The full eligibility criteria for the Nuclear Test Medal are available in the attached.

There is no official definition of the term British nuclear test veteran. Existing processes, including the eligibility criteria for the Nuclear Test Medal, are considered sufficient for determining qualifying service for the relevant purpose. We have, however, taken a significant step in broadening recognition through the medal scheme by extending eligibility to all UK personnel who directly supported American atmospheric nuclear tests during the 1950s and 1960s, as well as those deployed from the UK to support the monitoring of French and Chinese atmospheric tests.

To date, nearly 6,000 veterans, or their next of kin where the veteran is deceased, have received the Nuclear Test Medal in recognition of their service. For further information on the criteria, please visit: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/nuclear-test-medal-eligibility-criteria

There is no official definition of the term British nuclear test veteran. Existing processes, including the eligibility criteria for the Nuclear Test Medal, are considered sufficient for determining qualifying service for the relevant purpose. We have, however, taken a significant step in broadening recognition through the medal scheme by extending eligibility to all UK personnel who directly supported American atmospheric nuclear tests during the 1950s and 1960s, as well as those deployed from the UK to support the monitoring of French and Chinese atmospheric tests.

To date, nearly 6,000 veterans, or their next of kin where the veteran is deceased, have received the Nuclear Test Medal in recognition of their service. For further information on the criteria, please visit: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/nuclear-test-medal-eligibility-criteria

The Defence Safety Authority (DSA) Charter, signed 15 May 2023, remains extant. As described in the Charter document itself, it is scheduled for review at least every five years and the Secretary of State also retains the ability to amend the Charter at any time.

The Government is taking forward the commitments set out in the Strategic Defence Review and the Defence Investment Plan to strengthen the United Kingdom's sovereign munitions and energetics manufacturing capability. This includes investment of £6 billion in munitions during this Parliament, including £1.5 billion to support an "always on" munitions production pipeline and the commitment to build at least six new energetics and munitions factories in the UK. The SDR munitions investment programme is intended to increase domestic production capacity, improve supply chain resilience and support the replenishment of munitions stockpiles. Delivery will be phased, with construction of the new facilities expected to be underway by 2030, with capability coming into service as individual projects mature.

Equiniti Paymaster and Sopra Steria Ltd (UK) are private companies independent of Government. The Ministry of Defence (MOD) has contracted Sopra Steria Ltd since May 2020 to provide pension administration services. Equiniti Paymaster delivers payment services as a subcontractor to Sopra Steria and has no direct contract with the MOD.

The immediate priority for the MOD, Sopra Steria and Equiniti Paymaster is to identify affected cases, correct pension entitlements, and ensure members receive accurate information about their individual circumstances. Support is provided throughout, including tailored repayment plans and personalised financial and welfare assistance from Veterans Services. Where applicable, pension members may request an overpayment write-off from the MOD in accordance with HM Treasury's Managing Public Money guidelines, available at: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/managing-public-money.

Affected members have been notified in phases, with timing dependent on the nature and complexity of each case as reviews and assessments were completed. Most cases have been addressed, though some complex cases remain under review to confirm entitlement accuracy.

The delay in notifying affected pension members after initial identification of the issue was cause by the need to assess the full extent of the error, accurately identify all the affected individuals, and validate cases before corrective action could commence. His Majesty's Government recognises that errors in pension payments may cause uncertainty for individuals and regrets any concern resulting from delayed notifications. Measures have been strengthened to improve oversight and prevent recurrence.

The MOD's contractual arrangements with Sopra Steria include provisions relating to liabilities, insurance and risk management, with contractor performance managed through established commercial and governance processes. Investigations into the causes of errors are ongoing to establish root causes and whether any contractual obligations have been breached. These findings will guide any contractual remedies.

Equiniti Paymaster and Sopra Steria Ltd (UK) are private companies independent of Government. The Ministry of Defence (MOD) has contracted Sopra Steria Ltd since May 2020 to provide pension administration services. Equiniti Paymaster delivers payment services as a subcontractor to Sopra Steria and has no direct contract with the MOD.

