Every parliamentary written question tabled by Ben Obese-Jecty this session, with the full answer and department. Back to the MP page.
Showing 1,361–1,380 of 4,542 · this parliament
For what reason was the Short Service Limited Commission discontinued in 2007.
The Short Service Limited Commission had, by 2007, already been superseded by the Gap Year Commission. In mid‑2007, the Gap Year Commission was discontinued due to a shift in policy emphasis toward people programme measures judged to deliver wider recruitment and retention benefits. The scheme was later reintroduced in 2015 and was subsequently integrated into what is now the Army Internship Programme.
Commonwealth and Development Affairs, whether the new Venezuelan President, Delcy Rodríguez, has had sanctions imposed upon her by the UK Government.
I refer the Hon Member to the current list of designated persons publicly available on GOV.UK at https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/financial-sanctions-venezuela.
What assessment has he made of the potential benefit of procuring the AMPV from BAE as a replacement for the FV430 Mk3 Bulldog.
I refer the hon. Member to the answer I gave him to Question 102953 on 8 January 2026. https://questions-statements.parliament.uk/written-questions/detail/2026-01-05/102953
What is the full delivery timeline for all RCH 155mm.
The Mobile Fires Platform Project which will deliver the Remote-Controlled Howitzer 155mm (RCH 155) Calibre Wheeled Artillery System intended to be mounted on Boxer, remains in its assessment phase and is subject to contract. It is therefore too early to confirm platform numbers, delivery timelines and expected in-service dates. Analysis of future equipment fielding is ongoing. We are making good progress however with the purchase of two of these systems which are undergoing further testing.
Whether those participating in the Armed Forces Foundation Scheme be able to deploy overseas in a) training exercises or b) operations.
The Armed Forces Foundation Year Scheme (‘Gap Year’) helps deliver on the Strategic Defence Review 2025’s recommendation that Defence must offer novel ways of entry into the Armed Forces that attract more people from a wider range of backgrounds; options included offering shorter commitments that appeal to more of society. The Services are finalising their Gap Year plans, including the specifics on terms of engagement, professional training and military qualifications. Services will have the flexibility to provide the most appropriate employment, experiences and skills that offer best value to both participants and Defence. It is intended that participants will be remunerated with equivalency to Regular personnel, with pay, allowances and pension arrangements to be finalised prior to implementation. The schemes will start as a pilot during 2026, to understand the impact and measure success. The pilot is expected to include 150 entrants, with an intention to increase capacity for future cohorts. The total cost to Defence to deliver the pilot scheme is £13M, which will be drawn from existing training and workforce budgets. No costing has yet been completed for future cohorts; which will be informed by the pilot scheme. Participants will undertake their Foundation Years in the enlisted recruit entry rank for each Service, on enlisted terms of engagement. Following completion of training, Royal Navy participants will be classed as Able Seaman Class 2, Army participants will be classed as Private soldiers (or capbadge equivalent) and RAF participants will be classed as Air Specialist 2. The Royal Navy is developing a one-year scheme for sailors with employment offered across operational surface platforms in non-technical activities with participants living and working alongside sailors on ships at sea.The Army is developing an 18-month training scheme, with roles varied across specific trades in the Infantry, Royal Artillery and Royal Logistic Corps.The RAF is developing a one-year programme which will involve participants working alongside Regulars from the RAF’s twelve professions, working across all departments and gaining an understanding of the potential roles available within the RAF.
What Phase 2 training and/or qualifications will those participating in the Armed Forces Foundation Scheme receive.
The Armed Forces Foundation Year Scheme (‘Gap Year’) helps deliver on the Strategic Defence Review 2025’s recommendation that Defence must offer novel ways of entry into the Armed Forces that attract more people from a wider range of backgrounds; options included offering shorter commitments that appeal to more of society. The Services are finalising their Gap Year plans, including the specifics on terms of engagement, professional training and military qualifications. Services will have the flexibility to provide the most appropriate employment, experiences and skills that offer best value to both participants and Defence. It is intended that participants will be remunerated with equivalency to Regular personnel, with pay, allowances and pension arrangements to be finalised prior to implementation. The schemes will start as a pilot during 2026, to understand the impact and measure success. The pilot is expected to include 150 entrants, with an intention to increase capacity for future cohorts. The total cost to Defence to deliver the pilot scheme is £13M, which will be drawn from existing training and workforce budgets. No costing has yet been completed for future cohorts; which will be informed by the pilot scheme. Participants will undertake their Foundation Years in the enlisted recruit entry rank for each Service, on enlisted terms of engagement. Following completion of training, Royal Navy participants will be classed as Able Seaman Class 2, Army participants will be classed as Private soldiers (or capbadge equivalent) and RAF participants will be classed as Air Specialist 2. The Royal Navy is developing a one-year scheme for sailors with employment offered across operational surface platforms in non-technical activities with participants living and working alongside sailors on ships at sea.The Army is developing an 18-month training scheme, with roles varied across specific trades in the Infantry, Royal Artillery and Royal Logistic Corps.The RAF is developing a one-year programme which will involve participants working alongside Regulars from the RAF’s twelve professions, working across all departments and gaining an understanding of the potential roles available within the RAF.
