To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, which Minister in their Department is responsible for overseeing work on long-term strategic challenges; and how many officials in their Department (a) undertake horizon scanning work and (b) focus on delivering long-term priorities.

I have overall responsibility for the business of the Department. All Ministers within Defence are responsible for policy and delivery areas.

Teams across the Department will be conducting horizon-scanning and ensuring current work is aligned with long-term priorities. In addition, and pursuant to the answer of 13 September 2023 to Question 198126, there are approximately 113 officials in the Department, who have particular responsibility for undertaking horizon scanning work and focusing on delivering long-term priorities.