Every parliamentary written question tabled by Ben Obese-Jecty this session, with the full answer and department. Back to the MP page.
Showing 1,001–1,020 of 4,527 · this parliament
Pursuant to the answer of 11 February 2026 to question 110522 on Ajax Vehicles: Modernisation, by when will those Ajax-family vehicles due to reach Drop 3 standard by October 2028 will reach Drop 4 standard.
All 589 Ajax family vehicles will reach Capability Drop 4 by September 2029 as contracted, subject to reviews that are ongoing.
What counter-Unmanned Aircraft System capabilities are available to HM Prison and Probation Service staff.
We are working hard to deter, detect and disrupt the illegal use of drones that deliver contraband so that prisoners have access to a safe and stable rehabilitative environment. Our approach is multi-faceted and includes physical security countermeasures, legislation and working across Government and with international partners on this global issue. H M Prison & Probation Service uses targeted physical countermeasures, such as improvements to windows, installing specialised netting and grills to prevent drones from delivering contraband into prisons. HMPPS also conducts vulnerability assessments across the estate, to understand the risk and develop and implement plans to mitigate the threat. We work widely across Government to understand how current and emerging counter-drone capabilities can be used to keep our prisons and the public safe. We are also engaging with international counterparts to develop our learning, support our strategy and share best practice. We cannot share information about our counter-drone tactics, but HMPPS uses suitable technology, alongside a variety of countermeasures and intelligence tools to prevent drones delivering contraband such as drugs, mobile phones and weapons.
Pursuant to the Answer of 11 February 2026 to question 110522 on Ajax Vehicles: Modernisation, when he expects the Ajax-family vehicles due to reach Drop 3 standard by October 2028 reach Drop 4 standard.
All 589 Ajax family vehicles will reach Capability Drop 4 by September 2029 as contracted, subject to reviews that are ongoing.
How many (a) warranted Police Officers, (b) Police Community Support Officers and (c) Special Constables there were on (i) 31 March 2025 and (ii) 11 February 2026.
The Home Office collects and publishes data on the size of the police workforce in England and Wales, on a biannual basis, as at 31 March and 30 September each year in the Police Workforce, England and Wales statistical bulletin available here: https://www.gov.uk/government/collections/police-workforce-england-and-wales.Data for this release is collected as a snapshot at 31 March and 30 September only. As such, data for 11 February 2026 is not available. The latest information covers the situation as at 30 September 2025.Information on the number of police officers, police community support officers and special constables, on both a full-time equivalent and headcount basis, as at 31 March 2007 to 2025 can be found in the Police Workforce Open Data Table here: https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/media/697255b5a1311bdcfa0ed8f3/open-data-table-police-workforce-280126.ods
With reference to the press release Battlefield tactics to inspire UK fight against prison drones, published on 16 January 2026, how many prisons across the prison estate currently have access to active counter-UAS capabilities.
We are working hard to deter, detect and disrupt the illegal use of drones that deliver contraband so that prisoners have access to a safe and stable rehabilitative environment. Our approach is multi-faceted and includes physical security countermeasures, legislation and working across Government and with international partners on this global issue. H M Prison & Probation Service uses targeted physical countermeasures, such as improvements to windows, installing specialised netting and grills to prevent drones from delivering contraband into prisons. HMPPS also conducts vulnerability assessments across the estate, to understand the risk and develop and implement plans to mitigate the threat. We work widely across Government to understand how current and emerging counter-drone capabilities can be used to keep our prisons and the public safe. We are also engaging with international counterparts to develop our learning, support our strategy and share best practice. We cannot share information about our counter-drone tactics, but HMPPS uses suitable technology, alongside a variety of countermeasures and intelligence tools to prevent drones delivering contraband such as drugs, mobile phones and weapons.
Media and Sport, pursuant to the Answer of 11 February 2026 to question 111279 on Thatched Roofing, what steps is she taking to increase the number of thatching-straw growers in the UK.
Agricultural policy is the responsibility of the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs. The Government has allocated a record £11.8 billion to sustainable farming and food production over this parliament, investing more than £2.7 billion a year in farming and nature recovery. This includes the Government's Paludiculture Exploration Fund, which has been exploring opportunities to support multi-functional crops on rewetted lowland peatlands. One of the twelve trials, the Broads Authority's "FibreBroads", funded a series of workstreams including fibre products for building materials such as reed for thatch, as well as fibreboards and acoustic panels from other wetland crops.DCMS supports thatching-straw growers through the work of Historic England, Government statutory advisors on the historic environment and arms length body of DCMS. Historic England is hosting a thatching-straw growers’ workshop on 11 March 2026, in Marlborough Wiltshire. The event is aimed at thatch straw growers, and will be a unique opportunity for them to meet one another, share knowledge, and hear updates from Historic England on the work being done to support the production of thatching straw. If you wish to find out more about the event and related issues you can contact the National Specialist Services Team at Historic England on nationalspecialistservices@historicengland.org.uk.
What is the total planned number of tanks to be upgraded to Challenger 3.
148 Challenger 2 Main Battle Tanks are being upgraded to the Challenger 3 standard. All 148 are for the Royal Armoured Corps.
Pursuant to the answer of 12 February 2026 to question 110957 on Electronic Warfare: Procurement, by when will the delivery phase of Project Goldweed be completed.
I refer the hon. Member to the answer I provided on 12 February 2026 to Question 110957. As I hope the hon. Member will understand, due to operational and commercial sensitivities I am unable to provide any further detail on Project Goldweed.
Media and Sport, pursuant to the Answer of 11 February 2026 to Question 111279 on Thatched Roofing, what is the date and location of the April 2026 thatching-straw growers workshop.
