Written questions by Obese-Jecty.

Communities and Local Government, how much funding from the Pride in Place programme will be allocated to Huntingdon constituency.

The Pride in Place programme specifically targets funding to communities with the poorest social and economic outcomes, identified using a composite measure of deprivation (Index of Multiple Deprivation (IMD)) and community need (Community Needs Index (CNI)), which can be found here. Huntingdon was not one of the areas identified for inclusion in the Pride in Place programme through this methodology. However, every constituency benefits from our wider Pride in Place strategy which will equip neighbourhoods, like those in your constituency, with the tools to drive transformational change that reflects local priorities.

What assessment has he made of the potential impact on minehunting and disposal capability in the a) Strait of Hormuz and b) wider Gulf region of withdrawing HMS Middleton on 25th January.

The UK is committed to supporting our interests and the interests of our allies in the Gulf region. We collaborate closely with allies and partners to maintain an Expeditionary Mine Warfare capability – this includes the introduction of the latest autonomous mine hunting capabilities.

If the preparation to deploy HMS Dragon for deployment to the eastern Mediterranean is funded from the Special Reserve.

In her statement to the House on 9 March, the Chancellor confirmed that she had approved access for the Ministry of Defence to the special reserve to deploy additional capabilities in the middle east.

What discussions has he had with a) his US counterparts or b) Spektreworks, regarding the Low-cost Uncrewed Combat Attack System (LUCAS).

The Department has no records of formal engagement with US counterparts or SpektreWorks regarding the Low‑Cost Uncrewed Combat Attack System (LUCAS).

Elements of which F-35B squadron is currently deployed to Cyprus.

We cannot release any further information on this matter due to operational security reasons.

What ships from NATO allies will deploy as escorts to HMS Prince of Wales Carrier Strike Group on Operation Firecrest.

Operation Firecrest is intended to include key allies, including the US, Canada and Joint Expeditionary Force (JEF) nations. We are continuing to refine with our allies the specific capabilities these will contribute to the deployment, although this information is operationally sensitive and therefore will not be disclosed.

What assessment he has made of the potential impact of the establishment of the Baltic Military Mobility Area on UK armed forces operations in Estonia.

The United Kingdom remains firmly committed to Estonia as the framework nation for NATO’s forward land forces. The purpose of the Baltic Military Mobility Area (MMA) is to harmonise procedures for the movement of military personnel and equipment across Estonia, Latvia and Lithuania. The alignment of infrastructure standards and legal authorisations will facilitate the movement of allied forces across the region. We recognise that the ability to reinforce and sustain forward‑deployed units is essential to the effective delivery of NATO’s defence plans, and that military mobility initiatives are therefore central to collective deterrence and defence.

Whether the Royal Marines will deploy any sub-units on Operation Firecrest.

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-s… 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.

What discussions has he had with (a) his United States counterparts and (b) the United States military on the drone attack at RAF Akrotiri.

Both the Defence Secretary and Defence Officials remain in regular contact with US counterparts on a range of topics to ensure coherence and alignment between our two nations including operational matters.

Whether the additional preparation work to enable another Daring-class Royal Navy ship to replace HMS Dragon in its role as flagship of the NATO Standing Naval Maritime Group 1 will be funded from the Special Reserve.

In her statement to the House on 9 March, the Chancellor confirmed that she had approved access for the Ministry of Defence to the special reserve to deploy additional capabilities in the middle east.

Which building at RAF Akrotiri was struck by the attack drone on 2 March 2026.

The device struck a hangar.

How many China-linked instances of (a) espionage or (b) assisting a foreign intelligence service have been identified in the UK since 5t July 2024.

As is longstanding government policy, it would be inappropriate to comment on specific national security matters.Where there are individuals who pose a threat to our national security, we will use the full range of powers available to disrupt them. This includes the National Security Act 2023, which introduced a significant package of measures to be used against the full range of state threats activity.

