The Ministry of Defence has said work is continuing on a more integrated approach to domestic and international military rail movements, but no completion date has yet been set.
Defence Minister Luke Pollard provided the update in response to a written parliamentary question from Conservative MP Ben Obese-Jecty, who asked when the department expected to establish the integrated approach referred to in an earlier answer in July.
Pollard said: “The Ministry of Defence recognises the important role rail can play in strengthening military mobility and is progressing work to develop a more integrated approach to domestic and international rail movements.”
The work forms part of wider efforts to improve the resilience of Defence’s strategic logistics network, including the ability to move personnel, vehicles, equipment and supplies within the UK and across international borders. Military rail transport can provide an important means of moving heavy equipment over long distances without relying solely on road transport, particularly when large formations or armoured vehicles need to be moved rapidly between bases, ports, training areas or allied territory.
The MOD said it is working across government and with industry and international partners as it develops future rail arrangements.
Pollard said: “Defence is engaging across Government, with industry and with international partners to ensure that future rail capability development supports operational requirements at home and overseas.”
The issue has taken on greater importance as NATO focuses on military mobility across Europe, where the ability to move forces and equipment quickly between countries is a central part of reinforcement planning and collective defence. However, the MOD has not yet established a deadline for completing the work.
Pollard said: “Whilst no specific completion date has been established, this remains an important area of ongoing capability development.”
