VerbatimParliament, as it happens

RAF Brize Norton

Asked by Ben Obese-JectyConservativeMinistry of DefenceTabled Answered 8 September 2026UIN 22973

The question

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, with reference to recommendation 48 of the 2025 Strategic Defence Review, what progress he has made in planning a commercial alternative to RAF Brize Norton should it be unavailable for operations; and whether he will bring forward legislative proposals for such steps.

Answered by Ministry of Defence

Whilst Royal Air Force (RAF) Brize Norton is unavailable for operations due to essential runway maintenance, the RAF air transport fleet has been dispersed to operate from multiple locations in the UK. Defence Readiness legislation is also being actively developed, and measures expected to be included in this legislation, anticipated later this Parliament, are currently subject to internal Government consultation.

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