Every parliamentary written question tabled by Ben Obese-Jecty this session, with the full answer and department. Back to the MP page.
Showing 1,241–1,260 of 4,542 · this parliament
What is the maximum weight of the new rifle under Project Grayburn.
Project GRAYBURN is its concept phase. One of the primary outputs of this phase will be user requirements. These will consider the full range of performance characteristics including maximum weight and coating requirements.
What requirement has his Department specified for (a) anti-thermal and (b) anti IR coatings to the new rifle within Project Grayburn.
Project GRAYBURN is its concept phase. One of the primary outputs of this phase will be user requirements. These will consider the full range of performance characteristics including maximum weight and coating requirements.
Whether he has made it a requirement to use Aubert & Duval Armad steel to manufacture barrels for rifle variants within Project Grayburn.
Project GRAYBURN is its concept phase. One of the primary outputs of this phase will be user requirements. These will consider the full range of performance characteristics including maximum weight and coating requirements.
What plans he has to replace HMS Middleton in the Middle East upon its return to the UK.
The Ministry of Defence keeps its force posture in the Middle East under continual review to safeguard UK interests. The Royal Navy remains committed to regional stability through its enduring presence under Operation KIPION, including the UK Maritime Component Command (UKMCC), located in Bahrain, with a footprint of over 130 personnel. The Royal Navy’s modernisation programme has already delivered an autonomous Mine Countermeasures capability operating in the Gulf, continuing to innovate at pace.
What assessment he has made of the potential impact of the raw material shortage at Liberty Steel's Dalzell plant on the construction of the three Fleet Solid Support ships for the Royal Fleet Auxiliary.
The current assessment of the potential impact of the raw material shortage at Liberty Steel's Dalzell plant, on the construction of the three Fleet Solid Support (FSS) ships for the Royal Fleet Auxiliary, is deemed low.The sourcing of steel for the FSS programme is a matter for the prime contractor, Navantia UK, whose goal is to maximise UK steel content wherever it is technically and commercially feasible, while protecting the delivery schedule.
What assessment has he made of the potential benefits of including an upper receiver which can accommodate .300 blackout as part of Project Grayburn.
Project GRAYBURN is currently in its concept phase. An important output of this phase will be the definition of user requirements, covering the full range of performance characteristics, including calibre and operating system.
Food and Rural Affairs, pursuant to the answer of 19 January 2026, to question 105593 on River Great Ouse: Flood Control, by when will the list of projects to receive Government funding in 26/27 be determined.
Delivering on the Plan for Change, this Government is investing at least £10.5 billion until 2036 to construct new flood schemes and repair existing defences, protecting communities from the devastating impacts of climate change. The final list of schemes to benefit in 2026/27 is due to be published on GOV.UK in March 2026.
Media and Sport, what assessment she has made of the potential benefits of negotiating free-to-air television coverage of the 2027 Tour de France Grand Depart in the UK.
Hosting the Tour de France and Tour de France Femmes Grand Départs in 2027 will cement Britain's reputation as a destination for major international sporting events. These events will stimulate growth, attract new visitors and leave a lasting legacy for athletes and fans alike.As a Government, we want to ensure sport can be accessed, played and enjoyed by as many people as possible. With more than 900km of route spanning England, Scotland and Wales, and free spectating all the way, together these races will be the most accessible major sporting event Great Britain has ever hosted.Broadcast rights are ultimately commercial decisions for broadcasters and event owners, in this case the Amaury Sport Organisation (ASO). I know that organisers are keen to work with all partners to maximise exposure and ensure these races can be enjoyed by as many people as possible.
What assessment he made of the potential benefits of including an upper receiver which can accommodate 6.5 Creedmoor as part of Project Grayburn.
Project GRAYBURN is currently in its concept phase. An important output of this phase will be the definition of user requirements, covering the full range of performance characteristics, including calibre and operating system.
What assessment he has made of the potential benefits of adopting a short stroke piston operated system rather than direct gas impingement for any of the rifle variants tendered for development under Project Grayburn.
Project GRAYBURN is currently in its concept phase. An important output of this phase will be the definition of user requirements, covering the full range of performance characteristics, including calibre and operating system.
Food and Rural Affairs, what steps the Environment Agency is taking to enforce waterway maintenance responsibilities by riparian owners in Huntingdonshire.
