Written questions by Obese-Jecty.

What assessment has he made of the potential negative impact of removing parachute infantry deployment as a capability.

The Strategic Defence Review (SDR) considered all aspects of Defence, including military parachuting capabilities. The SDR recommended that airborne parachute capability and capacity should remain focused on specialists and a single battalion group. The Government accepted the recommendations of the SDR in full and will publish the Defence Investment Plan as soon as possible to set out the plan for its implementation.

What assessment she has made of the level of difficulty in obtaining a) home and b) buildings insurance for thatched buildings.

The government has not made a specific assessment regarding the availability of home insurance for thatched buildings. Insurers make commercial decisions about pricing and the terms of cover they offer based on their assessment of the relevant risks. The UK’s home insurance market is competitive, with many providers offering a variety of insurance products. The Financial Conduct Authority (FCA), the independent regulator of financial services, has a statutory objective to promote competition in the interests of consumers. The government would always recommend that consumers shop around to find the most suitable cover at the best price. For more specialised risks, such as thatched roofing, it may be helpful for consumers to consult an insurance broker, who will be able to help search the market for specialist providers.

Food and Rural Affairs, what assessment she has made of the potential merits of growing water reed for the purposes of thatching materials within the Great Fen project.

Defra, Natural England, and Environment Agency are working closely with our Great Fen partners to look at the benefits of paludiculture (wetter farming) and trialling a range of diversification options. This is vital to enable thriving and sustainable rural businesses, protection of our precious lowland peat resources, and enhance biodiversity. The Great Fen provides opportunity to act to test these principles, and will be looking at the benefits of growing reed and a host of other crop types for food and fibre.

What assessment he has made of the potential merits of the (a) Philippines Army’s Sabrah Light Tank and b) the Spanish Army’s VCZAP Castor’s ASCOD2 chassis.

The Army routinely assesses which vehicles are most appropriate to meet specific capability requirements. The base platform of the Philippines Army’s Sabrah Light Tank is the ASCOD 2 chassis. At present, the British Army has no requirement for a light tank capability. However, it continues to monitor employment of such systems, alongside broader global developments in armoured fighting vehicles. The Spanish Army’s VCZAP Castor is the combat engineering variant of the ASCOD 2 chassis. Under the Armoured Cavalry programme, the Army is introducing the ARGUS variant of the Ajax family, which will deliver an advanced engineer reconnaissance function. Together with the existing Trojan and Terrier platforms, ARGUS will provide the Army with a comprehensive suite of combat engineering capabilities.

Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what discussions her Department held with the Mauritian Government on the sovereignty of the Chagos Islands in (a) January 2009 and (b) July 2009.

The then government explained to Parliament in 2009 that the purpose of the meetings in 2009 was to establish a dialogue between the UK and Mauritius on the British Indian Ocean Territory. Officials set out their respective views on the issue of sovereignty at that time. There were discussions on other issues, including fishing rights, environmental concerns, and future visits to the territory by members of the Chagossian community.It was not until 2022, under the immediately preceding government, that negotiations regarding sovereignty began. That government then undertook 11 rounds of negotiations on sovereignty and related matters, with the last public update on progress being issued on 29 April 2024.

What discussions he has held with the Secretary of State for the Home Department on the a) operation and b) alignment of Local Criminal Justice Boards within future policing structures.

The Government recognises the important role Local Criminal Justice Boards play as the forum where local criminal justice system partners collaborate, and the Ministry of Justice remain committed to supporting them. The Ministry of Justice is working closely with the Home Office to ensure they collectively understand how local criminal justice governance, including the operation of Local Criminal Justice Boards (LCJBs), will operate under any new policing model.In tandem, the Government is considering the recommendations in Part II of Sir Brian Leveson’s Independent Review of the Criminal Courts relating to the operation and governance of LCJBs and will respond to them in the coming months.

Whether he has made an assessment of the risks of a) hon. Members and b) Ministers travelling in London Electric Vehicle Company taxis owned by the Zhejiang Geely Holding Group.

Whilst the Government does not comment on specific security assessments, we maintain a robust, cross-departmental approach to ensure that official travel is conducted securely. The licensing of taxis in London is a matter for Transport for London (TfL). Any vehicle licensed to operate must meet stringent safety and regulatory requirements as set out in TfL’s Conditions of Fitness. The security of Members is a matter for the Parliamentary Security Department. For Ministers and officials handling sensitive data, the Cabinet Office and individual departments provide comprehensive information security policies and guidance.

Commonwealth and Development Affairs, who was (a) considered and (b) interviewed for the role of UK Ambassador to the United States in 2025.

As is normal practice, we do not publish details of unsuccessful applicants, or potential candidates, for senior roles in the diplomatic service or elsewhere in government.

Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what discussions did the National Security Advisor, Jonathan Powell, have with then UK Ambassador to the United States, Lord Mandelson, regarding the Chagos Islands.

I refer the Hon. Member to the Government's response to the Urgent Question tabled on 12 February, the Written Ministerial Statement in the name of the Chief Secretary to the Prime Minister that same day, and Oral Statement on the 23 February which set out an update on the Government's process. We will set out further details in due course. The Government wishes to ensure that Parliament's instruction is met with the urgency and transparency that it deserves.

