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Cadets: Northern Ireland

Asked by Carla LockhartDemocratic Unionist PartyMinistry of DefenceTabled Answered 7 July 2025UIN 63401

The question

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, whether his Department plans to expand (a) Army, (b) Navy, and (c) Air Cadet programmes in Northern Ireland.

Answered by Al Carns

Given the fantastic benefits which can be gained from the Cadet experience this Government is committed to getting more young people to become Cadets. The Strategic Defence Review has recommended an expansion of in-school and community-based Cadet Forces across the country by 30% by 2030.

Expanding the Cadet Forces, which provide skills and qualifications to young people from diverse backgrounds across the country, and support economic growth, will benefit all four nations of the UK including Northern Ireland. Planning for this expansion is currently underway, and more detail will be provided in due course.

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