham) on the legacy issue? Many regiments that hail from the north-west—such as the Duke of Lancaster’s Regiment, which has already mentioned once today, and, before it, the King’s Regiment, which traditionally recruited from both Liverpool and Manchester—did multiple tours in Northern Ireland on Op Banner. Has the Secretary of State had any indications that our likely new Prime Minister is going to do right by those former soldiers from his own region, scrap the benighted Bill, which helps Sinn Féin pursue our veterans via lawfare, and get rid of the whole nonsense altogether?
We have been waiting for those amendments almost as long as we have been waiting for the DIP. Where is the right hon. Member for Makerfield (Andy Burnham) on the legacy issue? Many regiments that hail from the north-west—such as the Duke of Lancaster’s Regiment, which has already mentioned once today, and, before it, the King’s Regiment, which traditionally recruited from both Liverpool and Manchester—did multiple tours in Northern Ireland on Op Banner. Has the Secretary of State had any indications that our likely new Prime Minister is going to do right by those former soldiers from his own region, scrap the benighted Bill, which helps Sinn Féin pursue our veterans via lawfare, and get rid of the whole nonsense altogether?
I genuinely want to find a way forward on this that can attract cross-party support, but I remind the shadow Minister and some other Conservative Members that the previous Government’s Northern Ireland Troubles (Legacy and Reconciliation) Act 2023 left our veterans with no certainty and no protection, and left victims and families with no justice. No veteran ever received immunity through the law, and it risked giving immunity to terrorists. This Government will bring forward new primary legislation that is legally compliant and recognises our veterans’ interests in order to deal properly with the legacy of the troubles.
To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, what is the current IOC date for the new, sixth generation Tempest (GCAP) aircraft in RAF service.
To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, what is the current IOC date for the new, sixth generation Tempest (GCAP) aircraft in RAF service.
An Initial Operating Capability (IOC) date for the Global Combat Air Program (GCAP) will be developed in close coordination with our international partners.
To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, what is the current estimated IOC date for HMS Venturer.
To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, what is the current estimated IOC date for HMS Venturer.
The first Type 31 frigate, HMS Venturer, is scheduled to be handed over to the Royal Navy by the end of the decade.
To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, what was the total budget for NHS Resolution, in the 2025-26 financial year.
To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, what was the total budget for NHS Resolution, in the 2025-26 financial year.
NHS Resolution (NHSR) manages clinical negligence and other claims against the National Health Service in England.
Information on NHSR’s revenue funding streams and planned expenditure for 2025/26 can be found in its Resolution through collaboration: 2025/26 business plan, available at the following link:
To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, how much was spent by the NHS in England on settling medical negligence claims, in 2025-26.
To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, how much was spent by the NHS in England on settling medical negligence claims, in 2025-26.
We have interpreted this request to mean total payments spent on clinical negligence claims. NHS Resolution manages clinical negligence and other claims against the National Health Service in England, and it publishes data for payments made under their clinical schemes in its Supplementary Annual Statistics, available at the following link:
https://resolution.nhs.uk/resources/annual-statistics/
The data includes the damages and legal costs paid up until 31 March 2025. The data for 2025/26 will not be available until later in 2026. Sheets 1 and 2 provide payments totals for each financial year, for clinical claims by damages value band and specialty. Payments include those raised against both claims that were closed or open at the end of each financial year.
Payments for clinical negligence claims can relate to incidents which occurred many years ago, and so payments for one claim can occur over multiple years. This may include interim payments made in any year before settlement or in the year of settlement. It may also include final compensation payments or periodical payments of damages in the year of settlement or years after settlement. It does not include future periodical payments on settled claims that are due after the end of 2024/25.
To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, what was the total expenditure of the NHS on medical negligence claims in the 2025-26 financial year.
To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, what was the total expenditure of the NHS on medical negligence claims in the 2025-26 financial year.
We have interpreted this request to mean total payments spent on clinical negligence claims. NHS Resolution manages clinical negligence and other claims against the National Health Service in England, and it publishes data for payments made under their clinical schemes in its Supplementary Annual Statistics, available at the following link:
https://resolution.nhs.uk/resources/annual-statistics/
The data includes the damages and legal costs paid up until 31 March 2025. The data for 2025/26 will not be available until later in 2026. Sheets 1 and 2 provide payments totals for each financial year, for clinical claims by damages value band and specialty. Payments include those raised against both claims that were closed or open at the end of each financial year.
