VerbatimParliament, as it happens

Defence: Procurement

Asked by Ben Obese-JectyConservativeMinistry of DefenceTabled Answered 8 September 2026UIN 22889

The question

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, with reference to paragraph 10 of the Strategic Defence Review, whether his Department achieved (a) at least a 50 per cent reduction in the burden of Defence Standards and Conditions, (b) amendment of the Single Source Contract Regulations, (c) reform of regulations, Intellectual Property handling, and security clearance requirements and (d) access to intelligence, data, and test and evaluation sites for industrial partners by April 2026.

Answered by Ministry of Defence

By April 2026, the Department had established programmes of work and initiated reforms across all four areas identified in Strategic Defence Review Recommendation 10 including the establishment of the Defence Industrial Joint Council and the setting up of the Office of Small Business Growth. Further implementation of a number of these reforms, including the ambition to reduce the burden of Defence Standards and Conditions by at least 50 per cent, continued beyond April 2026.

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