Ben Obese-Jecty MP: written questions
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Written questions
Ministry of Defence: Written QuestionsMinistry of DefenceTabled 12 Mar 2026AnsweredUIN 120452More
Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, pursuant to the answer of 23 January 2026 to question 106075, what progress he has made on providing a full response.
Answer: An answer will be provided shortly.
Answered 19 Mar 2026
Original Parliament recordNATO Innovation FundMinistry of DefenceTabled 12 Mar 2026AnsweredUIN 120451More
Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, what the UK’s contribution is to the NATO Innovation Fund.
Answer: Following agreement by the Secretary of State for Defence and Chancellor the UK’s participation in the NATO Innovation Fund was announced on 30 June 2022. The fund invests in start-ups developing technology which fall into one of NATO’s defined EDT groups...
Answered 23 Mar 2026
Original Parliament recordNational Security Strategic Investment FundDepartment for Science, Innovation and TechnologyTabled 12 Mar 2026AnsweredUIN 120450More
Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Science, Innovation and Technology, how much funding has been distributed from the National Security Strategic Investment Fund since 5 July 2024.
Answer: National Security Strategic Investment Fund (NSSIF) invests in dual use companies across Quantum, Space, AI, and Emerging Technologies, on a range of cheque sizes, co-investing typically at Seed or Series A funding rounds. NSSIF tends to take a minority s...
Answered 20 Mar 2026
Original Parliament recordUnmanned Marine Systems: North Atlantic OceanMinistry of DefenceTabled 12 Mar 2026AnsweredUIN 120449More
Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, what progress he has made in delivering Atlantic Net.
Answer: The Royal Navy (RN) will be deploying new undersea warfare technology as part of Atlantic Net, a new initiative that will see the RN rapidly field and iterate undersea warfare technology in collaboration with a Commercial Mission Partner or Partners. The ...
Answered 20 Mar 2026
Original Parliament recordType 45 Destroyers: Defence EquipmentMinistry of DefenceTabled 12 Mar 2026AnsweredUIN 120448More
Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, how many Royal Navy T45 Destroyers have been upgraded with Sea Ceptor CAMM.
Answer: Sea Ceptor is already in service on all Type 23 frigates and work is underway to introduce it onto the Type 45 Destroyers, as well as the new Type 26 and Type 31 Frigates. This expansion of Sea Ceptor will further strengthen local air defence capabilities...
Answered 10 Apr 2026
Original Parliament recordNavy: Defence EquipmentMinistry of DefenceTabled 12 Mar 2026AnsweredUIN 120443More
Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, which directive within the Ministry of Defence authorises the use of the Royal Navy’s Phalanx CIWS in a fully automated capacity.
Answer: As with all Armed Forces equipment capable of delivering lethal effect, the use of Phalanx is governed by strict Rules of Engagement. Internal directives relating to the use of weapons systems are operationally sensitive and are not disclosed.
Answered 18 Mar 2026
Original Parliament recordNavy: Defence EquipmentMinistry of DefenceTabled 12 Mar 2026AnsweredUIN 120442More
Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, whether the Royal Navy’s Phalanx CIWS is authorised to use lethal force.
Answer: As with all Armed Forces equipment capable of delivering lethal effect, the use of Phalanx is governed by strict Rules of Engagement. Internal directives relating to the use of weapons systems are operationally sensitive and are not disclosed.
Answered 18 Mar 2026
Original Parliament recordSkycutter: Unmanned Air SystemsMinistry of DefenceTabled 12 Mar 2026AnsweredUIN 120426More
Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, what discussions he has had with Skycutter on the procurement of the Shrike 10 Fiber FPV drone.
Answer: The Department has no records of formal engagement with Skycutter on the procurement of the Shrike 10 Fiber FPV drone.
Answered 19 Mar 2026
Original Parliament recordUnmanned Air Systems: ResearchMinistry of DefenceTabled 11 Mar 2026AnsweredUIN 120117More
Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, what progress has he made in implementing Project SYNERGIA.
