Every parliamentary written question tabled by Ben Obese-Jecty this session, with the full answer and department. See how every department answers, or back to the MP page.
Showing 2,681–2,700 of 4,549 · this parliament
Pursuant to the Answer of 8 September 2025 to Question 73614 on Challenger Tanks: Supply Chains, when trials for Challenger 3 are due to be completed ahead of acceptance of the final build standard.
The Challenger 3 trials are currently planned to conclude by the end of 2026. This timeline is subject to ongoing review by the project team to ensure it remains aligned with delivery milestones, operational requirements, and any emerging technical risk.
What the full scope is of Project Keyes.
Project KEYES is a pre-concept plan to replace the L115 and L121 Sniper rifles in the early 2030s and will consider requirements as it progresses.
Pursuant to the Answer of 8 September 2025 to Question 72212 on F-35 Aircraft: Nuclear Weapons, what progress he has made on integration of (a) Meteor and (b) SPEAR 3 via the F-35 Joint Program Office.
I refer the hon. Member to the Answer my predecessor gave to him on 9 June 2025 to Question 52037, and I gave to him on 8 September to Question 73567.
Pursuant to the Answer of 8 September 2025 to Question 72208 on Unmanned Air Systems: Military Aid, on what dates were the 13 Military Aid to Civil Authority requests from 2022 to 2 September 2025 fulfilled by 2 C-UAS Wing; in what locations; and for which organisations.
I can provide some of the detail requested, however as the requests related to nationally significant events and other discreet tasks, I am withholding some information where its disclosure would, or would be likely to prejudice the capability, effectiveness or security of the Armed Forces. Date Location Organisation supported 24 July - 10 August 2022 Birmingham Birmingham Police 9 - 14 September 2022 Edinburgh Police Scotland 13 - 20 September 2022 London Thames Valley Police 3 - 8 May 2023 RAF Northolt Metropolitan Police and Thames Valley Police 8 - 14 May 2023 Liverpool Liverpool Police 15 - 17 June 2023 London Metropolitan Police 20 - 23 June 2023 London Metropolitan Police 3 - 6 June 2024 Portsmouth Hampshire Police 15 - 29 July 2024 Blenheim Palace Thames Valley Police
How many military personnel work at the National Space Operations Centre.
The National Space Operations Centre (NSpOC) is staffed by civilian and military personnel and acts as a central hub for UK Control of Space operations, working in collaboration with the UK Space Agency and the Met Office. No 1 Space Operations Squadron is the military component of NSpoC with over 50 military personnel monitoring space activity and defending the UK's ability to operate in space.
What progress his Department has made on the (a) Mini Uncrewed Air Systems and (b) Beyond Visual Line of Sight persistent ISTAR aspects of the TIQUILA programme.
Project TIQUILA is delivering two Uncrewed Air Systems capabilities, Eagle and Kestral, to the British Army. Both of which reached the Army’s Initial Operating Capability in April 2025.
Pursuant to the Answer of 8 September 2025 to Question 71962 on Cambridgeshire Constabulary: Stun Guns, what is her planned timetable for taking a decision on whether to approve the Taser 10 for police use.
We are considering the results of independent testing and assessments of the Taser 10, as you would expect, before taking a decision on whether to approve it for police use.The government is committed to giving police the necessary tools to protect the public, prevent harm and save lives.
What comparative assessment he has made of the suitability of the (a) Ares vehicle platform for offensive infantry operations and (b) the Ajax Infantry Fighting Vehicle variant.
The Army continues to undergo a combined programme of work to ensure our Land Forces will have the lethality, protection and mobility to fight and win against any adversary. The ARES variant of Ajax is designed for mounted close combat and is being delivered to the Field Army. The decision to field ARES with Infantry Battalions was taken after a considerable assessment programme. There is currently no Ajax Infantry Fighting Vehicle (IFV) variant and whilst there is a concept demonstrator, this is not a prototype IFV. The Army continually assesses the requirements to deliver the Armoured Infantry Capability.
Pursuant to the answer of 4 September 2025 to Question 72359 on Economic Situation: Subversion, what progress he has made in simplifying export support services.
The Department for Business and Trade (DBT) has integrated its support for SMEs into the Business Growth Service platform, designed to help businesses across the UK start, scale up, and succeed globally. From tailored market advice and free Export Academy training to UK Export Finance and our on-the-ground network around the world, DBT is making it easier for businesses to navigate global markets, connect to new opportunities, and build the capability to seize them. Businesses can access DBT's wealth of export support via Business.gov.uk.We continue to review how we can improve our support, and as part of this process, we target resources that will have the greatest impact for UK businesses.
With reference to her oral contribution of 1 September 2025 on Borders and Asylum, Volume 772, column 51, what are the locations of the three accommodation pilots.
We are actively working with local authorities to develop several potential accommodation models that could ‘pilot’ a more sustainable, flexible and collaborative outcome. These ‘pilot’ models will examine potential alternative accommodation sources – in collaboration with local authorities – promoting community cohesion and joint initiatives. Decisions on specific locations will be made on a case-by-case basis, and we will continue to work closely with local authorities and in compliance with published policy.
Pursuant to the Answer of 4 September 2025 to Question 72359 on Economic Situation: Subversion, what progress he has made on establishing an Economic Security Advisory Service.