The immediate priority for the MOD, Sopra Steria and Equiniti Paymaster is to identify affected cases, correct pension entitlements, and ensure members receive accurate information about their individual circumstances. Support is provided throughout, including tailored repayment plans and personalised financial and welfare assistance from Veterans Services. Where applicable, pension members may request an overpayment write-off from the MOD in accordance with HM Treasury's Managing Public Money guidelines, available at: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/managing-public-money.

Affected members have been notified in phases, with timing dependent on the nature and complexity of each case as reviews and assessments were completed. Most cases have been addressed, though some complex cases remain under review to confirm entitlement accuracy.

The delay in notifying affected pension members after initial identification of the issue was cause by the need to assess the full extent of the error, accurately identify all the affected individuals, and validate cases before corrective action could commence. His Majesty's Government recognises that errors in pension payments may cause uncertainty for individuals and regrets any concern resulting from delayed notifications. Measures have been strengthened to improve oversight and prevent recurrence.

The MOD's contractual arrangements with Sopra Steria include provisions relating to liabilities, insurance and risk management, with contractor performance managed through established commercial and governance processes. Investigations into the causes of errors are ongoing to establish root causes and whether any contractual obligations have been breached. These findings will guide any contractual remedies.

Equiniti Paymaster and Sopra Steria Ltd (UK) are private companies independent of Government. The Ministry of Defence (MOD) has contracted Sopra Steria Ltd since May 2020 to provide pension administration services. Equiniti Paymaster delivers payment services as a subcontractor to Sopra Steria and has no direct contract with the MOD.

The immediate priority for the MOD, Sopra Steria and Equiniti Paymaster is to identify affected cases, correct pension entitlements, and ensure members receive accurate information about their individual circumstances. Support is provided throughout, including tailored repayment plans and personalised financial and welfare assistance from Veterans Services. Where applicable, pension members may request an overpayment write-off from the MOD in accordance with HM Treasury's Managing Public Money guidelines, available at: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/managing-public-money.

Affected members have been notified in phases, with timing dependent on the nature and complexity of each case as reviews and assessments were completed. Most cases have been addressed, though some complex cases remain under review to confirm entitlement accuracy.

The delay in notifying affected pension members after initial identification of the issue was cause by the need to assess the full extent of the error, accurately identify all the affected individuals, and validate cases before corrective action could commence. His Majesty's Government recognises that errors in pension payments may cause uncertainty for individuals and regrets any concern resulting from delayed notifications. Measures have been strengthened to improve oversight and prevent recurrence.

The MOD's contractual arrangements with Sopra Steria include provisions relating to liabilities, insurance and risk management, with contractor performance managed through established commercial and governance processes. Investigations into the causes of errors are ongoing to establish root causes and whether any contractual obligations have been breached. These findings will guide any contractual remedies.

The Nuclear Test Medal is awarded to recognise service connected with the United Kingdom's nuclear testing programme between 1952 and 1967 and those personnel who took part in subsequent operations to monitor atmospheric nuclear tests conducted by other nations. The criteria have been expanded to now include all UK personnel who directly supported American atmospheric nuclear tests during the 1950s and 1960s, and UK personnel who were deployed from the UK in support of monitoring of French and Chinese atmospheric tests. Nearly 6,000 veterans (or awarded posthumously to the next of kin of eligible individuals) have received their Nuclear Test Medal in recognition of their service.

To qualify, individuals must have served at designated operational locations during the relevant periods, including participation in the UK nuclear test programme, support to US atmospheric nuclear tests under Operations BAGPIPES and DOMINIC, or deployment from the UK to monitor French and Chinese atmospheric nuclear tests. Eligibility is assessed against the published criteria, which specify the qualifying operations, locations, roles and periods of service required for the award.

We do not comment on specific Defence capabilities, including whether such capabilities are deployed in space, nor on future operational plans where doing so would risk undermining national security. We do however recognise that space is important to military operations and is becoming more congested, contested, and competitive. The Government is committed to collaborating with allies and partners to promote internationally agreed norms, avoid unintentional escalation and conflict, and ensure that space remains open, safe, and sustainable.