Answer: Project SYNERGIA has been implemented.As the project supports research and development activity for future Counter Uncrewed Aerial System capability, it will remain in use until a core capability has been procured.
Answered 17 Mar 2026
Original Parliament recordUSA: RAF AkrotiriMinistry of DefenceTabled 11 Mar 2026AnsweredUIN 120116More
Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, pursuant to the answer of 11 March 2026 to question 118315 on USA: RAF Akrotiri, what is the scope of the permissions the US have been granted to use RAF Akrotiri.
Answer: As the Defence Secretary previously stated, the UK has agreed to a US request for permission to use RAF Fairford and Diego Garcia for specific defensive purposes to destroy Iranian missiles and launchers at source. For operational security reasons, we do ...
Answered 22 Apr 2026
Original Parliament recordWarships: Antiship MissilesMinistry of DefenceTabled 11 Mar 2026AnsweredUIN 120115More
Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, what assessment has he made of the level of risk posed by the YJ-12 anti-ship cruise missile to Royal Navy ships.
Answer: As part of its routine responsibilities, the Royal Navy carries out comprehensive analyses of potential threats to its operations and assets. To protect operational security and safeguard national defence interests, the results of these assessments are no...
Answered 19 Mar 2026
Original Parliament recordUnmanned Marine SystemsMinistry of DefenceTabled 11 Mar 2026AnsweredUIN 120114More
Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, what his planned timetable is for approving MHC Block 2 of Uncrewed Underwater Vehicles.
Answer: The Royal Navy’s Mine Hunting Capability (MHC) programme is being delivered in incremental blocks to ensure capability can be introduced and enhanced at pace. First of class Block 1 systems are entering service and undergoing operational evaluation. Appro...
Answered 19 Mar 2026
Original Parliament recordIran: Armed ConflictMinistry of DefenceTabled 11 Mar 2026AnsweredUIN 120113More
Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, what assessment has he made of the level of threat posed by China towards the first and second island chain following the reduction in US military magazine depth during Operation Epic Fury.
Answer: As part of its routine responsibilities, UK Defence conducts assessments of the military capabilities of other states including in the Indo-Pacific. To protect operational security and safeguard national defence interests, the results of these assessments...
Answered 17 Mar 2026
Original Parliament recordRiflesMinistry of DefenceTabled 11 Mar 2026AnsweredUIN 120112More
Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, what assessment has he made of the potential merits of adopting the Mk22 Advanced Sniper Rifle for the UK Armed Forces.
Answer: Work to consider the future sniper rifle for UK Armed Forces is currently in a pre-concept project, and as such formal consideration of systems and specifications has not yet taken place.
Answered 20 Mar 2026
Original Parliament recordRFA Lyme Bay: Mediterranean SeaMinistry of DefenceTabled 11 Mar 2026AnsweredUIN 120111More
Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, what is the decision point for the deployment of RFA Lyme Bay to the Eastern Mediterranean.
Answer: RFA Lyme Bay has sailed from Gibraltar, available for maritime tasks in the region should they be required.
Answered 20 Mar 2026
Original Parliament recordSpecial Educational Needs: CambridgeshireDepartment for EducationTabled 11 Mar 2026AnsweredUIN 120110More
Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Education, pursuant to the answer of 11 March 2026 to question 118316 on Special Educational Needs: Cambridgeshire, if she will publish the monthly data on Cambridgeshire’s education, health and care plan timeliness.
Answer: The department publishes information on the number of education, health and care (EHC) plans that are issued within the statutory 20-week timeframe. Excluding cases where exceptions apply, the number and percentage of plans issued within this timeframe fo...
Answered 10 Apr 2026
Original Parliament recordForced MarriageHome OfficeTabled 11 Mar 2026AnsweredUIN 120109More
Question: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, pursuant to the answer of 10 March 2026, to question 117496 on Forced Marriage, by what date she plans to complete the additional study to explore the viability of the approach recommended by the Univ
Answer: Published in December 2025, the “Freedom from Violence and Abuse: a cross-government strategy to build a safer society for women and girls” committed to conducting an additional study to explore the viability of the approach recommended by the University ...
