Ben Obese-Jecty MP: written questions
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Written questions
Armed Forces: Workplace PensionsMinistry of DefenceTabled 8 Jun 2026AnsweredUIN 7766More
Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, what percentage of his Department's budget was spent on military pensions in 2024-25.
Answer: Spend on military pensions in 2024-25 represented 8% of the defence budget.
Answered 16 Jun 2026
Original Parliament recordDefence Nuclear Enterprise: ExpenditureMinistry of DefenceTabled 8 Jun 2026AnsweredUIN 7765More
Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, what percentage of the Ministry of Defence budget was spent on the Defence Nuclear Enterprise in 2024-25.
Answer: In 2024-25, 18% of the Ministry of Defence budget was spent on the Defence Nuclear Enterprise. The Defence Nuclear Enterprise is a hugely complex, scientifically advanced and risky portfolio which spans decades. As a Government we are undertaking signific...
Answered 16 Jun 2026
Original Parliament recordEarly Warning Systems: ProcurementMinistry of DefenceTabled 8 Jun 2026AnsweredUIN 7764More
Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, what progress he has made in procuring a replacement for CROWSNEST.
Answer: The Royal Navy is investigating successor systems for the Crowsnest Airborne Early Warning system, including the potential use of Uncrewed Air Systems. This approach is consistent with the development of Hybrid Air Wing as set out in the Strategic Defence...
Answered 16 Jun 2026
Original Parliament recordFirearms: ProcurementMinistry of DefenceTabled 8 Jun 2026AnsweredUIN 7763More
Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, what is the value of contracts awarded by the Dismounted Close Combat Team each year between FY2015/16 - FY2025/26.
Answer: The total contract spend, as indicated by data drawn from MOD Contract, Purchasing and Finance records for the National Armaments Materiel Dismounted Close Combat Team, is as follows: Financial YearTotal Spend2015/16£62,066,659.722016/17£140,771,358.24201...
Answered 15 Jun 2026
Original Parliament recordFirearms: ProcurementMinistry of DefenceTabled 8 Jun 2026AnsweredUIN 7762More
Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, with reference to his Department's Transparency Notice 715870491-Procurement of General-Purpose Machine Gun L7A2 weapon systems (GPMG System) and associated ancillaries, published on 5 June 2026, what is the full
Answer: The recently published Voluntary Transparency Notice for the General-Purpose Machine Gun contract arrangement does not impact the planned Out of Service Date of 2035. I am unable to provide details relating to the detailed technical specification of the L...
Answered 16 Jun 2026
Original Parliament recordFirearms: ProcurementMinistry of DefenceTabled 8 Jun 2026AnsweredUIN 7761More
Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, what impact the awarding of a 10 year contract for supply of General-Purpose Machine Gun L7A2 weapon systems will have on the planned out-of-service date of the L7A2 of 2035.
Answer: The recently published Voluntary Transparency Notice for the General-Purpose Machine Gun contract arrangement does not impact the planned Out of Service Date of 2035. I am unable to provide details relating to the detailed technical specification of the L...
Answered 16 Jun 2026
Original Parliament recordNuclear FuelsMinistry of DefenceTabled 8 Jun 2026AnsweredUIN 7759More
Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, what progress has he made in re-establishing his Department's capability to produce nuclear fuel.
Answer: The Nuclear Fuels programme is in its early development phase, and we are currently working with industry to develop options for its delivery. These options will inform the timescales for completion.
Answered 16 Jun 2026
Original Parliament recordGlyphosateDepartment for Environment, Food and Rural AffairsTabled 4 Jun 2026AnsweredUIN 6962More
Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, what assessment has she made of the potential impact on a) pre-harvest desiccation and b) the wider farming industry of banning glyphosate.
Answer: Defra recognises there is significant interest in the continued access to glyphosate for farmers and growers. The renewal of approval for glyphosate is currently being reviewed in Great Britain (GB) by the Health and Safety Executive (HSE). Defra cannot p...
Answered 10 Jun 2026
Original Parliament recordGlobal Combat Air ProgrammeMinistry of DefenceTabled 4 Jun 2026AnsweredUIN 6961More
Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, what percentage of the defence budget is dedicated to the Global Combat Air Programme.