Payments for clinical negligence claims can relate to incidents which occurred many years ago, and so payments for one claim can occur over multiple years. This may include interim payments made in any year before settlement or in the year of settlement. It may also include final compensation payments or periodical payments of damages in the year of settlement or years after settlement. It does not include future periodical payments on settled claims that are due after the end of 2024/25.
To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, what is the salary band for the Chief Executive of the NHS East of England, in 2026-27.
To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, what is the salary band for the Chief Executive of the NHS East of England, in 2026-27.
There is no Chief Executive for NHS East of England in the current organisational structure. Currently the members of East of England senior management team consists of regional Executive Senior Managers (ESMs).
The ESM pay framework describes the salaries of the most senior health leaders in the Department’s arm’s length bodies, the pay bands, which are based on grade, are available at the following link:
https://faq-hrss.nhsbsa.nhs.uk/knowledgebase/article/KA-23569/en-us
Regional Directors are graded at ESM3 level.
The change programme to implement the new Model Region operating model is currently underway. As part of this programme, it is proposed that the Regional Director role will be retitled as Regional Chief Executive. NHS England will respond to the consultation on this proposed change in due course.
To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, what is the salary band for the recently appointed Chief Executive of the Mid & South Essex NHS Hospitals Trust, in 2026-27.
To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, what is the salary band for the recently appointed Chief Executive of the Mid & South Essex NHS Hospitals Trust, in 2026-27.
The Very Senior Managers (VSM) pay framework was published in May last year and sets out the Government’s policy for senior manager remuneration. The framework aims to align the pay approach for all National Health Service organisations in England to create consistency and transparency.
The VSM framework includes pay ranges for integrated care boards (ICBs) and provider trusts, determined by population and turnover. Appointments which exceed the agreed pay thresholds and are not in line with VSM framework are submitted to the Department for approval.
The pay case for the recently appointed Chief Executive of the Mid and South Essex Hospitals Trust was approved by NHS England as it was routine case. The VSM framework outlines that the Chief Executive would be a ‘Level 1’ pay range as the overall accountable officer, with different pay bands based on organisation turnover. Based on turnover, the Mid and South Essex Hospital Trust is Band E. Further information on the minimum, operational maximum, and exception zones and can be viewed at the following link:
May I begin by saying that we Conservative Members stand four-square with the Government on their response to Romania? It is a NATO ally, and it deserves our support.
While overall trends in recruitment and retention may have stabilised, there is still a serious problem of personnel leaving the special forces. We know from the personal accounts of former Special Air Service commanders that this is due in no small part to the Government’s facilitation of lawfare against their comrades who served in Northern Ireland. To aid retention, what is the Secretary of State’s personal response to the three special forces regimental associations that publicly warned him in late April that
“The egregious mistreatment of veterans and the ongoing infringement of their rights has to end”?
May I begin by saying that we Conservative Members stand four-square with the Government on their response to Romania? It is a NATO ally, and it deserves our support.
While overall trends in recruitment and retention may have stabilised, there is still a serious problem of personnel leaving the special forces. We know from the personal accounts of former Special Air Service commanders that this is due in no small part to the Government’s facilitation of lawfare against their comrades who served in Northern Ireland. To aid retention, what is the Secretary of State’s personal response to the three special forces regimental associations that publicly warned him in late April that
“The egregious mistreatment of veterans and the ongoing infringement of their rights has to end”?
I simply do not recognise the right hon. Gentleman’s description. The discussions that I, the Minister for the Armed Forces and military leaders have had with the regimental associations have dealt with their concerns, in particular with the Northern Ireland Troubles Bill. We are set to make significant amendments that reflect their concerns. On the position that he describes regarding recruitment and retention, there is no shortage of volunteers for training, and the proportion of those applying to the Paras rose by a quarter in the last year.
The Secretary of State said he did not recognise “my” description. It is not mine. It is in a statement of 22 April from the three special forces regimental associations. Those are not my words; they are theirs. I will ask him again. If we are to persuade people to continue serving their King and country in uniform in very high-threat situations, we need to address these legitimate concerns. For months now, the Government have been promising to table amendments to their benighted troubles Bill to provide additional protections for veterans, but as with the defence investment plan, we are still waiting for Godot. When exactly will those long-promised amendments be published, and by which Minister?
