Every parliamentary written question tabled by Ben Obese-Jecty this session, with the full answer and department. Back to the MP page.
Showing 841–860 of 4,527 · this parliament
Whether he has had discussions with representatives from India on the development of the engine for their new Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft.
The Ministry of Defence continues to engage at all levels to support and advance the UK’s bid for the Engine Development Programme for India’s Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft. Deepening the UK-India relationship on defence capability is a Prime Minister priority, as outlined by the recently published Defence Industrial Roadmap.
What is the full scope of the Low-Cost Effectors & Autonomous Platforms’ initiative.
The LEAP initiative is another firm signal of European collective commitments, delivering a united front of deterrence against Russia. LEAP will embrace groundbreaking industry innovation to exploit rapidly evolving technology at pace to deliver capabilities to counter threats posed now and in the future. The first focus of LEAP is on a new surface-to-air weapon – lightweight, affordable, and designed to counter mass drone and missile threats. Our innovative approach could see the defined effector designs manufactured from 2027. The aspiration is that LEAP will grow into other key low-cost and autonomous areas in the future.
What progress has he made in exploring the potential of using Australian Active Electronically Scanned Array (AESA) radar technologies for the UK.
As part of the Ministry of Defence’s capability delivery process the UK is exploring possibilities, including better understanding of Active Electronically Scanned Array (AESA) with our allied partners. A series of targeted risk-reduction activities has been agreed with the Australian Government. Any future decisions will be made in accordance with Departmental processes.
What progress he has made on developing cooperation with Australia on directed‑energy weapons.
As part of the UK's ambition to accelerate the development and deployment of Directed Energy Weapons (DEW) we are engaging with key allies who share our mutual aims in this field. For reasons of national security, it would not be appropriate to comment further on the specifics of this cooperation.
What assessment he has made of the potential impact of the decision of the (a) US Marines to retain the M27 rifle and (b) US Army’s adoption of the M7 on the ability of UK forces to operate with US forces.
The UK and US share evidence on research and experimentation on the development of small arms. Enhancing interoperability with Allies remains an important consideration in any procurement of capability that the Department undertakes. This includes the British Army’s Project GRAYBURN which will deliver the replacement of the L85 rifle. The project is considering different calibres as part of wider interoperability considerations.
What is the delivery timeline for the (a) 61 M270 MLRS launchers and (b) eight Repair and Recovery vehicles.
The Multiple Launch Rocket Systems launchers and Repair and Recovery Vehicles (RRVs) are on contract to be upgraded to the A2 standard. Two launchers have now been delivered to the UK and a further 13 launchers and two RRVs are currently on the production line for delivery in 2026. The whole MLRS fleet is being upgraded in four tranches with the final deliveries estimated to be complete by 2029.
What progress he has made in upgrading the M270B1 Multiple Launch Rocket Systems to A2 standard.
The Multiple Launch Rocket Systems launchers and Repair and Recovery Vehicles (RRVs) are on contract to be upgraded to the A2 standard. Two launchers have now been delivered to the UK and a further 13 launchers and two RRVs are currently on the production line for delivery in 2026. The whole MLRS fleet is being upgraded in four tranches with the final deliveries estimated to be complete by 2029.
What progress he has made in procuring a) GMLRS and b) ER-GMLRS munitions.
Replenishment of the Guided Multiple Launch Rocket Systems (GMLRS) stockpile is on contract with the first deliveries expected to arrive in the UK in Quarter two 2026. The procurement of Extended Range GMLRS (ER-GMLRS) is on contract with the first deliveries expected to arrive in the UK in 2028.
What is the current size of the Royal Artillery’s M270B1 Multiple Launch Rocket Systems fleet.
The Ministry of Defence has an operational fleet of 21 M270B1 Multiple Launch Rocket Systems, comprising launcher and repair and recovery vehicle variants.
How many M270 launchers have been procured from Norway.
The UK has acquired 11 M270A0 Multiple Launch Rocket Systems launchers from Norway.
What assessment has she made of the potential impact of proposed local government reorganisation in Cambridgeshire on her proposed plans to reform SEND provision in that area.
