UK defends decision to stay out of EU SAFE scheme
On the UK decision not to proceed in the EU Security Action for Europe programme, SNP MP Kirsty Blackman questioned whether staying outside the scheme risked weakening long-term support for Ukraine.
MPs press government to seize frozen Russian assets
The Government faces renewed Commons pressure to act on frozen Russian state assets after Reform UK MP Richard Tice urged unilateral use to support Ukraine.
UK says Russian advances mask heavy losses and weak gains
The UK government has set out an assessment of the war in Ukraine, with Defence Minister Luke Pollard saying Russian battlefield claims repeatedly fail against intelligence and operational reality.
NATO backs £2.5bn 2026 budget to boost collective defence
At a meeting of the North Atlantic Council on 16 December, Allies approved a Civil Budget of about £455 million and a Military Budget of roughly £2.1 billion.
Ajax probe delays Defence Investment Plan decisions
Investigations into the Ajax armoured vehicle will shape decisions in the Defence Investment Plan, delaying the long awaited equipment spending document, as ministers await clarity on the troubled programme.
UK says General Dynamics currently ‘not in breach’ on Ajax
The Ministry of Defence has said that General Dynamics is not currently in breach of its contract for the Ajax armoured vehicle programme, despite renewed concerns over safety, vibration issues and operational viability raised in Parliament.
UK review may examine Iranian influence in Scotland
An independent UK review into foreign political interference could examine Iranian-linked activity targeting online debate around Scottish independence, following comments by Scotland Secretary Douglas...
Russia, Iran and China pose ‘multi-faceted’ UK threat, MPs warn
Hostile activity by Russia, Iran and China has intensified and now represents a complex, persistent threat to the UK, according to a new assessment published by Parliament’s Intelligence and Security Committee.
Doubt cast on Ajax role in meeting NATO commitments
The Ministry of Defence has declined to give a clear assurance that the British Army can meet its NATO armoured reconnaissance obligations without the Ajax programme.
UK Export Finance expansion backed as MPs debate subsidies
Parliament has debated plans to expand the capacity of UK Export Finance (UKEF), with MPs from across the House backing support for exporters while differing sharply on the role of subsidies, Brexit and regional priorities.
