Luke Akehurst MP: written questions 2026
226 published records · newest first.
Written questions
Taiwan: World Health AssemblyForeign, Commonwealth and Development OfficeTabled 20 May 2026AnsweredUIN 3638More
Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, whether the UK supports Taiwan’s participation as an observer at the 78th World Health Assembly.
Answer: The UK continues to support meaningful participation for Taiwan in international organisations where statehood is not a prerequisite and supports Taiwan's participation as an observer in the World Health Assembly. Ministers and officials regularly discuss...
Answered 4 Jun 2026
Original Parliament recordUK Border Force: ContractsHome OfficeTabled 20 May 2026AnsweredUIN 3637More
Question: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, whether UK shipyards will be (a) invited and (b) supported to tender for the Border Force’s new patrol vessel programme.
Answer: We are engaging with the market on the basis of a UK-led build, using the Defence and Security provisions within the Procurement Act 2023. This approach is consistent with the government's commitment to back British businesses and a sustainable and succes...
Answered 4 Jun 2026
Original Parliament recordUK Border Force: ContractsHome OfficeTabled 20 May 2026AnsweredUIN 3636More
Question: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, whether she is taking steps to ensure that the contract to renew the Border Force coastal patrol fleet will be awarded to domestic shipyards.
Answer: We are engaging with the market on the basis of a UK-led build, using the Defence and Security provisions within the Procurement Act 2023. This approach is consistent with the government's commitment to back British businesses and a sustainable and succes...
Answered 4 Jun 2026
Original Parliament recordShipbuildingMinistry of DefenceTabled 20 May 2026AnsweredUIN 3635More
Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, whether subcontracting the construction of Royal Navy support vessels to a Dutch shipbuilder is consistent with the objectives of the National Shipbuilding Strategy.
Answer: The contract in question is a sub-contract awarded by Serco to procure 24 new vessels for the Royal Navy. It is part of the Defence Marine Services In-Port Services contract between the Ministry of Defence and Serco. The contract, which covers both in-por...
Answered 5 Jun 2026
Original Parliament recordRussia: National SecurityMinistry of DefenceTabled 20 May 2026AnsweredUIN 3634More
Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, what assessment his Department has made of the risk to national security of outsourcing sensitive defence infrastructure to private sub-contractors accused of breaching sanctions against Russia.
Answer: The contract in question is a sub-contract awarded by Serco to procure 24 new vessels for the Royal Navy. It is part of the Defence Marine Services In-Port Services contract between the Ministry of Defence and Serco. The contract, which covers both in-por...
Answered 5 Jun 2026
Original Parliament recordShipbuildingMinistry of DefenceTabled 20 May 2026AnsweredUIN 3632More
Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, with reference to answer HL12150, what assessment his Department has made of the impact of the Procurement Act 2023 on increasing the volume of Ministry of Defence-related work for the UK ship-building sector.
Answer: The Government recognises the importance of a sovereign shipbuilding sector for our national and economic security. The Cabinet Office recently announced further policy updates on the Procurement Act 2023, listing shipbuilding as a sector for priority pro...
Answered 2 Jun 2026
Original Parliament recordDefence: ProcurementMinistry of DefenceTabled 20 May 2026AnsweredUIN 3631More
Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, if his Department will increase the proportion of domestic sub-contractors used by Ministry of Defence contractors.
Answer: The Defence Industrial Strategy (DIS) is clear that a strong and resilient UK supply chain is critical to national security and economic value. The Ministry of Defence (MOD) will maximise the economic and social value of defence spending for the UK by sup...
Answered 2 Jun 2026
Original Parliament recordShipbuildingMinistry of DefenceTabled 20 May 2026AnsweredUIN 3630More
Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, whether his Department plans to increase the proportion of Government ship-building contracts awarded to contractors manufacturing in UK shipyards.
Answer: The Government recognises the importance of a sovereign shipbuilding sector for our national and economic security. The Cabinet Office recently announced further policy updates on the Procurement Act 2023, listing shipbuilding as a sector for priority pro...