What a) UK and b) other NATO forces are currently deployed in Greenland.
The UK does not currently have forces deployed in Greenland. Denmark is responsible for the defence of Greenland and maintains a military presence. NATO has made clear that the Arctic region is a priority for Euro-Atlantic Security, which is why, alongside our NATO Allies, we have increased our defence spending, presence and activities to keep the Arctic safe and deter the collective threat we face from Russia.
Pursuant to the answer of 28th July 2025, to question 67588 on MBR Acres: National Security, with reference to The Public Order Act 2023 (Interference With Use or Operation of Key National Infrastructure) Regulations 2025, what additional resources will be provided to Cambridgeshire Constabulary in order to facilitate the implementation of this legislation.
In 2026-27 Cambridgeshire Police will receive up to £220.5 million in funding. This represents an increase of up to £10.6 million when compared to the 2025-26 police settlement. There are no plans to provide additional funding to Cambridgeshire Constabulary in light of the amendment to the Public Order Act 2023.It is a long established principle that policing in England and Wales is operationally independent. Decisions regarding the allocation and use of resources within Cambridgeshire Constabulary are therefore matters for the police.
What progress has he made in identifying a tracked replacement for the FV430-series Mk3 Bulldog ahead of its out-of-service date of 2030.
I refer the hon. Member to the answer I gave him to Question 102953 on 8 January 2026. https://questions-statements.parliament.uk/written-questions/detail/2026-01-05/102953
What progress has he made in disposing the 20 Puma helicopters no longer in service.
The remaining aircraft have been passed to the Defence Recycling and Disposal Team within Defence Equipment and Support, who are currently exploring disposal options.
Pursuant to the answer of 20th October 2025 to question 79337 on Uncrewed Systems, what was the outcome of the proposed endorsement of the outline governance proposals for the Defence Uncrewed Systems Centre at the 3* Uncrewed Systems Steering Group in November 2025.
The 3-star Uncrewed Systems Steering Group approved the proposal and endorsed the establishment of the Uncrewed Systems Centre in 2026. The specifics of governance and organisation will be communicated formally once the design phase has completed.
Which force has the lead on shotgun licence renewals within the Cambridgeshire, Bedfordshire and Hertfordshire tri-force area.
Cambridgeshire Constabulary, Bedfordshire Police and Hertfordshire Constabulary work together as part of a tripartite arrangement intended to provide a consistent firearms licensing service across the three police force areas.The arrangements are led by Hertfordshire Constabulary and report to the Chief Constables of all three forces.
What assessment has she made of the potential vulnerability to being disabled of Chinese-origin buses that are reliant upon sim connection for software upgrades.
The Government takes national security seriously and recognises the systematic challenges of increased connectivity and the cyber security implications for almost every area of government policy, including vehicles. The Department works closely with the transport sector and other government departments to understand and respond to cyber vulnerabilities for all transport modes.
Commonwealth and Development Affairs, how many (a) residential and (b) commercial properties in London are owned by the People's Republic of China.
The Government does not control the purchase of private property within the United Kingdom, and keeps no central record of purchases made on behalf of individual nation states.
With reference to the Written Ministerial Statement on the Ajax Investigation HCWS1212, published on 18 December 2025, how much delay to the investigations will the suspension of Ajax trials cause.
Ongoing investigations into the safety of the Ajax platform remain on track.
What his plans are for the 140 Challenger 2 tanks not due to be upgraded to Challenger 3.
A decision on what will happen to the Challenger 2 platforms not being used as part of the Challenger 3 programme has not yet been taken.
What assessment has he made of the feasibility of replacing the Army’s formation reconnaissance capability via Project ASGARD.
Project ASGARD is not a replacement for the Army's formation reconnaissance capability; it enhances and improves it. It provides the digital backbone that links our reconnaissance and strike systems at machine speed. Formation reconnaissance remains essential: it finds enemy targets, and ASGARD uses that information to deliver rapid, integrated effects through a range of precision weapons.
What recent progress he has made in replacing the FV430 series Mk3 Bulldog.
The long-term replacement for the FV430 series Bulldog is being considered as part of the Heavy Protected Mobility sub-programme, within the Land Mobility Programme. The Heavy Protected Mobility sub-programme is in its Concept Phase and is currently evaluating the Finnish led Common Armoured Vehicles System (CAVS) Programme’s suitability in meeting UK’s Heavy Protected Mobility requirements. The programme is being considered and is part of the Defence Investment Plan.
What was the total number of remedial tasks conducted by each unit receiving Ajax vehicles in order to make them usable on exercise as of 31 December 2025.
All Army vehicles and equipment are subject to before use and routine maintenance schedules to ensure serviceability. Where faults are identified, these are rectified as part of business as usual activity. Information relating to each remedial task carried out on Ajax platforms is not held centrally and could be provided only at disproportionate cost.
What is the out-of-service date of the M60D machine gun.
The ramp mounted 7.62mm machine gun requirement has an Out of Service Date of 2040. This is currently fulfilled by the M60D.