Agricultural policy is the responsibility of the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs. The Government has allocated a record £11.8 billion to sustainable farming and food production over this parliament, investing more than £2.7 billion a year in farming and nature recovery. This includes the Government's Paludiculture Exploration Fund, which has been exploring opportunities to support multi-functional crops on rewetted lowland peatlands. One of the twelve trials, the Broads Authority's "FibreBroads", funded a series of workstreams including fibre products for building materials such as reed for thatch, as well as fibreboards and acoustic panels from other wetland crops.DCMS supports thatching-straw growers through the work of Historic England, Government statutory advisors on the historic environment and arms length body of DCMS. Historic England is hosting a thatching-straw growers’ workshop on 11 March 2026, in Marlborough Wiltshire. The event is aimed at thatch straw growers, and will be a unique opportunity for them to meet one another, share knowledge, and hear updates from Historic England on the work being done to support the production of thatching straw. If you wish to find out more about the event and related issues you can contact the National Specialist Services Team at Historic England on nationalspecialistservices@historicengland.org.uk.
What is the total planned number of Challenger 3 tanks for Royal Armoured Corps Regiments.
148 Challenger 2 Main Battle Tanks are being upgraded to the Challenger 3 standard. All 148 are for the Royal Armoured Corps.
What is the current level provided for the (a) service pupil premium and the (b) primary pupil premium in Cambridgeshire.
Pupil premium and service pupil premium allocations, including at local authority level, can be found here: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/pupil-premium-allocations-and-conditions-of-grant-2025-to-2026.The allocations amount in the 2025/26 financial year for Cambridgeshire thus far are as follows: Quarter 1 June 2025Quarter 2 September 2025Quarter 3 December 2025Service pupil premium£323,750£323,050£323,050Deprivation pupil premium - primary pupils£16,755,143£16,755,143£16,680,908Quarter 4 pupil premium allocations will be published in late March 2026.
Pursuant to the Answer of 12 February 2026 to Question 110953 on Military Intelligence: Digital Technology, when does he expect the SCC to be fully operational.
Secret Community Cloud capability will continue to be delivered on a phased basis, with Full Operating Capability expected in Autumn 2026.
When does he expect the UK’s commitment to Atlantic Strike to commence.
I refer the hon. Member to the response to Question 98877 provided on 18 December 2026.
What progress has he made in developing a Quantum Radar capability.
Defence quantum experts within Defence Science and Technology (DST), the Defence Science and Technology Laboratory (Dstl), and Atomic Weapons Establishment (AWE) work closely with our international allies and partners in wider Government, industry and academia to support the UK’s world class expertise in quantum, and to identify and exploit the potential opportunities this developing technology can bring. Defence is a founding partner of the National Quantum Technology Programme (NQTP) and works closely with the NQTP, DSIT, Innovate UK and the UKRI quantum research activities. ‘Quantum Radar’ and ‘Quantum Illumination’ have specific meanings. In both cases the technology is immature and the potential benefits to Defence remain uncertain.However, the Ministry of Defence (MOD) is conducting science & technology research into Quantum Technologies more broadly. This includes a focus on clock technology to enhance timing capabilities and sensing for navigation and situational awareness. Trials have been undertaken to understand the utility this technology can offer and inform technology development. MOD is collaborating with the UK’s Quantum Ecosystem, including the Quantum sensing, Imaging and Timing (QuSIT) Hub (led by the University of Birmingham) that is researching Quantum enhanced RADAR. The particular focus and priorities of Defence research activity is classified and cannot be released for National Security reasons.
Pursuant to the answer of 12 February 2026 to question 111273 on Military Bases: Sales, what his planned timetable is for a decision on the disposal of JITG Chicksands.
The decision has already been taken to dispose of Ministry of Defence Chicksands when it becomes surplus to military requirement, as announced by the previous administration in December 2023.
With reference to the press release entitled UK announces urgent new air defence package for Ukraine worth over half a billion pounds, published on 12 February 2026, what calibre are the 200,000 rounds of artillery ammunition.
The calibre of this artillery ammunition cannot be detailed due to operational sensitives.
Pursuant to the answer of 12 February 2026 to question 110957 on Electronic Warfare: Procurement, whether Project Goldweed is an electronic warfare procurement project.
I refer the hon. Member to the answer I provided on 12 February 2026 to Question 110957. As I hope the hon. Member will understand, due to operational and commercial sensitivities I am unable to provide any further detail on Project Goldweed.
What the outcome was of the investigation into Dame Antonia Romeo in 2017.
The allegations were dismissed 9 years ago on the basis that there was no case to answer. We do not release confidential documents relating to internal HR processes.
Whether previous disciplinary allegations against Dame Antonia Romeo have been assessed by the Cabinet Office since 2017.
The allegations were dismissed 9 years ago on the basis that there was no case to answer. These allegations were considered by the Cabinet Office as the individual was a permanent member of staff of that Department.
What is the total number of people who have arrived to fulfil jobs on the Immigration Salary List (formerly the Shortage Occupation List), since 5 July 2024.
We are unable to estimate the number of workers with specific roles that have physically arrived to take up employment, but we do hold data on the numbers that have obtained visas with the intention of taking up a role.The Home Office publishes data on sponsored work visas, by occupation, in the ‘Immigration System Statistics Quarterly Release’. Data on grants of Skilled Worker visas are published in table ‘Occ_D02’ of the Sponsored work visas by occupation and industry dataset. A visa grant does not necessarily correspond to the person arriving in the UK. Information on how to use the dataset can be found in the ‘Notes’ page of the workbook. Data is from January 2021 up to the end of September 2025.