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12 January 2026 - The work of the Chief of Defence Staff - Oral evidence

Committee Defence Committee
Inquiry The work of the Chief of Defence Staff

Monday 12 January 2026

Start times: 1:30pm (private) 2:00pm (public)


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Chief of Defence Staff to be questioned by Defence Committee 

The Defence Committee will hear from the Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), Air Chief Marshal Sir Richard Knighton, on issues ranging from the UK’s readiness for war to the recruitment and retention challenges faced by the Armed Forces at 2pm on Monday, 12 January.  

MPs on the cross-party Committee are likely to question Sir Richard on his priorities for reform across the Armed Forces and the likelihood of achieving those aims within current funding parameters.

Meeting details

At 2:00pm: Oral evidence
Work The work of the Chief of Defence Staff (Regular evidence sessions)
Chief of Defence Staff at Ministry of Defence

Given recent events, the Committee could also consider whether the UK’s Armed Forces have the people, skills and technologies required to fulfil commitments to our allies, as well as defending the UK. MPs are also likely to examine the progress of the current Defence Reform programme and the implementation of the Strategic Defence Review. 

This will be the Committee’s first opportunity to question Sir Richard in his role as the head of the Armed Forces, in which he will report directly to the Prime Minister and Secretary of State for Defence.

Location

Room 16, Palace of Westminster

How to attend