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27 January 2026 - The work of the Secretary of State for Defence - Oral evidence

Committee Defence Committee
Inquiry The work of the Secretary of State for Defence

Tuesday 27 January 2026

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


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Defence Secretary to face Committee questions

John Healey, the Secretary of State for Defence, will give evidence to the Defence Committee at 2pm on Tuesday 27 January.  

In November, the Defence Committee report “The UK contribution to European Security”, found that the UK and its European NATO allies have failed to invest in critical capabilities and remain over-reliant on the US.  Members are likely to cover the impact of events over the past few weeks, asking if the Defence Secretary’s priorities for the modernisation and transformation of the UK Armed Forces have changed. 

Earlier this month, the UK and France signed a Declaration of Intent with Ukraine to deploy military forces on the ground in the event of peace deal. In next week’s session, Members are likely to ask about the plans for parliamentary engagement and a vote on the deployment of troops to Ukraine.

Meeting details

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

Questions are likely to also cover delays to the Defence Investment Plan and the progress implementing the Strategic Defence Review.  

The new Permanent Secretary at the Ministry of Defence, Jeremy Pocklington, will make his first appearance in front of the Committee, alongside the Defence Secretary.

Location

Room 15, Palace of Westminster

How to attend