On what date did his Department receive a written report from Lord Glassman regarding the nature of the relationship between Lord Mandelson and Jeffrey Epstein.

There is no record of receipt of Lord Glasman’s report in the Prime Minister’s Office.

Pursuant to the Answer of 6 February 2026 to Question 109313 on Ajax Vehicles: Procurement, when he plans to (a) complete the planned upgrades and (b) deliver the vehicles back into service.

All Ajax platforms are planned to be upgraded to Capability Drop 4 by September 2029. Vehicles are delivered into service in accordance with the requirements of the Army Fielding plan.

Pursuant to the Answer of 6 February 2026 to Question 109313 on Ajax Vehicles: Procurement, whether the first 100 Ajax vehicles will be upgraded to (a) Capability Drop 3 and (b) Capability Drop 4 standard.

All 589 vehicles, including the first 100, will be retrofitted to Capability Drop 4. Some of the first 100 vehicles will move to the Capability Drop 3 standard before Capability Drop 4, others will be retrofitted directly to Capability Drop 4.

Whether any box notes were provided to the Prime Minister by the National Security Advisor regarding the alleged China Spy Case.

I refer the Hon Member to the answer provided on 23 October 2025, Official Report, column 1087.

What information does his Department hold on the role did the UK National Security Advisor had in the (a) consideration, (b) selection and (c) appointment of Peter Mandelson as UK Ambassador to the United States.

I refer the Honourable Member to the Government's statement and release of information on 11th March, providing an update on the response to the Humble Address. The Government is working to ensure that Parliament’s instruction is met with the urgency and transparency that it deserves.

Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what information her Department holds on role that the Rt hon. Member for Tottenham had in the appointment of Lord Mandelson as the UK Ambassador to the United States of America when he was Foreign Secretary.

I refer the Hon. Member to the Government's response to the Urgent Question tabled on 12 February, the Written Ministerial Statement in the name of the Chief Secretary to the Prime Minister that same day, and Oral Statement on the 23 February which set out an update on the Government's process. We will set out further details in due course. The Government wishes to ensure that Parliament's instruction is met with the urgency and transparency that it deserves.

Media and Sport, what assessment she has made of the potential impact of the number of domestic thatch growers on the future of the industry.

There are approximately 25,000 listed thatched buildings in England, many more are unlisted. These buildings are a quintessential part of some of our best loved rural landscapes.Historic England, the government’s statutory advisor on heritage, carried out research into the thatching industry and domestic supply of material for thatching historic buildings. A 2024 report estimates that 80% of cereal straw grown for thatching in England is produced by around 25 English growers. In Historic England’s view, it is not necessarily the number of domestic growers that impacts the future of the industry, but their wider challenges such as mechanisation, climate and the wider supply chain.In response to their research, Historic England updated their guidance on the conservation of traditional thatch in 2025 enabling a change of thatch materials in times of shortage and in cases in urgent need of repair. This update aims to provide confidence to decision makers to grant listed building consent whilst helping to maintain support for the straw-growing sector. To disseminate its latest guidance, Historic England is holding a free workshop for thatching-straw growers in April 2026 with further research into mechanisation solutions for growers planned later this year.

What is the UK’s contribution to the NATO special operations force.

Following the recent successful validation by NATO during Exercise Hyperion Storm, the UK is set to command NATO’s Allied Reaction Force 26 Special Operations Component Command from July 2026 to June 2027. This will involve units from the Army’s Ranger Regiment, UK Commando Force, and the Royal Air Force, forming the Joint Special Operations Headquarters for NATO, as well as the land, maritime and air Special Operations Tasks Groups under its command. Detailed planning is classified, as is the UK’s contribution to broader NATO SOF structures and activity.

Which MOD sites are in scope to be sold under the Defence Estates Optimisation Plan.

A list of all Ministry of Defence sites that are planned to be disposed of as part of the Defence Estate Optimisation Plan can be found on the House of Commons Defence Disposal Database. https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/disposal-database-house-of-commons-report

What assessment she has made of the potential merits of making thatching existing properties zero-rated for VAT.

VAT is a broad-based tax on consumption, and the 20 per cent standard rate applies to most goods and services. Outside of a limited number of VAT reliefs aimed at stimulating the property market, the standard VAT rate of 20 per cent applies to most construction work. This includes thatching. Tax breaks reduce the revenue available for vital public services and must represent value for money for the taxpayer. Exceptions to the standard rate have always been limited and balanced against affordability considerations. One of the key considerations when assessing a new VAT relief is whether the cost saving is likely to be passed on to consumers. Evidence suggests that businesses only partially pass on any savings from lower VAT rates. In some cases, reliefs do not represent good value for money, as there is no guarantee that savings will be passed on to consumers.

How many MOD sites used by Cadets have been closed under the Future Defence Infrastructure Services programme.

No Ministry of Defence (MOD) sites used by Cadets were closed under Future Defence Infrastructure Services (FDIS) programme. FDIS is a programme within the MOD that focuses on the delivery of facilities management and infrastructure services across the Defence estate. The FDIS Accommodation Contracts came into service on 1 April 2022 and replaced the previous National Housing Prime and Regional Prime contracts.