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Defence

Asked by Stuart AndersonConservativeMinistry of DefenceTabled Answered 8 September 2026UIN 21503

The question

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, what progress he has made on integrating a whole-of-society approach to deterrence and defence since the publication of the Strategic Defence Review.

Answered by Ministry of Defence

The Defence Investment Plan (DIP), published on 30 June 2026, includes a range of measures to integrate a Whole of Society approach to deterrence and defence, such as:

  • Growth of the Regular military workforce, including increasing the Army’s Regular component to 76,000 personnel.
  • Investment to modernise and digitise the system for managing and communicating with Reservists.
  • Continued investment in the rollout of VALOUR “one-stop shop” centres and wider veterans’ support services across the UK.
  • Offering young people a year of paid experience and training in the Armed Forces through investment in a Foundation Scheme.
  • Continued investment to modernise the Cadet Forces and improve opportunities for young people across the UK.

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