In addition, the UK's national security depends on freedom of action in space, including the ability to protect UK and allied space assets. As set out in the UK Space Strategy and Defence Investment Plan, the Government is investing in capabilities to strengthen resilience and support the protection of UK interests in space, while continuing to operate responsibly and in accordance with international law.

Microsoft products and services provide core productivity, collaboration, cyber security and infrastructure capabilities across Defence and are critical to the operation of enterprise and operational ICT services. The Ministry of Defence's (MOD) use of Microsoft reflects long-standing operational, security and interoperability requirements. Microsoft technologies are widely used across Government and by NATO allies, supporting collaboration and interoperability. The MOD keeps its reliance on strategic technology suppliers under regular review and is pursuing a multi-cloud and hybrid-cloud strategy to strengthen resilience.

As set out in the SDR, DIS and DIP, we are developing the Defence Finance and Investment Strategy (DFIS), which is due to be published in Autumn 2026. The DFIS will address barriers to financing and investment in the sector – including supporting businesses access finance, in partnership with public financial institutions and private capital. To inform the DFIS, we have held working sessions on debanking and on Environmental, Social, and Governance considerations, working with regulators, industry, the financial sector and other Government departments.

Defence recognises domestic abuse and sexual violence as serious harms that affect members of the Armed Forces community. Therefore, Defence is focused on delivering a coordinated response that supports those affected, prevents abuse from occurring, and holds perpetrators to account. MOD holds Coordinated Community Response (CCR) membership, which is regarded as best practice, with domestic abuse leads in the single Services undertaking CCR training. Defence values the contribution of chaplains, whose pastoral support and engagement with Service personnel and families complements the work of welfare and safeguarding services across the Armed Forces. Through its whole-force domestic abuse policy, Domestic Abuse Action Plan, and Violence Against Women and Girls taskforces, Defence is raising awareness, improving understanding, strengthening professional practice and support for those affected. It is through these frameworks we are informing the work of welfare-facing services, including chaplaincy and welfare teams, which form part of the wider support network available to Service personnel and families.

Defence keeps all spending, including Army training, under review to ensure the highest priorities are pursued in the face of an ever-changing threat.

Defence continues to prioritise training that delivers the greatest operational effect, while protecting essential readiness, operational commitments, safety-critical activity and our NATO commitments.

The Army continues to meet its operational requirements while adapting training to reflect lessons identified from Russia’s illegal invasion of Ukraine. Through the Defence Investment Plan, Defence is investing £2 billion over 15 years to transform British Army training.

I refer the noble Lord to the Answer given by my hon. Friend the Minister for Veterans and People (Calvin Bailey) in the House of Commons on 7 September 2026 to Question 20863, copied below, which set out the Government’s position on this matter. As that answer explained, this was not a centrally coordinated Army review and there were no centrally held terms of reference, single Army-wide timetable, or centrally produced final outcome or report. Therefore, there are no plans to publish the letter from the then Deputy Chief of the General Staff to Corps and Regimental Colonels.

"The then Deputy Chief of the General Staff directed Corps and Regimental Associations to conduct their own reviews of their affiliations with private members’ clubs, including whether any associated clubs have rules, policies or practices that may not align with Army values of equality and respect.

This was not a centrally coordinated Army review. Rather, Corps and Regimental Associations were asked to consider their own arrangements, reflecting the fact that such affiliations are informal, privately funded and managed at Association level. Where concerns were identified, Associations were requested to consider engaging with the relevant club to advocate for change, or to disassociate where appropriate.

As the reviews were for individual Corps and Regimental Associations to undertake, there are no centrally held terms of reference, no single Army-wide timetable for completion, and no centrally produced final outcome or report to publish. Ministers were not asked to approve a central review, and there is no plan to make a statement to Parliament on this matter."