The Secretary of State said he did not recognise “my” description. It is not mine. It is in a statement of 22 April from the three special forces regimental associations. Those are not my words; they are theirs. I will ask him again. If we are to persuade people to continue serving their King and country in uniform in very high-threat situations, we need to address these legitimate concerns. For months now, the Government have been promising to table amendments to their benighted troubles Bill to provide additional protections for veterans, but as with the defence investment plan, we are still waiting for Godot. When exactly will those long-promised amendments be published, and by which Minister?
It will be before the Bill is due for its next stage in Parliament, which is Committee stage in this House.
To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, how many F-35B aircraft have now been delivered by Lockheed Martin to the Ministry of Defence.
To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, how many F-35B aircraft have now been delivered by Lockheed Martin to the Ministry of Defence.
48 have now been delivered by Lockheed Martin to the Ministry of Defence.
To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, whether the Air Accident Investigations Branch (AAIB) has ever ben tasked with investigation of the potential effects of engine oil or lubricants seeping into the cabin air on passenger airliners.
To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, whether the Air Accident Investigations Branch (AAIB) has ever ben tasked with investigation of the potential effects of engine oil or lubricants seeping into the cabin air on passenger airliners.
Our priority is always the safety of passengers and crew, and we continue to work with industry and regulators to drive improvements in safety standards. The Air Accidents Investigation Branch (AAIB) has investigated fume events on aircraft, including research into the sources of fumes and their potential effects, and raised safety recommendations to address the issue of potential incapacitation of flight crew from such fume events.
Fume and smoke events must be reported as part of the UK Mandatory Occurrence Reporting Regulation. Such reports are analysed by Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) airworthiness department specialists to inform policy and the scientific literature on toxicology of fume events is under continuous review by colleagues in the CAA’s Medical Department.
The CAA website includes a detailed overview of the research that has been undertaken on the topic and the conclusions of a recent study commissioned by my department and undertaken by the Committee on Toxicity (COT). This found that the levels of chemical contaminants reviewed in aircraft cabin air are unlikely to cause adverse health effects following acute or long-term exposures. The CAA continues to monitor developments and remains receptive to any new peer-reviewed published research or technological innovation.
To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, what research her Department has conducted into the potential effects of engine oil and lubricants leaking into the cabin air on passenger airliners.
To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, what research her Department has conducted into the potential effects of engine oil and lubricants leaking into the cabin air on passenger airliners.
Our priority is always the safety of passengers and crew, and we continue to work with industry and regulators to drive improvements in safety standards. The Air Accidents Investigation Branch (AAIB) has investigated fume events on aircraft, including research into the sources of fumes and their potential effects, and raised safety recommendations to address the issue of potential incapacitation of flight crew from such fume events.
Fume and smoke events must be reported as part of the UK Mandatory Occurrence Reporting Regulation. Such reports are analysed by Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) airworthiness department specialists to inform policy and the scientific literature on toxicology of fume events is under continuous review by colleagues in the CAA’s Medical Department.
The CAA website includes a detailed overview of the research that has been undertaken on the topic and the conclusions of a recent study commissioned by my department and undertaken by the Committee on Toxicity (COT). This found that the levels of chemical contaminants reviewed in aircraft cabin air are unlikely to cause adverse health effects following acute or long-term exposures. The CAA continues to monitor developments and remains receptive to any new peer-reviewed published research or technological innovation.
To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, what was the cost of the latest refit of HMS Iron Duke.
To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, what was the cost of the latest refit of HMS Iron Duke.
The costs of the most recent deep maintenance periods (Docking Periods) for the specified Type 23 frigates are as follows:
- HMS Lancaster – £67.6 million - May 2017 - June 2020 - 156 weeks
- HMS Iron Duke – £102.9 million - May 2019 - May 2023 - 208 weeks
- HMS Richmond – £72.0 million – October 2017 - June 2020 –126 weeks.
These periods of planned deep maintenance were undertaken to sustain the ships’ operational capability and recertify the ships’ safety to operate in accordance with the Programme of Record (the ships’ sustainment) under the last government
To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, what is the total cost of the RCH 155m artillery system to the MoD in terms of a) acquisition cost and b) through-life cost.
