Every parliamentary written question tabled by Ben Obese-Jecty this session, with the full answer and department. Back to the MP page.
Showing 801–820 of 4,527 · this parliament
What assessment he has made of the inability of UK and US counter-Uncrewed Air Systems defences to intercept the drone that struck the runway at RAF Akrotiri on 2 March 2026.
Since January, we have sent additional air defence assets to Cyprus, including radar systems, counter-drone systems, F-35 jets, and ground-based air defence. We have deployed HMS DRAGON along with Merlin airborne surveillance helicopters and Wildcat helicopters with specific anti-drone capability.
Whether he has launched an investigation into the inability of UK and US counter-Uncrewed Air Systems defences to intercept the drone that struck the runway at RAF Akrotiri on 2 March 2026.
Since January, we have sent additional air defence assets to Cyprus, including radar systems, counter-drone systems, F-35 jets, and ground-based air defence. We have deployed HMS DRAGON along with Merlin airborne surveillance helicopters and Wildcat helicopters with specific anti-drone capability.
Pursuant to the answer of 3 March 2026, to question 116395 on Female Genital Mutilation and Forced Marriage, whether male victims of forced marriage are included within the scope of the national prevalence estimate.
Published in December 2025, “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.The government is clear that whilst forced marriage disproportionately impacts women and girls, it also impacts men and boys. Whilst the study is still ongoing, any national prevalence estimate for forced marriage would include male victims.
Whether any elements of No. 2 Force Protection Counter-Uncrewed Aerial Systems Wing deployed to the Sovereign Base Areas of Akrotiri and Dhekalia during the drone attack on RAF Akrotiri on 2 March 2026.
No.2 Force Protection Counter-Uncrewed Aerial Systems Wing was deployed to the Sovereign Base Area of Akrotiri before the drone attack on RAF Akrotiri on 2 March 2026.
What discussions has he had with his a) US counterparts or b) senior US military personnel, regarding the effectiveness of the US military’s one-way effectors used in the attack on Iran.
The US is the UK’s closest defence and security partner. The Secretary of State and his officials are in regular contact with US counterparts on a range of topics to ensure coherence and alignment between our two nations. You would not expect me to go into detail of operational discussions with the United States, including specific assessments of US capabilities or systems.
What is the full scope of Project SAGE.
SAGE is a project to test the use of satellite communications, 4G, and Wi-Fi in places or buildings where digital signals are normally restricted.
What is the full scope of Project Synergia.
Project SYNERGIA is the Royal Air Force's research and development programme to inform the requirements for a core capability to provide protection for fixed sites from the threat of drones.
With reference to page 22 of the policy paper entitled SEND Reform: Putting Children and Young People First, published on 23 February 2026, CP1509, how (a) schools, (b) colleges and (c) early years settings in Huntingdonshire will access the capital funding.
We are investing at least £3.7 billion in high needs capital funding between 2025/26 and 2029/30 to support local authorities to provide places for children and young people with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND), or who require alternative provision. This funding is expected to fund a transformative expansion of inclusion bases, as well as adaptations to improve the accessibility and inclusivity of mainstream settings. It can also be used to create special school places for pupils with the most complex needs.This reflects the statutory responsibility of local authorities to ensure there are sufficient school places for pupils in their area, including those with SEND. Accordingly, schools, colleges and early years settings in Huntingdonshire access this investment through Cambridgeshire County Council. In 2025/26, Cambridgeshire County Council received £7.1 million high needs capital. We will publish local authority high needs capital allocations for 2026/27 in Spring 2026.
If he will make an assessment of the potential implications for his policies of the use of the Shuiqiao landing barge by the Chinese navy.
The People’s Liberation Army (PLA) Navy’s Shuiqiao landing barge is a significant development in China’s amphibious power projection capability. As laid out in last year’s Strategic Defence Review, the UK recognises China's rapid military modernisation and its use of new capabilities to attempt to establish regional dominance. Growing Chinese assertiveness is a key driver of regional and global instability. Defence can contribute to wider Government efforts to defend and shape international rules and norms in the region through strengthening regional partners and protecting freedom of navigation. In regional disputes, we continue to encourage all parties to settle their disputes peacefully through existing legal mechanisms.
With reference to his Department's press release entitled Australia-UK Defence Industry Dialogue: Joint Statement, published in 23 February 2026, what steps he has taken to explore options that maximise opportunities to strengthen the UK collective steel industrial base with that of Australia.