Answered 16 Mar 2026
Original Parliament recordCyprus: Typhoon AircraftMinistry of DefenceTabled 11 Mar 2026AnsweredUIN 120108More
Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, elements of which squadron are the four additional RAF Typhoons deployed to Cyprus.
Answer: It is Government policy not to comment on operational security issues, therefore we will not be providing further details on this matter.
Answered 20 Mar 2026
Original Parliament recordMilitary Aircraft: TrainingMinistry of DefenceTabled 11 Mar 2026AnsweredUIN 120107More
Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, what air-to-air counter-drone engagement training is currently provided to a) Typhoon and b) F-35B pilots.
Answer: Using both live flying and realistic synthetic training simulation, Typhoon and F-35B Lightning aircrew continuously train for countering and defeating the full spectrum of airborne threats including drones.
Answered 19 Mar 2026
Original Parliament recordNavy: Arctic and North Atlantic OceanMinistry of DefenceTabled 11 Mar 2026AnsweredUIN 120106More
Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, which F-35B squadron will deploy on Operation Firecrest.
Answer: I refer the hon. Member to the response to Question 119565 provided on 18 March 2026.
Answered 20 Mar 2026
Original Parliament recordType 23 Frigates: Arctic and North Atlantic OceanMinistry of DefenceTabled 11 Mar 2026AnsweredUIN 120105More
Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, which T23 is scheduled to deploy on Operation Firecrest as part of the HMS Prince of Wales Carrier Strike Group.
Answer: Detail on Operation Firecrest can be found at the following link: https://www.gov.uk/government/news/uk-carrier-strike-group-to-deploy-to-north-atlantic-to-keep-uk-safe I am unable to comment further at this time to do so would compromise the security of ...
Answered 18 Mar 2026
Original Parliament recordHMS Dauntless: Repairs and MaintenanceMinistry of DefenceTabled 11 Mar 2026AnsweredUIN 120104More
Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, by which date is HMS Dauntless scheduled to complete her current Fleet Time Support Period.
Answer: HMS Dauntless is presently engaged in her Fleet Time Support Period in line with the Royal Navy’s planned maintenance cycle. In accordance with established practice, the Royal Navy does not routinely comment on the detailed operational programme of its ve...
Answered 18 Mar 2026
Original Parliament recordHMS Prince of Wales: Arctic and North Atlantic OceanMinistry of DefenceTabled 10 Mar 2026AnsweredUIN 119565More
Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, when HMS Prince of Wales is scheduled to deploy on Operation Firecrest.
Answer: Detail on Operation Firecrest can be found at the following link: https://www.gov.uk/government/news/uk-carrier-strike-group-to-deploy-to-north-atlantic-to-keep-uk-safe I am unable to comment further at this time to do so would compromise the security of ...
Answered 18 Mar 2026
Original Parliament recordAsylum: DeportationHome OfficeTabled 10 Mar 2026AnsweredUIN 119564More
Question: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, which nationalities are included in the Enhanced Voluntary Returns offer pilot.
Answer: This pilot is about fairness and control. The scheme is designed to get families out of costly hotels faster, remove incentives to delay, and save taxpayers money. We will see if it works and scale if it does.We expect people to take the offer and leave t...
Answered 18 Mar 2026
Original Parliament recordAsylum: DeportationHome OfficeTabled 10 Mar 2026AnsweredUIN 119563More
Question: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, on which date will the Enhanced Voluntary Returns offer pilot end.
Answer: This pilot is about fairness and control. The scheme is designed to get families out of costly hotels faster, remove incentives to delay, and save taxpayers money. We will see if it works and scale if it does.We expect people to take the offer and leave t...
Answered 18 Mar 2026
Original Parliament record
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