Written questions by Obese-Jecty.

Pursuant to the Answer of 24 March 2026 to Question 121206 on Police: Vehicles, what guidance has been provided to Chief Constables by the NPCC on understanding and effectively managing risks from connected vehicles.

The Government prioritises national security and does not routinely provide details on operational matters or specific threats.The Home Office works closely with the National Technical Authorities, Police Digital Service, National Police Chief’s Council (NPCC), alongside other Government Departments, to fully understand and address cyber vulnerabilities, proportional to the threat.Guidance provided covered proportionate risk-based measures on the in-life management, data handling, and disposal of Connected Vehicles. We will continue to work with partners to ensure the guidance remains up to date and that forces follow guidance appropriately.

What assessment he has made of the potential security breach following the theft of the mobile phone of the former Chief Advisor to the Prime Minister, Morgan McSweeney in October 2024.

The Government takes matters of national security very seriously, including cyber security, and has robust procedures in place to prevent the loss of sensitive information. However the Government does not routinely comment on the specifics on matters relating to national security.

What steps his Department took to help prevent the exploitation of data from the unlocked mobile phone of the former Chief Advisor to the Prime Minister following its theft in October 2024.

The former Chief of Staff’s phone was stolen, and he reported it at the time to the police and relevant teams in No10. This was before the Humble Address that was passed in February. The Government is committed to complying with the Humble Address in full, while continuing to support the Metropolitan Police with their investigation. I refer the Hon Member to the statement provided by the Metropolitan Police on 25 March and publication of the transcript confirming that the theft was reported.

On what date is HMS Daring due to a) start and b) finish sea trials.

As the hon. Gentleman will recall, in accordance with established practice, the Royal Navy does not routinely comment on the detailed operational programme of its vessels.

What role did Director Strategic Capability, Engagement and Operations, Defence Equipment and Support, Lieutenant General Anna-Lee Reilly, play in the decision of the Army to declare Initial Operating Capability for Ajax in September 2025.

The Army confirmed Initial Operating Capability internally on 15 September 2025 at the Chief of the General Staff Command Group. Director General Materiel Delivery sits outside the Army’s command structure and is not a member of this group.

What steps were taken by the former Chief Advisor to the Prime Minister to report the theft of his mobile phone to security services in October 2024.

The former Chief of Staff’s phone was stolen, and he reported it at the time to the police and relevant teams in No10. This was before the Humble Address that was passed in February. The Government is committed to complying with the Humble Address in full, while continuing to support the Metropolitan Police with their investigation. I refer the Hon Member to the statement provided by the Metropolitan Police on 25 March and publication of the transcript confirming that the theft was reported.

For what reason he withdrew HMS Dragon from the Standing NATO Maritime Group One commitment.

I refer the hon. Member to the answer I gave on 16 March 2026 to Question 119559.

On what date was the decision taken to withdraw HMS Dragon from the Standing NATO Maritime Group One commitment.

I refer the hon. Member to the answer I gave on 16 March 2026 to Question 119559.

Pursuant to the Answer of 24 March 2026 to Question 121233 on Qatar: Air Force, what the reason given by the Qatari Government was for the formal request of 12 Squadron moving to Qatar.

The Qatari government made a formal request in January to deploy 12 Squadron in support of their collective self-defence noting rising regional tensions.

For what reasons the Royal Navy’s commitment to provide the flagship for the Standing NATO Maritime Group One would be rescheduled.

I refer the hon. Member to the answer I gave on 16 March 2026 to Question 119559.

On what date discussions were held between his Department and (a) NATO and (b) the Deutsche Marine regarding the replacement of HMS Dragon by the German frigate Sachsen in the Standing NATO Maritime Group One commitment.

I refer the hon. Member to the answer I gave on 16 March 2026 to Question 119559.

Pursuant to the Answer of 24 March 2026 to question 121233 on Qatar: Air Force, on what date the formal request from the Qatari Government was received to deploy 12 Squadron to Qatar.

The Qatari government made a formal request in January to deploy 12 Squadron in support of their collective self-defence noting rising regional tensions.

What assessment has he made of the potential impact upon the UK military of a Chinese invasion of Taiwan.

The UK actively monitors and assesses all emerging threats to national security to safeguard the nation's interests. It would be inappropriate to comment on a hypothetical operational scenario.

Whether any British service personnel are currently serving with the United States Army 82nd Airborne Division.

For reasons of operational and personnel security, the Ministry of Defence does not comment on the specific roles, locations, or units in which UK personnel may be embedded.

Whether any British service personnel are serving with the United States Marine Corps 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit.

For reasons of operational and personnel security, the Ministry of Defence does not comment on the specific roles, locations, or units in which UK personnel may be embedded.

When did the Royal Navy last hold the flagship Standing NATO Maritime Group One commitment.

The Royal Navy (RN) has never held the Flagship role for Standing NATO Maritime Group (SNMG)1 but regularly commits resources to the Group.

What assessment he has made of the potential impact of the use of a) Maham-3 and b) Maham-7 naval mines by Iran on freedom of navigation in the Strait of Hormuz.

As part of routine operational planning, the Ministry of Defence conducts frequent assessments of maritime threats and the activity of other States. To protect operational security and safeguard national defence interests, the results of these assessments are not made public.

What assessment has he made of the potential risk posed to British shipping in the Bab el Mandeb Strait by the Houthis.

The UK Government regularly assesses the security situation in the region including the Bab el Mandeb Strait. The Department for Transport, supported by the Royal Navy’s UK Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO) organisation, continues to provide UK and Red Ensign flagged shipping with advice on the risk posed by the Houthis to merchant vessels.

How many Rapid Sentry Systems have been procured for the RAF Regiment.

I am withholding the number of Rapid Sentry that have been procured as it would prejudice the capability, security and effectiveness of the Armed Forces.

Whether HMS Duncan was the Royal Navy fleet-ready escort on 1 February 2026.

I refer the hon. Member to the answer I gave to the right. hon Member for Rayleigh and Wickford (Mark Francois MP) on 12 March 2026 to Question number 118155. Written questions and answers - Written questions, answers and statements - UK Parliament