I was pleased to host Minister Pat Conroy for the first Australia-UK Defence Industry Dialogue since 2018. As one of our closest allies, we had constructive discussions on how we can work together towards a safer and prosperous future. A cornerstone of doing so is the AUKUS partnership, which will drive growth, create thousands of jobs and provide new opportunities across the trilateral submarine supply chain, building essential resilience into this vital area of our Defence industry. With this in mind, we continue to work with Australia to understand how each country’s steel industry can provide optimal support for our respective SSN-AUKUS build programmes. Opportunities for the UK steel industry have already been realised, with Sheffield Forgemasters producing components for Australia’s SSN-AUKUS submarines. This has been underpinned by the £6 billion investment into the UK’s submarine building infrastructure that the Government announced in the Strategic Defence Review and a further £2.4 billion that Australia is providing to support capacity growth at Rolls-Royce Submarines and Sheffield Forgemasters.
If she will make an assessment of the potential impact on global reinsurance markets of war risk insurance coverage for the Strait of Hormuz being cancelled by marine insurers.
The Treasury is in regular contact with the Bank of England, international counterparts, and affected industries, including our maritime sector. I recently met with Lloyd’s of London as part of the government’s ongoing work to monitor impacts from the unfolding conflict in Iran and the Middle East. The Treasury will continue to monitor global insurance markets, including war risk insurance coverage.
What is the full scope of Project ONION.
You will note the recent publication on the Gov.UK website on 24 February which confirmed that the Ministry of Defence has trialled a series of projects designed to improve the UK's ability to outload munitions quickly and at scale. ONION seeks to capture lessons and policy challenges which have constrained munitions innovation.
How many ORCUS counter-UAS systems have been procured by the Ministry of Defence.
I am withholding the information requested as its disclosure would, or would likely to prejudice the capability, effectiveness or security of the Armed Forces.
What is the full scope of Project PAXO.
PAXO is a project to look at ways of packing munitions more efficiently. It tests new tools and methods to speed up loading munitions into shipping containers making the process faster, safer and less labour-intensive.
What information his Department holds on the type of drone struck the runway during the attack on RAF Akrotiri on 2 March 2026.
The Ministry of Defence can confirm that a drone targeted RAF Akrotiri on 2 March was not launched from Iran. Our best assessment is that it came from Lebanon or Iraq.
What country was the launch location of the drone that struck the runway during the attack on RAF Akrotiri on 2 March 2026.
The Ministry of Defence can confirm that a drone targeted RAF Akrotiri on 2 March was not launched from Iran. Our best assessment is that it came from Lebanon or Iraq.
With reference to page 64 of the policy paper entitled SEND Reform: Putting Children and Young People First, published on 23 February 2026, CP1509, when she expects recommendations from the national expert panel on specialist provision packages to be published.
The government’s consultation on special educational needs and disabilities reform, ‘Putting Children and Young People First’, sets out the proposal to introduce Specialist Provision Packages, which would provide comprehensive, evidence-based support for children and young people with the most complex needs. This is subject to consultation.The packages will be developed and reviewed by experts, tested with parents and supported through continued multi-agency working. Legislation to introduce the new packages, and the independent expert panel that will oversee them, will be brought forward at the earliest opportunity, with guidance to follow so settings can plan and prepare ahead of proposed implementation from September 2029.
With reference to page 63 of the policy paper entitled SEND Reform: Putting Children and Young People First, published on 23 February 2026, CP1509, when she plans to introduce new specialist provision packages.
The government’s consultation on special educational needs and disabilities reform, ‘Putting Children and Young People First’, sets out the proposal to introduce Specialist Provision Packages, which would provide comprehensive, evidence-based support for children and young people with the most complex needs. This is subject to consultation.The packages will be developed and reviewed by experts, tested with parents and supported through continued multi-agency working. Legislation to introduce the new packages, and the independent expert panel that will oversee them, will be brought forward at the earliest opportunity, with guidance to follow so settings can plan and prepare ahead of proposed implementation from September 2029.
Whether he has received the completed Defence Finance and Investment Strategy.
As set out in the Defence Industrial Strategy, the Defence Finance and Investment Strategy (DFIS) is set to be developed by early 2026. It is currently on track for publication in spring, and the Secretary of State for Defence has been kept informed of the progress.
If he has received the overarching Infrastructure Recapitalisation Plan as per Recommendation 59 of the Strategic Defence Review.
The overarching Infrastructure Recapitalisation Plan, as outlined in Recommendation 59 of the Strategic Defence Review, has not yet been submitted.