Answered 2 Jun 2026
Original Parliament recordShipbuildingMinistry of DefenceTabled 20 May 2026AnsweredUIN 3629More
Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, what steps his Department has taken to support UK shipyards to tender for defence procurement contracts.
Answer: The Government recognises the importance of a sovereign shipbuilding sector for our national and economic security. The Cabinet Office recently announced further policy updates on the Procurement Act 2023, listing shipbuilding as a sector for priority pro...
Answered 2 Jun 2026
Original Parliament recordVisas: IranHome OfficeTabled 20 May 2026AnsweredUIN 3628More
Question: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, what steps her Department has taken to ensure that the visa sponsorship process includes checks against intelligence assessments of Iranian-linked networks.
Answer: We conduct mandatory security checks on all personnel named on sponsor licence applications, including those with Iranian links.Sponsor licence applications can and will be refused, where it is appropriate to do so.
Answered 2 Jun 2026
Original Parliament recordDefence: ProcurementMinistry of DefenceTabled 13 May 2026AnsweredUIN 971More
Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, what assessment his Department has made of the potential impact of neo-prime defence companies on returns on investment for defence procurement.
Answer: As outlined in the Defence Industrial Strategy, the Ministry of Defence needs to look beyond traditional defence companies to redefine the industrial base, reflecting the deep range of partners and expertise both within our traditional defence sector but ...
Answered 21 May 2026
Original Parliament recordDefence: TechnologyMinistry of DefenceTabled 13 May 2026AnsweredUIN 969More
Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, how his Department intends to evaluate progress towards increasing the proportion of defence spending directed towards emerging technologies during this Parliament.
Answer: The Defence Industrial Strategy (DIS) highlights the need for an innovative defence industry that adapts to changing warfare by utilising data, software, procurement, exports, innovation, and R&D to promote UK science and emerging technologies, includ...
Answered 21 May 2026
Original Parliament recordDefence: TechnologyMinistry of DefenceTabled 13 May 2026AnsweredUIN 967More
Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, what steps his Department is taking to ensure that UK-based defence technology firms are able to remain internationally competitive with firms in allied countries.
Answer: The Defence Industrial Strategy (DIS) makes clear that strengthening UK defence firms’ international competitiveness depends on working closely with our allies. It promotes deeper collaboration through co‑research, co‑development and co‑production, helpin...
Answered 19 May 2026
Original Parliament recordDefence: ProcurementMinistry of DefenceTabled 13 May 2026AnsweredUIN 966More
Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, what changes his Department has made to defence procurement since 2024 to reduce barriers to entry for non-traditional defence suppliers, including businesses specialising in software, artificial intelligence, an
Answer: The Ministry of Defence (MOD) has taken significant strides in our approach to defence procurement since 2024, as laid out in both the Defence Industrial Strategy and in a recent Gov.UK notice titled “Ministry of Defence small and medium-sized enterprise ...
Answered 19 May 2026
Original Parliament recordDefence: SoftwareMinistry of DefenceTabled 13 May 2026AnsweredUIN 965More
Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, what steps his Department is taking to improve access to defence research and development funding for small and medium-sized businesses specialising in software, artificial intelligence, and data analytics.
Answer: UK Defence Innovation (UKDI) has been established to harness UK ingenuity and boost military technology, as part of the Government’s drive to turbocharge innovation in defence and deliver growth as part of the Plan for Change. UKDI will be fully operation...
Answered 21 May 2026
Original Parliament recordDefence: SoftwareMinistry of DefenceTabled 13 May 2026AnsweredUIN 963More
Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, what assessment his Department has made of the role of software firms in advancing defence research and development, compared to traditional prime defence contractors.
Answer: The Department recognises that software firms are increasingly vital to defence research and development, providing specialised expertise and innovation in areas such as artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, and data analytics. While traditional prime c...
Answered 21 May 2026
Original Parliament recordDefence: ProcurementMinistry of DefenceTabled 13 May 2026AnsweredUIN 962More
Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, how his Department defines novel technologies, with regard to the commitment in the Strategic Defence Review that at least 10 per cent of equipment spending be allocated to such technologies.
Answer: The Government has set out its ambition for the Ministry of Defence to spend at least 10% of its equipment procurement budget on novel technologies, including areas such as uncrewed and autonomous systems and AI-enabled capabilities. Work is currently ong...
