David Reed MP: written questions 2024
78 published records · newest first.
Written questions
Strategic Defence ReviewMinistry of DefenceTabled 5 Dec 2024AnsweredUIN 18316More
Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, pursuant to the Answer of 25 July to Question 189 on Defence, what steps he is taking to consult widely with (a) serving personnel and (b) veterans.
Answer: The Strategic Defence Review is considering all aspects of Defence, involving - and receiving inputs from - other Government Departments, agencies and industry, in areas where they support UK Defence. It is to be Britain's review-not just the Government's...
Answered 16 Dec 2024
Original Parliament recordStrategic Defence ReviewMinistry of DefenceTabled 5 Dec 2024AnsweredUIN 18315More
Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, pursuant to his Answer of 26 July to Question 198 on Defence, what the cost to date of the Strategic Defence Review is (a) in total and (b) by category of allowance or expenditure.
Answer: On 17 July 2024, the Prime Minister commissioned the Defence Secretary to oversee the Strategic Defence Review, which is headed by three external Reviewers, Lord Robertson of Port Ellen, General Sir Richard Barrons and Dr Fiona Hill CMG. The Review is bei...
Answered 13 Dec 2024
Original Parliament recordStrategic Defence ReviewMinistry of DefenceTabled 5 Dec 2024AnsweredUIN 18314More
Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, pursuant to the Answer of 15 October 2024 to Question 8456 on Strategic Defence Review, what assessment he has made of the adequacy of the interpretation of recommendations relating to the use of artificial intel
Answer: AI tools have been used to help review and analyse the high volume of submissions received during the Strategic Defence Review (SDR) process, not to make recommendations. The SDR is being led by the Reviewers, and supported by a wider team of external exp...
Answered 12 Dec 2024
Original Parliament recordStrategic Defence ReviewMinistry of DefenceTabled 5 Dec 2024AnsweredUIN 18313More
Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, pursuant to the Answer of 15 October 2024 to Question 8456 on Strategic Defence Review, if he will redraft guidelines on (a) submissions, (b) the use of executive summaries and (c) bullet pointed-recommendations
Answer: No need to change guidelines on submissions, executive summaries and bullet-point recommendations has been identified. The Strategic Defence Review is being led by the Reviewers, and supported by a wider team of external experts as well as drawing on the ...
Answered 12 Dec 2024
Original Parliament recordStrategic Defence ReviewMinistry of DefenceTabled 5 Dec 2024AnsweredUIN 18312More
Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, pursuant to the Answer of 15 October 2024 to Question 8456 on Strategic Defence Review, whether the artificial intelligence software being used to assess responses to the Strategic Defence Review was sourced from
Answer: The Ministry of Defence is working with several technology providers in Defence's digital ecosystem to support the Strategic Defence Review (SDR). This allowed the team to leverage modern business practices and technologies to analyse a wide range of resp...
Answered 13 Dec 2024
Original Parliament recordDefence Equipment: DecommissioningMinistry of DefenceTabled 5 Dec 2024AnsweredUIN 18311More
Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, when the planners of the Strategic Defence Review were notified of the intention to retire (a) HMS Albion, (b) HMS Bulwark and (c) other assets.
Answer: The decision to formally decommission HM Ships ALBION and BULWARK reflects the decision of the last Government. This has been in full consultation with the Service Chiefs and the SDR reviewers and neither ship could realistically be put to sea again ahead...
Answered 13 Dec 2024
Original Parliament recordCybersecurity: InvestmentCabinet OfficeTabled 3 Dec 2024AnsweredUIN 17733More
Question: To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office, how will industry investment play a role in the development of autonomous offensive and defensive cyber tooling for the purpose of (a) national security and (b) defence.
Answer: Investing in cyber security is critical to all sectors of the UK economy, enabling long-term, secure and resilient growth. The UK is an attractive destination for cyber investors, owing to its collaborative environment, access to talent and skills, world-...
Answered 11 Dec 2024
Original Parliament recordLaboratory for AI Security ResearchForeign, Commonwealth and Development OfficeTabled 3 Dec 2024AnsweredUIN 17732More
Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, with reference to the press release entitled UK and its allies must stay one step ahead in new AI arms race, published on 25 November 2024, how will the Laboratory for AI Sec
Answer: The Laboratory for AI Security Research (LASR) was designed to build on the knowledge and experience of addressing cyber security and other national security activities across government, academia and industry. LASR is designed to complement or enhance ex...