Answer: Investment decisions will be made as part of the Defence Investment Plan, which will outline the department’s spending plans in line with the Strategic Defence Review and Spending Review outcomes.
Answered 10 Jun 2026
Original Parliament recordRussia: ShippingMinistry of DefenceTabled 4 Jun 2026AnsweredUIN 6960More
Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, how many Russian-sanctioned vessels transiting UK waters have changed flag mid-voyage prior to entering UK waters since 24 March 2026.
Answer: The Ministry of Defence continually monitors all activity within UK waters. We will not provide details on the numbers of vessels or our decision-making process as this could compromise our ability to successfully take action against sanctioned ships, onl...
Answered 10 Jun 2026
Original Parliament recordF-35 AircraftMinistry of DefenceTabled 4 Jun 2026AnsweredUIN 6959More
Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, what are the seven mission sets for the UK Lightning Force.
Answer: The United Kingdom aligns its multi‑role aircraft with NATO air doctrine as set out in the Allied Joint Doctrine for Air and Space Operations (AJP-3.3). Within this framework, air power is organised into seven core tactical mission sets: Offensive Counter...
Answered 12 Jun 2026
Original Parliament recordEmergencies: PlanningCabinet OfficeTabled 4 Jun 2026AnsweredUIN 6958More
Question: To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office, pursuant to the answer of 28 May 2026 to question 1021 on Emergencies: Planning, which ministers have attended the Contingency Planning Small Ministerial Group met since its inception.
Answer: I refer the Honourable Gentleman to the answer provided to PQ 1021.
Answered 23 Jun 2026
Original Parliament recordRepatriation: SyriaHome OfficeTabled 4 Jun 2026AnsweredUIN 6957More
Question: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, pursuant to the answer of 3 June 2026, to question 3166 on Repatriation: Syria, for what reason her department is not recording information on returning foreign fighters who have been a) arrested and
Answer: Arrests and prosecutions are matters for the independent police and the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS). Where these relate to terrorism offences, the CPS provides relevant data to the Home Office for quarterly publication. This forms part of the official...
Answered 9 Jun 2026
Original Parliament recordF-35 AircraftMinistry of DefenceTabled 4 Jun 2026AnsweredUIN 6956More
Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, what the full mission-capable rate was of the UK F-35B Lightning Force in a) 2024 and b) 2025.
Answer: I am withholding the information requested as its disclosure would, or would be likely to, prejudice the capability, effectiveness or the security of the Armed Forces.
Answered 10 Jun 2026
Original Parliament recordMerlin Helicopters: AccidentsMinistry of DefenceTabled 4 Jun 2026AnsweredUIN 6955More
Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, by when will he publish the board of enquiry report into the crash of Royal Navy Augusta Westland AW101 Merlin HC4 ZJ135 in the English Channel on 4 September 2024.
Answer: The Defence Safety Authority Service Inquiry into the loss of Royal Navy Augusta Westland AW101 Merlin HC4 ZJ135 on 4 September 2024 is nearing completion and will be published as soon as practicable.
Answered 11 Jun 2026
Original Parliament recordDefence: Space TechnologyMinistry of DefenceTabled 4 Jun 2026AnsweredUIN 6954More
Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, pursuant to the answer of 28 May 2026 to question 2968 on Defence: Space Technology, which EU member states is his department exploring opportunities for engagement with.
Answer: The UK frequently explores opportunities for engagement with EU Members States on space security. This includes engagement with France, Germany and Italy through the Combined Space Operations Initiative and Multinational Force Operation Olympic Defender. ...
Answered 12 Jun 2026
Original Parliament recordAUKUS: Nuclear SubmarinesMinistry of DefenceTabled 4 Jun 2026AnsweredUIN 6952More
Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, with reference to the press release entitled Cutting-edge underwater tech for AUKUS forces to be developed through landmark partnership, published on 30 May 2026, from what month and year will the first UK deploy
Answer: Submarine Rotational Force-West is on track to be established in 2027, as confirmed in the joint AUKUS Defence Ministers’ statement of 30 May 2026. The UK has reaffirmed its commitment to maintain a rotational presence as part of Submarine Rotational Forc...