Answered 21 May 2026
Original Parliament recordFuels: Civil SocietyDepartment for Energy Security and Net ZeroTabled 13 May 2026AnsweredUIN 961More
Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, what assessment he has made of the potential impact of increases in fuel costs on voluntary, community and social enterprise (VCSE) organisations; and whether he plans to extend support measu
Answer: We are closely monitoring the impact of fuel and energy prices on businesses and communities caused by the instability in the Middle East, and much will depend on the length of the ongoing crisis. We will not hesitate to act in a targeted and timely manne...
Answered 22 May 2026
Original Parliament recordHealth Services: MenDepartment of Health and Social CareTabled 13 May 2026AnsweredUIN 959More
Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, with reference Answer of 9 February 2026 to Question HL14107, whether his Department has plans to assess the health needs of male veterans and service personnel in particular.
Answer: Veterans have access to all National Health Services across the United Kingdom and male veterans will benefit from the implementation of the Men’s Health Strategy. In addition, NHS England has introduced several bespoke services to improve healthcare supp...
Answered 22 May 2026
Original Parliament recordGender Dysphoria: Health ServicesDepartment of Health and Social CareTabled 17 Apr 2026AnsweredUIN 128143More
Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, how many people are currently on the waiting list for gender dysphoria clinics in i) the North East of England and ii) nationally.
Answer: The number of adult patients who are registered with a general practice in the North East and Yorkshire region and who are on a waiting list for an adult gender dysphoria clinic is 5,966 at the date of 31 January 2026.The total number of adult patients on...
Answered 29 Apr 2026
Original Parliament recordGender Dysphoria: North EastDepartment of Health and Social CareTabled 17 Apr 2026AnsweredUIN 128142More
Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, what assessment his Department has made of the adequacy of the provision of gender dysphoria clinics in the North East of England.
Answer: NHS England is committed to supporting people who need these specialist gender services and commissions three adult gender dysphoria clinics in Newcastle, Sheffield, and Leeds. While they are regionally commissioned to meet the demand of the local populat...
Answered 29 Apr 2026
Original Parliament recordSocial Rented Housing: ApplicationsMinistry of Housing, Communities and Local GovernmentTabled 15 Apr 2026AnsweredUIN 127574More
Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government, what steps he is taking to assess the number of people who are not able to access a social home due to pre-tenancy affordability checks.
Answer: I refer the hon. Member to the answer given to Question UIN 98397 on 17 December 2025.
Answered 23 Apr 2026
Original Parliament recordUkraine: Innovation and TechnologyMinistry of DefenceTabled 10 Apr 2026AnsweredUIN 126228More
Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, what assessment he has made of the potential implications for his policies on UK air and missile defence of Ukraine’s approach to air defence, including the role of trained personnel and real-time coordination.
Answer: The UK Armed Forces are drawing key lessons from Ukraine, particularly the need for a much faster ‘learn and adapt’ cycle to accelerate developments in our capabilities, doctrine, and tactics. Lessons from both Ukraine and the Middle East are already bein...
Answered 20 Apr 2026
Original Parliament recordHospices: ChildrenDepartment of Health and Social CareTabled 10 Apr 2026AnsweredUIN 126225More
Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, what assessment he has made of the potential role of community-based social palliative care services for children in the context of his policy on shifting care from hospital to community settings.
Answer: Children’s hospices often provide holistic care, wrap-around services and additional support to children and their families that extend beyond core healthcare provision. This, for example, includes complementary therapies, respite care, and short breaks. ...
Answered 15 Apr 2026
Original Parliament recordHospices: ChildrenDepartment of Health and Social CareTabled 10 Apr 2026AnsweredUIN 126224More
Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, what assessment he has made of the potential impact of the £80 million funding announced for children’s hospices in October 2025 on the (a) availability and (b) sustainability of community-based so
Answer: Children’s hospices often provide holistic care, wrap-around services and additional support to children and their families that extend beyond core healthcare provision. This, for example, includes complementary therapies, respite care, and short breaks. ...
Answered 15 Apr 2026
Original Parliament record
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