Written Question·Ministry of Defence·UIN 183527

Armed Forces

Tabled: 2 May 2023

Answered: 9 May 2023

Named Day

Question

Stephanie Peacock

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, what recent assessment he has made of the potential impact of setting personnel levels in the armed forces at 73,000 on the UK’s ability to provide military support to Ukraine.

Answer

The Ministry of Defence is reviewing whether it is now right to reduce the Regular Army to 73,000, as planned under Future Soldier. That process is ongoing.

Defence is unwavering in its commitment to Ukraine's sovereignty and territorial integrity and our enduring military support to Ukraine.

Any specific policy changes or updates required related to defence capability and force design will be determined once the update to the Defence Command Paper has concluded.