Oral QuestionMinistry of Defence

If he will make a statement on his departmental responsibilities.

Tabled: 21 May 2026Answered: 1 June 2026

Asked by

Anna Dixon

LabourShipley

Answering Minister

the Secretary of State for Defence

Answer from Hansard

John Healey

First, we are directing defence investment first to British firms that increase British jobs and increase apprenticeships, skills and opportunities for young people. Secondly, we are opening up direct entry recruitment to the armed forces for those with cyber-skills, and the first cohort has already been recruited. They are deployed much more quickly than via the normal route, and the early reports from every one of their units is overwhelmingly positive, so we are now moving to recruit the second tranche.