Oral QuestionMinistry of Defence

What steps he is taking to protect UK armed forces personnel in the Middle East.

Tabled: 10 March 2026Answered: 16 March 2026

Asked by

Lizzi Collinge

LabourMorecambe and Lunesdale

Answering Minister

the Secretary of State for Defence

Answer from Hansard

The Secretary of State for Defence (John Healey)

Our outstanding armed forces are in the middle east, protecting our people, our interests and our allies. The Royal Air Force has now conducted over 550 hours of defensive operations in five countries, and drones have been shot down by UK forces almost daily. We now have more jets flying in the region than at any time in the last 15 years.