Answered 10 Jun 2026
Original Parliament recordAUKUSMinistry of DefenceTabled 4 Jun 2026AnsweredUIN 6951More
Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, with reference to the press release entitled Cutting-edge underwater tech for AUKUS forces to be developed through landmark partnership, published on 30 May 2026, what are the first capabilities expected to be in
Answer: The first capabilities expected to be in service by 2027 will focus on rapidly deployable, interoperable payloads that deliver immediate operational benefit.
Answered 11 Jun 2026
Original Parliament recordAUKUSMinistry of DefenceTabled 4 Jun 2026AnsweredUIN 6950More
Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, with reference to the press release entitled Cutting-edge underwater tech for AUKUS forces to be developed through landmark partnership, published on 30 May 2026, how will the Royal Navy be able to integrate payl
Answer: The AUKUS Pillar 2 signature project will enable the Royal Navy to integrate payloads from the United States and Australia through the development of interoperable systems for uncrewed underwater vehicles. The AUKUS partners will agree interface standards...
Answered 11 Jun 2026
Original Parliament recordNavy: Unmanned Air SystemsMinistry of DefenceTabled 4 Jun 2026AnsweredUIN 6949More
Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, what progress has he made in delivering a short take-off and landing, jet powered Autonomous Collaborative Platform capable of operating from a Queen Elizabeth Class carrier via Project VANQUISH.
Answer: Progress on Project VANQUISH is focused on feasibility, industry engagement, and option development ahead of any acquisition decisions. While investment decisions remain subject to the outcome of the Defence Investment Plan, the Royal Navy, working with i...
Answered 15 Jun 2026
Original Parliament recordF-35 Aircraft: SoftwareMinistry of DefenceTabled 4 Jun 2026AnsweredUIN 6948More
Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, by when does he expect the combat capable release of new software for the F-35B to be available to the UK Lightning Force.
Answer: The F-35B is an operationally deployable combat aircraft. Capability is enhanced through regular, incremental software releases delivered through the global F-35 programme, rather than a single combat capable release.
Answered 10 Jun 2026
Original Parliament recordNavy: TechnologyMinistry of DefenceTabled 4 Jun 2026AnsweredUIN 6946More
Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, what date is the Royal Navy’s Maritime Data Gathering programme due to deliver its key milestones.
Answer: Detailed delivery timelines for the Royal Navy’s Maritime Data Gathering programme remain in development.
Answered 11 Jun 2026
Original Parliament recordEuropean Union: Military AlliancesMinistry of DefenceTabled 4 Jun 2026AnsweredUIN 6945More
Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, if he will set out the (a) Royal Navy and (b) RAF's commitments to the European Carrier Group Interoperability Initiative.
Answer: As a leading European Carrier Strike nation, the Royal Navy and Royal Air Force play a key role in the European Carrier Group Interoperability Initiative, contributing to multinational efforts that strengthen interoperability and enable more effective and...
Answered 12 Jun 2026
Original Parliament recordLiquefied Natural Gas: RussiaDepartment for Business and TradeTabled 4 Jun 2026AnsweredUIN 6944More
Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Business and Trade, pursuant to the Answer of 1 June 2026 to Question 3663 on Liquefied Natural Gas: Russia, by what date he plans to (a) amend, (b) suspend and (c) revoke the licences.
Answer: As he will see from the statutory instrument, the general trade licence for the maritime transportation of liquefied natural gas, under contracts with a duration of one year or less, will expire on 1 January 2027, although it can be varied, revoked or sus...
Answered 12 Jun 2026
Original Parliament recordLiquefied Natural Gas and Oil: RussiaDepartment for Business and TradeTabled 4 Jun 2026AnsweredUIN 6943More
Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Business and Trade, pursuant to the Answer of 1 June 2026 to Question 3663 on Liquefied Natural Gas: Russia, what assessment he has made of the potential impact of the general trade licences for refined oil and liquid nat
Answer: On 20 May 2026, the UK introduced new sanctions to further target Russian revenues and degrade its ability to wage its illegal war in Ukraine. Alongside these measures, general trade licences for refined oil and liquid natural gas (LNG) were issued to ens...
Answered 12 Jun 2026
Original Parliament record
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