To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, what is the total cost of the RCH 155m artillery system to the MoD in terms of a) acquisition cost and b) through-life cost.
In line with the Integrated Procurement Model, the UK’s Remote Controlled Howitzer 155 (RCH155) programme will deliver a Minimum Deployable Capability (MDC) within this decade. This capability is defined as a Royal Artillery Battery equipped with RCH155 platforms, having completed the necessary specialist training. As a minimum, the system will have an appropriate peacetime safety case to enable training on UK ranges, preparing the sub-unit for potential operational deployment.
The current acquisition cost for the RCH155 programme is estimated to exceed £1 billion. This figure comprises the £52 million Early Capability Demonstrator contract awarded in December 2025 in addition to the £53 million Long Lead Item contract let in March 2025, and the UK’s series production contract announced on 13 May 2026. The estimated Whole Life Cost of procuring and supporting a fleet of 72 RCH155 systems is expected to exceed £3 billion over the currently projected 25-year service life.
To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, what is the current status of the proposed buy of additional F-35B aircraft, beyond the 48 originally ordered.
To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, what is the current status of the proposed buy of additional F-35B aircraft, beyond the 48 originally ordered.
Spending decisions on future capabilities will be published as part of the Defence Investment Plan.
To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, what is the definition of initial operating capability (IOC) for the recently ordered 155mm RCH artillery system and when this is likely to be achieved.
To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, what is the definition of initial operating capability (IOC) for the recently ordered 155mm RCH artillery system and when this is likely to be achieved.
In line with the Integrated Procurement Model, the UK’s Remote Controlled Howitzer 155 (RCH155) programme will deliver a Minimum Deployable Capability (MDC) within this decade. This capability is defined as a Royal Artillery Battery equipped with RCH155 platforms, having completed the necessary specialist training. As a minimum, the system will have an appropriate peacetime safety case to enable training on UK ranges, preparing the sub-unit for potential operational deployment.
The current acquisition cost for the RCH155 programme is estimated to exceed £1 billion. This figure comprises the £52 million Early Capability Demonstrator contract awarded in December 2025 in addition to the £53 million Long Lead Item contract let in March 2025, and the UK’s series production contract announced on 13 May 2026. The estimated Whole Life Cost of procuring and supporting a fleet of 72 RCH155 systems is expected to exceed £3 billion over the currently projected 25-year service life.
To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, when the first of the recently ordered 72 RCH 155mm artillery systems is due to achieve initial operational capability.
To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, when the first of the recently ordered 72 RCH 155mm artillery systems is due to achieve initial operational capability.
In line with the Integrated Procurement Model, the UK’s Remote Controlled Howitzer 155 (RCH155) programme will deliver a Minimum Deployable Capability (MDC) within this decade. This capability is defined as a Royal Artillery Battery equipped with RCH155 platforms, having completed the necessary specialist training. As a minimum, the system will have an appropriate peacetime safety case to enable training on UK ranges, preparing the sub-unit for potential operational deployment.
The current acquisition cost for the RCH155 programme is estimated to exceed £1 billion. This figure comprises the £52 million Early Capability Demonstrator contract awarded in December 2025 in addition to the £53 million Long Lead Item contract let in March 2025, and the UK’s series production contract announced on 13 May 2026. The estimated Whole Life Cost of procuring and supporting a fleet of 72 RCH155 systems is expected to exceed £3 billion over the currently projected 25-year service life.
To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, what is the policy of the Military Aviation Authority (MAA) regarding the risk of potential leaks of engine oil or lubricants into the cockpit atmosphere of military aircraft.
To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, what is the policy of the Military Aviation Authority (MAA) regarding the risk of potential leaks of engine oil or lubricants into the cockpit atmosphere of military aircraft.
The Military Aviation Authority (MAA) regulates military airworthiness risk within the policy framework set by the Secretary of State for Defence in the Health, Safety & Environmental Protection statement. The MAA’s Regulatory Articles and Defence Standards require that aircraft designs minimise the risk of cockpit or cabin air contamination by engine oil, lubricants, fuel vapours, or combustion products. Any residual risk must be managed within the aircraft’s safety case to ensure aircrew safety and operational capability.