Answered 11 Dec 2024
Original Parliament recordLaboratory for AI Security ResearchForeign, Commonwealth and Development OfficeTabled 3 Dec 2024AnsweredUIN 17731More
Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, with reference to the press release entitled UK and its allies must stay one step ahead in new AI arms race, published on 25 November 2024, where will the headquarters for th
Answer: HMG will lead the Laboratory for AI Security Research. Its research activities will be conducted across the UK and will include a range of UK universities, including the University of Oxford and Queen's University, Belfast.
Answered 11 Dec 2024
Original Parliament recordLaboratory for AI Security ResearchForeign, Commonwealth and Development OfficeTabled 3 Dec 2024AnsweredUIN 17730More
Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, with reference to the press release entitled UK and its allies must stay one step ahead in new AI arms race, published on 25 November 2024, what his planned timetable is for
Answer: The Laboratory for AI Security Research began its work in September, bringing together government, industry and academia to agree joint research priorities and commission cutting-edge research to address the impact of AI on national security.
Answered 11 Dec 2024
Original Parliament recordLaboratory for AI Security ResearchForeign, Commonwealth and Development OfficeTabled 3 Dec 2024AnsweredUIN 17729More
Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, with reference to the press release entitled UK and its allies must stay one step ahead in new AI arms race, published on 25 November 2024, whether the Ministry of Defence wi
Answer: As the Laboratory for AI Security Research is a cross-Government initiative, it will involve all relevant departments including the Ministry of Defence and the Defence Science and Technology Laboratory.
Answered 11 Dec 2024
Original Parliament recordLaboratory for AI Security ResearchForeign, Commonwealth and Development OfficeTabled 3 Dec 2024AnsweredUIN 17728More
Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, with reference to the press release entitled UK and its allies must stay one step ahead in new AI arms race, published on 25 November 2024, whether the Laboratory for AI Secu
Answer: AI security has clear implications for our national security. The programme to deliver the Laboratory for AI Security Research has only just started its work and will bring together government, academia and industry to share information and work together ...
Answered 11 Dec 2024
Original Parliament recordLaboratory for AI Security ResearchForeign, Commonwealth and Development OfficeTabled 3 Dec 2024AnsweredUIN 17727More
Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, with reference to the press release entitled UK and its allies must stay one step ahead in new AI arms race, published on 25 November 2024, which Department will have respons
Answer: The Laboratory for AI Security Research (LASR) concept was developed jointly across HMG and is funded initially by the cross-Government Integrated Security Fund (ISF). LASR is an FCDO-led ISF programme co-designed and governed to inform the strategies and...
Answered 11 Dec 2024
Original Parliament recordLaboratory for AI Security ResearchForeign, Commonwealth and Development OfficeTabled 3 Dec 2024AnsweredUIN 17726More
Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, with reference to the press release entitled UK and its allies must stay one step ahead in new AI arms race, published on 25 November 2024, how will industry investment play
Answer: The Laboratory for AI Security Research (LASR) is at an early stage. We will be working closely with industry and academia to define research priorities. Examples could include the role of AI security on our critical national infrastructure and how we can...
Answered 11 Dec 2024
Original Parliament recordDefence: CybersecurityMinistry of DefenceTabled 3 Dec 2024AnsweredUIN 17725More
Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, what steps he is taking to support the development of cyber capabilities within the defence sector through partnerships with UK (a) micro, (b) small and (c) medium-sized technology companies.
Answer: The UK Ministry of Defence (MOD) is committed to working collaboratively with innovators in the technology sector to improve cyber capabilities across Defence. We recognise the valuable skills, technology, and pace of development in cyber, much of which i...
Answered 6 Dec 2024
Original Parliament recordDefence: TechnologyMinistry of DefenceTabled 3 Dec 2024AnsweredUIN 17724More
Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, what steps he is taking to improve engagement with UK (a) micro, (b) small and (c) medium-sized technology companies through traditional prime contractors.
Answer: Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) make a vital contribution to economic growth and are a valuable source of technical innovation in defence. This is recognised in the recently published Defence Industrial Strategy Statement of Intent, as well as the Dep...
Answered 6 Dec 2024
Original Parliament recordIsrael and Ukraine: DefenceMinistry of DefenceTabled 3 Dec 2024AnsweredUIN 17723More
Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, how collaboration with (a) Ukrainian and (b) Israeli (i) hardware and (ii) software technology companies in the defence sector is informing the Strategic Defence Review.