In Huntingdonshire, the Environment Agency (EA) has undertaken targeted enforcement across Brampton Brook, Alconbury Brook, Ellington Brook and St Ives to encourage voluntary compliance and to inform and educate landowners on riparian responsibilities. Throughout 2024 and 2025, the EA visited 35 properties on Brampton Brook to address vegetation overgrowth, waste, fallen trees and unpermitted structures. All necessary actions were completed by landowners, and no further action was required. Where maintenance presents a flood‑risk concern and voluntary action is not taken, the EA can issue a formal Section 25 Enforcement Notice requiring the owner to complete specific maintenance works. Failure to comply is an offence, and the EA may undertake the work itself and recover costs from the landowner.
Pursuant to the Answer of 8 September 2025 to question 72379, whether the outline business case is on track to be submitted in June 2026.
The Type 83 concept is currently under review against the Royal Navy’s Hybrid Navy Strategy. Future business case approval remains subject to the Defence Investment Plan.
How many MineWolf MW370 uncrewed mine and route clearance systems have been purchased by his Department.
In 2023, the Ministry of Defence procured two MineWolf MW370 systems which were donated to the Armed Forces of Ukraine. The British Army uses various systems to deliver mine and route clearance capability, but for operational security considerations, details have been withheld.
Food and Rural Affairs, pursuant to the answer of 19 January 2026, to question 104939 on River Great Ouse: Flood Control, by when will phase 1 of the gate refurbishment project be completed.
Phase 1 of the gate refurbishment project is expected to be completed by 31 March 2026.
Food and Rural Affairs, pursuant to the answer of 19 January 2026, to question 104940 on River Great Ouse: Flood Control, by when will the Environment Agency have completed their assessment of the potential flood alleviation a) benefits and b) impacts of the proposed options.
The full business case for the St Ives Staunch sluice project is currently planned for completion in late Spring 2026. This will include a high-level assessment of the benefits, impacts and costs of proposed options.
Food and Rural Affairs, what is the current asset condition of a) Brownshill and b) St Ives staunch.
The current asset condition of Brownshill Staunch sluice is rated as poor (gates 1 and 2) and very poor (gate 3). The current asset condition of St Ives Staunch sluice is rated as poor. The Environment Agency carries out an accredited visual inspection of assets to assess their condition and performance every 6 – 24 months. The frequency of inspection depends on the asset’s priority.
What assessment she made of the potential impact of Local Government Reorganisation upon the secondary school places in Huntingdonshire.
The department is reviewing all local government reorganisation proposals to consider the potential impact on children’s services, including school places. Huntingdonshire is in tranche three of the local government reorganisation process and the statutory consultation on proposals is expected to launch in Spring 2026. I encourage all local areas to respond to the consultation. There will then be a transition period during which the department will work with local areas to support children’s services in the new authorities, including plans to ensure there are sufficient school places.
What was the role of the Permanent Secretary in the delivery of the Ajax programme since 23 July 2025.
As with all major defence programmes, including Ajax, the role of the Permanent Secretary as the Departmental Accounting Officer, is to ensure the proper management of defence funds, ensuring regularity and propriety. Regarding the Army’s Ajax programme, that oversight has been brought to bear at critical programme milestones.
Pursuant to the answer of 16 January 2026 to question 103968 on High Speed 2 Line: Compulsory Purchase, how many of the 1,723 properties managed were acquired via compulsory purchase.
The majority of land and property that is acquired by compulsory purchase is not held in management or let but is utilised for the construction of the railway. Within HS2 Ltd’s managed portfolio, there are 73 properties (inclusive of residential, commercial and agricultural and forestry land) that were acquired via compulsory purchase. Further to this, there are 732 properties that were acquired via Statutory Blight, which can be considered to be under the umbrella of compulsory purchase, as this is a statutory provision whereby the issuing of a blight notice by the property owner compels the Secretary of State to acquire the property under the same terms as if a Notice to Treat had been served.
Pursuant to the Answer of 15 January 2026 to Question 105103 on Ajax Vehicles: Procurement, what the value is of contractual payments to General Dynamics for the Ajax programme made since 23 July 2025.
The Ministry of Defence paid General Dynamics Land Systems UK £192 million in line with contractual obligations for the Ajax programme between 23 July 2025 and 12 Jan 2026.