09 Jan 26. Monday 12 January 2026, 14.00, Committee Room 16
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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 14.00 on Monday, 12th 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.
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.
Monday 12 January, 14.00:
- Air Chief Marshal Sir Richard Knighton KCB ADC FREng, Chief of Defence Staff, UK Armed Forces
08 Jan 26. Defence Committee statement: Ukraine. In response to recent developments relating to Ukraine, the Defence Committee Chair, Tan Dhesi MP has issued the following statement:
“This announcement from the Coalition of the Willing cements the UK’s position as a firm supporter and defender of Ukraine’s sovereign right to a secure future that must be free from Russian interference and aggression. Before any British troops are deployed however, details of the commitments made within this deal must be subjected to robust scrutiny by Parliament.
My Committee has previously raised serious concerns about the UK’s readiness for modern warfare. Although this announcement is welcome, it intensifies the very real challenges our armed forces are already facing. It also runs the risk of overstretching our armed forces and so calls into question the UK’s ability to sustain pre-existing commitments to our allies. It is also crucial that we do not lose sight of the current needs of Ukraine. A peace deal has yet to be reached, and this announcement changes nothing about the current situation on the ground. The UK Government, in conjunction with its allies and partners, must continue to do all in its power to secure peace in the region, based on the sovereign rights of the people of Ukraine.”