Cameron Barracks is planned to return to Defence use this Autumn following the announcement by the Home Office in June 26 that they were no longer considering the site for asylum accommodation. As the site was never used for temporary accommodation, there is limited refurbishment and remediation works required.

Previous user groups and the military families whose service families accommodation is located at the barracks, were notified over the summer that the site is returning to Ministry of Defence (MOD) use. The MOD has continued to engage with local stakeholders throughout, although they would not normally notify the Highland Council about the routine use of Defence sites within their jurisdiction.

Cameron Barracks is planned to return to Defence use this Autumn following the announcement by the Home Office in June 26 that they were no longer considering the site for asylum accommodation. As the site was never used for temporary accommodation, there is limited refurbishment and remediation works required.

Previous user groups and the military families whose service families accommodation is located at the barracks, were notified over the summer that the site is returning to Ministry of Defence (MOD) use. The MOD has continued to engage with local stakeholders throughout, although they would not normally notify the Highland Council about the routine use of Defence sites within their jurisdiction.

Whilst this concept may have merits, the Armed Forces already provide significant opportunities for individuals to join and develop personally and professionally without the need to pay off student loans on entry. Many entry routes do not require degree-level qualifications, and existing schemes and pathways support personnel in gaining valuable qualifications and skills before and throughout their careers, benefiting both the individual and operational capability. Introducing a policy to repay student loans on entry would require extensive analysis to assess the financial implications, including the number of personnel with student loans, the overall cost of implementation, the administrative resources required, and any impact on existing support schemes that reflect the Armed Forces' long-standing commitment to investing in their people.

The Armed Forces already operate a range of bursary schemes for individuals undertaking degree-level study who commit to joining after completing their studies. These schemes differ across the single Services to reflect Service requirements, with support ranging from the payment of tuition fees to contributions towards living costs. The majority are focused on the Officer cadre, with the Army Musicians and Royal Navy Submarine Undergraduate Apprenticeship schemes being notable exceptions.

The Armed Forces also provide a comprehensive range of educational and professional development opportunities to invest in upskilling our people, through schemes such as Enhanced Learning Credits, the Publicly Funded Further and Higher Education Scheme, Apprenticeships and funded postgraduate study opportunities. In addition, personnel can gain qualifications and accreditation for the skills they acquire throughout their careers, demonstrating Defence's commitment to investing in its people and supporting their professional development at every stage of service.

Furthermore, Defence has introduced novel entry pathways to widen opportunities to join the Armed Forces, including Zig Zag Careers, the Defence Direct-Entry Cyber pathway and the Armed Forces Foundation Year Scheme. These initiatives provide alternative routes into Service, helping Defence attract the skills it requires while offering young people opportunities to develop their potential, gain valuable skills and contribute to the nation's security.

Future conflicts will be more contested, faster moving and more connected than today, requiring new capabilities beyond current aircraft alone. Current operational requirements indicate that a sixth-generation combat air system should combine crewed and uncrewed platforms, leveraging the strengths of both. Through the Global Combat Air Programme, the UK is developing a next-generation fighter aircraft that will operate alongside autonomous systems as part of an integrated combat air system. The platform is being designed with the flexibility to rapidly adapt to future technological developments and evolving threats.

All LGBT veterans who were dismissed or discharged due to the Ban can apply to the Financial Recognition Scheme (FRS) for the Dismissed or Discharged Payment. LGBT veterans who were impacted in other ways under the Ban, including veterans who felt pressured to resign, can apply for an Impact Payment, which is determined by an Independent Panel. The Panel considers the applicant’s testimony, any supporting information, and any Service records.

For all applications made to the FRS, the burden of determining whether a fact or matter occurred lies with the Ministry of Defence (MOD) rather than the applicant. Unless the MOD finds evidence to contradict their testimony, the facts or experiences reported by an applicant will be accepted as taking place, if, on a balance of probabilities, they are more likely to have occurred than not. This approach recognises the historical issues relating to the retention and destruction of documentation and prevents applicants being disadvantaged due to records being incomplete through no fault of their own.