If he will publish the outcome of the formal investigation into the abscondment of Daniel Boakye.

The formal investigation into the circumstances surrounding the escape from custody is due to be completed by 20 March.Reports of internal investigations of this nature are not normally published.

What is the operational use of RAF Akrotiri by the United States Air Force on Operation Olive Harvest.

For operational security reasons, we do not offer comment or 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.

What steps her Department is taking to actively monitor Cambridgeshire’s recovery plan to reduce EHCP backlogs.

The department is providing targeted help for Cambridgeshire, including a specialist special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) adviser and sector-led improvement support from Islington Council. Officials collect monthly data on Cambridgeshire’s education, health and care plan timeliness and this informs monthly discussions on SEND performance with the local area.

By what date will the formal investigation into the abscondment of Daniel Boakye be completed.

The formal investigation into the circumstances surrounding the escape from custody is due to be completed by 20 March.Reports of internal investigations of this nature are not normally published.

Pursuant to the answer of 4 March 2026 to question 114218 on Veterans: Mental Health Services, how will services become a VALOUR Recognised Centre and what will the eligibility criteria be.

VALOUR will give veterans across the UK easier access to the essential care and support available to them. VALOUR Recognised Centres (VRC) will enable veterans, and in due course the wider Armed Forces Community, to access in-person guidance and support. Applications for the first round of VALOUR Development Funding for organisations wishing to become a VRC closed on 14 January 2026. They are currently being assessed, and successful bids will be announced in due course. The VALOUR Recognised Centres Development Fund is administered by the Armed Forces Covenant Fund Trust (AFCFT) on behalf of the Office for Veterans' Affairs (OVA). Further detail on the fund’s criteria is published on the AFCFT website. A network of VALOUR Field Officers (VFOs) will aim to bring together charities, service providers, and local government to improve collaboration and coordination and enable data-driven policy and service development. The first phase of recruitment for VFOs is currently underway. VALOUR HQ, within the MOD, will gather data and insight, working with policy and research teams to ensure services are designed to meet local needs. The HQ team is currently being established within the Office for Veterans’ Affairs.

Pursuant to the answer of 4 March 2026 to question 114218 on Veterans: Mental Health Services, by when will he establish a) a VALOUR HQ and b) a network of VALOUR Field Officers.

VALOUR will give veterans across the UK easier access to the essential care and support available to them. VALOUR Recognised Centres (VRC) will enable veterans, and in due course the wider Armed Forces Community, to access in-person guidance and support. Applications for the first round of VALOUR Development Funding for organisations wishing to become a VRC closed on 14 January 2026. They are currently being assessed, and successful bids will be announced in due course. The VALOUR Recognised Centres Development Fund is administered by the Armed Forces Covenant Fund Trust (AFCFT) on behalf of the Office for Veterans' Affairs (OVA). Further detail on the fund’s criteria is published on the AFCFT website. A network of VALOUR Field Officers (VFOs) will aim to bring together charities, service providers, and local government to improve collaboration and coordination and enable data-driven policy and service development. The first phase of recruitment for VFOs is currently underway. VALOUR HQ, within the MOD, will gather data and insight, working with policy and research teams to ensure services are designed to meet local needs. The HQ team is currently being established within the Office for Veterans’ Affairs.

Pursuant to the answer of 4 March 2026 to question 115637 on Daniel Boakye, what additional management checks are being undertaken in relation to operational staff who may be called upon to undertake escort duty.

We have introduced a period of enhanced management assurance for all external escorts. Under these strengthened measures, a manager of the same grade or a more senior grade is required to check the application of restraints prior to an escort and ensure additional restraint arrangements are utilised where necessary. In addition, all operational staff who may be involved in an escort have been required to complete refreshed competency activity.

Whether the drone that struck RAF Akrotiri on 2 March 2026 struck an aircraft hangar.

The drone that struck RAF Akrotiri on 2 March 2026 did strike a hangar causing minimal damage.