Written questions by Obese-Jecty.

Innovation and Technology, how much funding has been distributed from the National Security Strategic Investment Fund since 5 July 2024.

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 stake and not lead the rounds. As published in public accounts NSSIF invested via direct equity investments £8.6m in FY24-25. Accounts for FY25-26 will be published later in the year.Details of many of the companies in NSSIF's investment portfolio are published on NSSIF's website (www.nssif.gov.uk).

What the UK’s contribution is to the NATO Innovation Fund.

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. It will be NATO’s venture capital fund. The fund’s objectives are: Foster a pipeline of dual-use technologies that can be adopted by NATO and participating nations;Crowd-in investment from private investorsBe commercially successful, providing returns on investment. The cost to the UK of participating in the fund is c£11 million per annum until financial year 2029-30.

How many Royal Navy T45 Destroyers have been upgraded with Sea Ceptor CAMM.

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 in the surface fleet.

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.

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 not offer comment on information relating to foreign nation’s military operations. Permissions to utilise UK military bases are considered on a case-by-case basis and the decision to grant permission is dependent on the nature and purpose of their activity.

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 University of Birmingham in producing a national prevalence estimate.

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 of Birmingham in producing a national prevalence estimate for forced marriage and FGM.This study is due to conclude in March 2026 after which the Government will review the findings of both studies in the round and consider next steps, including publication.

What progress has he made in implementing Project SYNERGIA.

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.

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.

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 are not made public.

Which T23 is scheduled to deploy on Operation Firecrest as part of the HMS Prince of Wales Carrier Strike Group.

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 our forces and effectiveness of operations. Further detail about Operation Firecrest will be provided in due course.

By which date is HMS Dauntless scheduled to complete her current Fleet Time Support Period.

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 vessels

What assessment has he made of the level of risk posed by the YJ-12 anti-ship cruise missile to Royal Navy ships.

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 not made public.

What his planned timetable is for approving MHC Block 2 of Uncrewed Underwater Vehicles.

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. Approval of the Full Business Case for Block 2 is on track to achieve a Minimum Deployable Capability by the end of 2030.

Which F-35B squadron will deploy on Operation Firecrest.

I refer the hon. Member to the response to Question 119565 provided on 18 March 2026.

What is the decision point for the deployment of RFA Lyme Bay to the Eastern Mediterranean.

RFA Lyme Bay has sailed from Gibraltar, available for maritime tasks in the region should they be required.

What air-to-air counter-drone engagement training is currently provided to a) Typhoon and b) F-35B pilots.

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.

What assessment has he made of the potential merits of adopting the Mk22 Advanced Sniper Rifle for the UK Armed Forces.

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.

Elements of which squadron are the four additional RAF Typhoons deployed to Cyprus.

It is Government policy not to comment on operational security issues, therefore we will not be providing further details on this matter.

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.

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 for both Cambridgeshire and England are available at: https://explore-education-statistics.service.gov.uk/data-tables/permalink/b46a4968-aafd-4bd6-948a-08de4155ee12.Information on EHC plans maintained by local authorities, including requests for an EHC needs assessment, the number of assessments carried out, the number where a decision is made to assess, and the number of plans issued within 20 weeks, are included in the annual statistical release. The latest January 2025 statistics were published in June 2025 here: https://explore-education-statistics.service.gov.uk/find-statistics/education-health-and-care-plans/2025.The department monitors Cambridgeshire’s EHC plan timeliness through regular monitoring meetings. The information shared at these meetings is not published but informs the support and challenge that the department provides.Furthermore, as set out in the recent Schools White Paper and its associated consultation, the department is consulting on proposals to reform the special educational needs and disabilities system, including to ensure that the information, advice and guidance provided offers effective support for children, young people and their families, and promotes greater fairness across the system. The consultation can be found here: https://www.gov.uk/government/consultations/send-reform-putting-children-and-young-people-first.

How many Royal Navy frigates were ordered between a) 1980 -1997, b) 1997-2010 ) 2010-2024 and d) since 5th July 2024.

Royal Navy force structure and procurement plans are kept under continuous review.The number of Royal Navy frigates ordered in each period is as follows:(a) 1980–1997: 24(b) 1997–2010: None(c) 2010–2024: 13 (A number of these slots have been ceded as part of the Norwegian deal. The delta is yet to be made up through additional orders, and this will be a consideration of the Defence Investment Plan).(d) Since 5 July 2024: None.Seventeen other major warships were ordered in the period since 1980, including three assault ships, six Type 45 Destroyers; six River Class Offshore Patrol Vessels; and two Queen Elizabeth Class Aircraft Carriers. This number does not include ships converted from commercial service, coastal patrol and training vessels, survey vessels, mine countermeasures vessels, submarines or Royal Fleet Auxiliary vessels.

Under what command structure will HMS Dragon be under upon arrival in the Eastern Mediterranean in order to ensure protection of Cyprus is coordinated with the naval presence of NATO allies in the region.

HMS Dragon is a sovereign UK deployment to protect the interests of the UK, and the interests of our allies in the Eastern Mediterranean. The Royal Navy routinely operates alongside partners and allies, enabling the deconfliction of maritime and aviation assets to be embedded within routine operating procedures. Full details remain classified to ensure UK operational advantage.

How HMS Dragon will be deconflicted with NATO naval assets from a) the United States, b) France, c) Greece, d) Spain, e) Italy, f) the Netherlands and g) other allies once it arrives in the Eastern Mediterranean.

HMS Dragon is a sovereign UK deployment to protect the interests of the UK, and the interests of our allies in the Eastern Mediterranean. The Royal Navy routinely operates alongside partners and allies, enabling the deconfliction of maritime and aviation assets to be embedded within routine operating procedures. Full details remain classified to ensure UK operational advantage.