The department is reviewing all local government reorganisation (LGR) proposals to consider the potential impact on education and children’s services, including plans to reform special educational needs and disabilities provision. Huntingdonshire is in tranche three of the LGR process and the statutory consultation on proposals will close on 26 March. I encourage all local areas to respond to the consultation.
Media and Sport, whether she has had discussions with the England and Wales Cricket Board on the potential exclusion of players on the grounds of nationality.
We were concerned to hear of the reports on potential exclusion of players on the grounds of nationality and have discussed with the ECB directly who have put out a clear position confirming that nationality should not be a factor in the selection of players. More generally, we are clear that cricket must be a sport that is inclusive and open to all. Last March, I attended the launch of the Chance to Shine 2025 Impact Report at the House of Lords. This highlighted how the power of cricket can play a significant role in transforming young people’s lives and its ability to reach into underserved communities.
How many armed forces personnel have qualified for the operational allowance each year since its introduction.
It is taking time to collate the required information to answer the hon. Member's Question. I will write to him when the information is available, and a copy of this letter will be placed in the Library of The House.
How much is projected a) overall and b) core spending on defence in i) 2025/26, ii) 2026/27 and iii) 2027/28.
The Department does not routinely publish forecast figures. The Government is committed to defence spending reaching 2.6% of GDP in 2027 and is on track to do so.
What assessment he has made of the potential impact of the use of RAF Fairford by the United States Air Force to launch offensive military action on UK security.
The United States requested permission to use British bases for the limited, defensive purpose of preventing Iranian missiles from killing civilians, British nationals, or our allies in countries that played no part in the initial strike. Permissions to utilise UK military bases are considered on a case-by-case basis and the decision to grant permission is dependant on the nature and purpose of their activity.
If he will make an assessment of the potential implications for his policies of China's no first use nuclear strike policy.
The UK’s nuclear policy, most recently outlined in the 2025 Strategic Defence Review, remains unchanged. The UK does not believe China’s No First Use policy is credible. It is extremely unlikely that in extreme circumstances a state in possession of nuclear weapons would not be willing to use them. China continues to expand and diversify its nuclear arsenal and fails to explain the rationale and intent behind its modernisation and how this aligns with its doctrine.
Which units form the UK's contribution to the NATO Allied Reaction Force Special Operations Component.
The United Kingdom will assume leadership of NATO’s Allied Reaction Force (ARF) Special Operations Component from July 2026 to June 2027. As part of this commitment, the UK is providing the Special Operations Component Command headquarters, responsible for commanding multinational Special Operations task groups held at high readiness for NATO collective defence and crisis response tasks. UK contributions to the ARF Special Operations Forces element principally comprise personnel drawn from the Royal Marines Commando Force, the Ranger Regiment and supporting Royal Air Force elements, forming maritime, land and air Special Operations Task Groups under NATO command. These forces will operate alongside contributions from Allied nations as part of the multinational ARF framework.
With reference to page 44 of the Police reform white paper “From Local to National: A New Model for Policing” (CP1489), what is the earliest date by which she plans to stand up a delivery programme equipped to deliver the full suite of mergers by the end of the next Parliament.
We will imminently launch an Independent Review of Police Structures, which will make recommendations on the optimum number and configuration of police forces across England and Wales and the best approach to implementation.The Government will subsequently set out its response to the recommendations and identify a pathway for implementing the new force structures, including any opportunities to deliver mergers this Parliament.
If the Attorney General whether he provided advice to (a) the Prime Minister and (b) the Secretary of State for Local Government on the original decision to cancel local elections in May 2026.
By long standing convention, whether the Law Officers have been asked to provide advice, and the contents of any such advice, is not disclosed outside Government.This convention protects the Law Officers’ ability as chief legal advisers to the Government to give full and frank legal advice and provides the fullest guarantee that government business will be conducted at all times in light of thorough and candid legal advice.
Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what was the first meeting with the Government of Mauritius, after 5th July 2024, attended by National Security Advisor Jonathan Powell in association with her department.
I refer the Hon Member to the answer given to Question 115118 on 3 March.