Armed Forces: Recruitment
Commons · Question 16431 · Tabled 7 Jul 2026 · Ministry of Defence · Official record
Answered 14 Jul 2026
Question
Asked by Jim Shannon
To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, what steps are being taken to improve recruitment and retention in the UK armed forces.
Answer
Answered by Calvin Bailey, 14 Jul 2026
Armed Forces Recruitment and Retention is a primary focus and priority. We are taking decisive steps to address intake and outflow, and as of 1 October 2025 Armed Forces intake was greater than outflow. This is the first time since 2021. Over this Parliam...