Answer: The Strategic Defence Review is considering all aspects of Defence, involving, and receiving inputs from other Government Departments, industry and allies and partners. Throughout this process we have collaborated with a range of international counterpart...
Answered 11 Dec 2024
Original Parliament recordIsrael: DefenceMinistry of DefenceTabled 3 Dec 2024AnsweredUIN 17722More
Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, what steps he is taking to collaborate with Israeli (a) hardware and (b) software technology companies in the defence sector; and what lessons he has learned from that collaboration..
Answer: The UK collaborates with a range of international partners, including Israel, to develop cutting-edge capabilities to assure the British Armed Forces' continued strategic advantage. Ministry of Defence officials engage regularly with their international c...
Answered 11 Dec 2024
Original Parliament recordUkraine: DefenceMinistry of DefenceTabled 3 Dec 2024AnsweredUIN 17721More
Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, what steps he is taking to collaborate with Ukrainian (a) hardware and (b) software technology companies in the defence sector; and what lessons he has learned from that collaboration.
Answer: Since Russia's illegal invasion of Ukraine, UK Ministry of Defence (MOD) has collaborated with both Ukrainian hardware and software technology companies in the defence sector.UK MOD is constantly assessing what lessons can be learned from all partnerships...
Answered 11 Dec 2024
Original Parliament recordNational Security: CybersecurityMinistry of DefenceTabled 2 Dec 2024AnsweredUIN 17491More
Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, what discussions his Department has had with the (a) Cabinet Office and (b) Department for Science, Innovation and Technology on the (i) development and (ii) procurement of digital capabilities for national secur
Answer: The Ministry of Defence routinely works with colleagues in the National Security community, the Department for Science, Innovation and Technology and Cabinet Office on the development and procurement of digital capabilities for National Security. All of w...
Answered 9 Dec 2024
Original Parliament recordMinistry of Defence: Artificial IntelligenceMinistry of DefenceTabled 2 Dec 2024AnsweredUIN 17490More
Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, whether frontier technologies such as (a) machine learning and (b) artificial intelligence are being used within (i) the Armed Forces and (ii) his Department to help improve workforce efficiencies.
Answer: The Ministry of Defence (MOD) is actively leveraging machine learning and artificial intelligence (AI) to enhance operational efficiency and effectiveness across both the Armed Forces and the Department. In the business space, MOD is exploring use of info...
Answered 9 Dec 2024
Original Parliament recordElectronic Warfare: TrainingMinistry of DefenceTabled 2 Dec 2024AnsweredUIN 17489More
Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, what steps his Department is taking to help train military personnel cyber warfare skills.
Answer: The Ministry of Defence (MOD) has invested significantly in developing its specialist cyber workforce by training cyber operators and planners at the Defence Cyber Academy augmented by single-Service environmentally specific training, to undertake cyber o...
Answered 10 Dec 2024
Original Parliament recordHMS Prince of Wales and HMS Queen ElizabethMinistry of DefenceTabled 2 Dec 2024AnsweredUIN 17488More
Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, what estimate he has made of the costs of maintaining (a) HMS Queen Elizabeth and (b) HMS Prince of Wales over the next five years.
Answer: The costs of maintaining both Queen Elizabeth Class aircraft carriers are factored into Departmental spend. These vary year on year according to generation cycle of each ship, changing equipment enhancement and capability insertions.
Answered 9 Dec 2024
Original Parliament recordHMS Prince of Wales and HMS Queen ElizabethMinistry of DefenceTabled 2 Dec 2024AnsweredUIN 17487More
Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, with reference to his oral evidence of 21 November 2024 to the Defence Select Committee, HC 345, what steps he is taking to ensure the planned deployments of (a) HMS Queen Elizabeth and (b) HMS Prince of Wales ta
Answer: The Ministry of Defence remains committed to deploying HMS Prince of Wales as part of the Carrier Strike Group deployment to the Indo-Pacific in 2025. It would be inappropriate to discuss other planned deployments as to do so could compromise operational ...
Answered 9 Dec 2024
Original Parliament recordType 45 DestroyersMinistry of DefenceTabled 2 Dec 2024AnsweredUIN 17486More
Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, what the status is of each of the Royal Navy’s Type 45 destroyers.
Answer: As of 2 December, two Type 45 destroyers are immediately available. The remaining four are in various stages of refit and are therefore not available for operations. The normal operating cycle of every ship involves them entering different readiness level...
Answered 9 Dec 2024
Original Parliament record
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