VerbatimParliament, as it happens

Defence Medical Services: Shortages

Asked by Ben Obese-JectyConservativeMinistry of DefenceTabled Answered 20 October 2025UIN 79535

The question

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, with reference to page 130 of the Strategic Defence Review, published on 2 June 2025, what the Defence Medical Services pressures are that have been caused by fragility of the global supply chain.

Answered by Luke Pollard

As outlined in the Strategic Defence Review, workforce shortages and the fragility of global supply chains are pressures for both Defence Medical Services and the National Health Service (NHS). The Ministry of Defence (MOD) regularly reviews its critical supply chains to identify and mitigate risks to defence capability.

Work is ongoing between the MOD and the NHS to understand system-wide capacity and capability, potential future need and shared plans for delivery to meet Defence medical needs. Increasing resilience of UK medicines supply chains remains a priority for the Government.

Verbatim has judged this answer against the question that was actually asked — answered, partly answered, or evaded. Sign in to see the verdict →

Open this question in Verbatim →

Every written question, searchable

155,000 questions tabled since the election, with the answer each department gave — and the ones still unanswered, with the clock running. Free to search.

Search written questions →Read on Verbatim