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Defence

Asked by Ben Obese-JectyConservativeMinistry of DefenceTabled Answered 8 September 2026UIN 22927

The question

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, with reference to the 2025 Strategic Defence Review, what progress has he made in finalising a new Defence Readiness Bill that gives the Government powers in reserve to respond effectively in the event of escalation towards a war involving the UK or its allies, as outlined in Recommendation 28.

Answered by Ministry of Defence

Defence Readiness legislation is being actively developed to ensure the Government has the powers it needs to keep the UK safe in crisis or war by improving the preparedness of key industries, ensuring sufficient supply of services, access to Infrastructure, and resources for Defence and to support the mobilisation of wider Defence capacity, including industry and the Reserves

We are aiming to deliver legislative proposals later this Parliament. It will take time to develop the detailed policy requirements, understand their implications and establish what new legislation is required. As is standard with the legislative process, any future legislation will be brought forward when Parliamentary time allows.

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