The Economic Security Advisory Service (ESAS) will streamline government expertise and guidance to help protect UK business competitiveness against economic security risks and threats. The Service is being piloted during the current financial year, with the ambition to scale up over the Spending Review period. To date, extensive engagement with industry and partners in the UK and overseas is being used to develop a digital offer, which will sit alongside bespoke sector specific support.We will continue to monitor progress and draw on industry feedback to ensure that the Service meets user needs.
Pursuant to the Answer of 4 September 2025 to Question 74064 on Undocumented Migrants: English Channel, what is the end date of the pilot.
As set out in Article 22 (1) of the UK-France treaty, the end date of the pilot is 11 June 2026. Both the UK and France have committed to continually review and improve the process and effectiveness of the pilot, pending decisions on the long-term future of the arrangements after June 2026. Further information on the UK-France treaty can be found at the following link:https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/ukfrance-agreement-on-the-prevention-of-dangerous-journeys-cs-france-no22025.
Commonwealth and Development Affairs, pursuant to the Answer of 3 September 2025 to Question 69511 on James Scott Rhys Anderson, on what dates his Department has raised the issue of James Scott Rhys Anderson with their Ukrainian counterparts.
The UK regularly raises Mr Anderson's case with Ukrainian counterparts. Most recently, the former Foreign Secretary raised the case with Foreign Minister Sybiha on 15 August. The Prime Minister raised the case with President Zelenskyy on 24 July. I raised the case with Deputy Foreign Minister Mishchenko in June. We have been clear to the Russian authorities that Mr Anderson must be treated as a Prisoner of War, in accordance with International Humanitarian Law. We remain in close contact with Mr Anderson's family and are providing consular support.
What the end date is of the current concept phase of Project Grayburn.
I refer the hon. Member to the answer given on 12 May to Question 49814, which advised that Project GRAYBURN aims to enter its assessment phase in 2026, following completion of its concept phase.
Pursuant to the Answer of 3 September 2025 to Question 72570 on National Security: Infrastructure, if he will publish the list of businesses that he provided advice on security and resilience best practice.
As set out in the Resilience Action Plan on 14 July, the Government is actively engaging with the private sector to ensure a whole of society approach to building and strengthening resilience. This takes place via a range of conduits to build on existing relationships and expertise, including through business networks, such as Resilience First and the Confederation of British Industry. Lead Government Departments hold responsibility for sector specific engagement, and the National Technical Authorities (National Cyber Security Centre and National Protective Security Authority) also provide advice to UK industry, including industry classified as Critical National Infrastructure, on security and resilience best practice. There are no plans to publish a list of business engagements, given the different fora that these conversations take place within.
Pursuant to the Answer of 3 September 2025 to Question 72570 on National Security: Infrastructure, what progress he has made on developing a new Cyber Resilience Index.
The government is working tirelessly to improve the cyber resilience of our most critical services and systems, including the UK’s Critical National Infrastructure (CNI). Improving our understanding of the cyber risk we are carrying as a nation is fundamental to this. In order to build a better understanding of cyber risk, we are developing a new Cyber Resilience Index (CRI) which will build on existing measures of cyber resilience to provide a cross-sector, holistic overview of cyber resilience for UK CNI, allowing us to target resilience building efforts. The Cabinet Office is working closely with the National Cyber Security Centre and CNI Lead Government Departments to progress the CRI. We are keen for this to be a collaborative process so that the Index delivers for all CNI sectors. More widely, the upcoming Cyber Security & Resilience Bill will also address the evolving cyber risk picture for CNI sectors across the UK.
How many civil monetary penalties have been imposed by the Office for Trade Sanctions Implementation since October 2024.
None.
Pursuant to the Answer of 4 September 2025 to Question 72359 on Economic Situation: Subversion, what progress he has made in establishing a supply chain centre.
The government has announced its intention to launch a Supply Chain Centre within the Department of Business and Trade. Work is now underway to establish the Centre, which is currently operating in shadow form. The Centre will lead work to strengthen the resilience of supply chains critical to the UK's economic growth and security, with particular emphasis on bolstering the resilience of high-growth industries identified in the Industrial Strategy.The Centre will be formally launched in 2026, with more detail on these plans to be shared in due course..
Pursuant to the Answer of 3 September 2025 to Question 73377 on Strategic Defence Review, by when does he expect the infrastructure pillar to have been established.
As set out in the National Security Strategy and the Resilience Action Plan (RAP), protection and defence of Critical National Infrastructure is a central strand of the Cabinet Office-led cross-Government Home Defence Programme. This is overseen centrally by the Chief Secretary to the Prime Minister. The commitments from the RAP will be delivered over the course of this Parliament.
Pursuant to the Answer of 3 September 2025 to Question 72570 on National Security: Infrastructure, when he plans to have completed delivery of CNI Knowledge Base.
The CNI Knowledge Base is a secure digital tool that is designed to be a “single source of truth for UK CNI’’. CNI Knowledge Base is part of the National Situation Centre. The CNI Knowledge Base’s roll-out across the government is complete. The Knowledge Base maps both physical and logical CNI systems and the supporting systems which keep them running. This enables government to identify linkages and dependencies between systems and across CNI sectors. Departments are already using it to understand key CNI systems and the potential impacts of hazards, threats and risks. We are continually introducing new features and onboarding more users.