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Cadets

Asked by Stuart AndersonConservativeMinistry of DefenceTabled Answered 8 September 2026UIN 21614

The question

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, with reference to page 92 of his Department's Strategic Defence Review, published 2 June 2025, what date he plans to reach 250,000 cadets in the UK.

Answered by Ministry of Defence

The Strategic Defence Review set out an ambition to grow the UK Cadet Forces Cadet Forces by 30% by 2030 (with an ambition to reach 250,000 in the longer term). Following publication of the Defence Investment Plan, the target date for reaching 30 % growth (approximately180,000 cadets) has moved from 2030 to 2035. Whilst 250,000 cadets is a longer-term ambition, no date has been set for achieving this ambition.

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