Written questions by Obese-Jecty.

What interim solutions he has identified to fill the capability gap left by delays to the SPEAR 3 missile programme.

The F-35B Lightning's fifth-generation capabilities are transforming its operational effectiveness. The Lightning uses advanced stealth low observable capabilities and unparalleled sensor fusion and threat detection. When combined with the Lightning Electronic Warfare, Jamming and Electronic Attack capabilities, it provides the capability to dominate a highly contested battlespace.In parallel, its sensor fusion and advanced secure datalinks enable it to share threat and advanced targeting information with other UK offensive assets and those of Allies in real time to coordinate with a wide range of other stand-off weapon systems across maritime, land and air-based systems to achieve a wider decisive Joint Fires effect.The future F-35B munitions strategy is being addressed through the Defence Investment Plan.

How many and what proportion of UK F-35 aircraft have had their stealth characteristics measured.

A revised Business Case for a Sovereign Low Observable Verification Facility will be submitted in 2027. We do not comment on the stealth characteristics of individual aircraft for very obvious operational reasons.

Innovation and Technology, what assessment she has made of the potential impact of online misinformation spread by AI Large Language Models on social media platforms.

The Government recognises the risks posed by mis- and disinformation on social media, including that which is spread by Large Language Models (LLMs). The Online Safety Act already provides protections against material that is AI-generated, where it is illegal or harmful to children.The Government continues to invest in assessing and countering the risks posed by AI on misinformation. We work with industry, academics and civil society to understand how the risk picture is developing, and to consider options for future mitigations. One example of this is the Deepfake Detection Challenge, co-led by the Home Office and DSIT.

What assessment has he made of the effect of the order of 20 Eurofighter Typhoons on the timeline of the delivery of the Phase 4 Enhancement Programme for the UK Typhoon fleet.

The order of 20 Eurofighter Typhoons for Türkiye aligns with long term goals of supplying a NATO member with advanced military equipment. A sale of this significance will bring benefits to UK Industry, the Eurofighter Partner Nations and NATO. It has been assessed that there will be no impact on the delivery of the Phase 4 Enhancement Programme for the UK Typhoon fleet.

What tranche of Eurofighter Typhoon has been purchased by Turkey.

Turkey have purchased Tranche 4 aircraft.

What assessment he has made of the potential merits of replacing the L16 81mm mortar.

The L16A2 81 mm mortar remains an effective piece of equipment. The Army is regularly assessing the effectiveness of its capabilities to ensure that soldiers have the best possible range of weapons to help them achieve their mission.

When he expects the Joint Requirements Oversight Committee meeting to take place for Project Grayburn.

On current plans, the Joint Requirements Oversight Committee (JROC) is expected to meet this Autumn regarding Project GRAYBURN.

How many asylum hotels have been closed since 5 July 2024.

This Government recognises that hotels are not a sustainable solution for accommodating asylum seekers and remains committed to ending their use, already reducing the number in operation. We do not provide a running commentary on hotel numbers, our objective is to close all asylum hotels by the end of this Parliament, reducing costs to the taxpayer and restoring control to local communities.

What the scope is of the Future Asylum Contract Transformation project.

The focus of the Future Asylum Contract Transformation Project is scoping potential procurement and implementation of a new delivery model, to replace the current Asylum Accommodation and Support Contracts, due to expire in 2029, the Advice Issue Reporting and Eligibility (AIRE) and Asylum Support Payments contract.

How many murders have been committed by asylum seekers in each year since 2020.

The information you have requested is not available from published statistics. Work is currently underway to improve the quality of information held by the department on foreign national offenders (FNOs). If this work progresses as planned, the Home Office intend to publish more detailed information on FNOs subject to deportation. Further information on this work can be found at: Statistics on foreign national offenders and the immigration system - GOV.UK. We are committed to delivering justice for victims and safer streets for our communities. Foreign nationals who commit serious crimes will face the full force of the law and be deported at the earliest opportunity. This government has already removed almost 5,200 foreign national offenders in its first year of office, a 14 per cent increase on the previous twelve months (5 July 2024 to 4 July 2025) and we will continue to crack down on any foreign nationals who come to this country and break our rules.

How many staff redundancies there will be following the abolition of NHS England.

Following the Prime Minister’s announcement of the abolition of NHS England, we are clear on the need for a smaller centre, as well as scaling back integrated care board running costs and National Health Service provider corporate costs in order to reduce waste and bureaucracy.Good progress is being made, with NHS England having sought expressions of interest for a voluntary redundancy scheme. We are still in the process of prioritising funding for exits, there is detailed design work to do on the structure of the new organisation, and there will be natural turnover that means not all reductions will be delivered by voluntary exit or redundancy. At this point we do not therefore have a firm estimate for numbers of staff redundancies.

Food and Rural Affairs, pursuant to the Answer of 20 October 2025 to Question 79746 on Food: Public Sector, what her planned timetable is for making this assessment.

Work to assess the food bought by public bodies and where it comes from is underway. When the results of this work become available, they will help inform Government’s approach on public sector food procurement.

Food and Rural Affairs, pursuant to the Answer of 20th October 2025 to Question 79746 on Food: Public Sector, by when will the Government complete its assessment of what food the public sector buys and where it comes from.

Work to assess the food bought by public bodies and where it comes from is underway. When the results of this work become available, they will help inform Government’s approach on public sector food procurement.

Pursuant to the Answer of 20 October 2025 to Question 77257 on North West Anglia NHS Foundation Trust: Medical Records, when he expects discussions between NHS England regional and national colleagues to take place on the (a) approvals and (b) funding for the outline business case.

North West Anglia NHS Foundation Trust is currently part way through the business case process for a new Electronic Patient Record, working to submit its outline business case (OBC) in 2026. NHS England is supporting them to produce a robust and affordable OBC which meets their core capabilities as set out by the NHS England Frontline Digitisations Programme. This includes providing procurement support, subject matter expertise, and funding, including capital and revenue.Hinchingbrooke has also recently submitted its strategic outline case for its new hospital as part of the NHP, which was considered by the Joint Investment Committee on 22 October 2025, and a decision is pending.

Pursuant to the Answer of 20 October 2025 to Question 79246 on Military Alliances, what steps he has taken to enhance cooperation through the EU's Security Action for Europe instrument.

I refer the Member to the answer I gave on Friday 31 October to Question 84841.

Pursuant to the Answer of 20 October 2025 to Question 79398 on NATO Countries: Armoured Fighting Vehicles, what recent progress he has made in appointing a new Director General International Collaboration and Exports.

Avril Joliffe is the Director General for International Collaboration and Exports. This is a permanent position with no current plans for recruitment.

Pursuant to the Answer of 20 October 2025 to Question 77257 on North West Anglia NHS Foundation Trust: Medical Records, by when the outline business case would need to be approved to meet the timeline for the new hospital opening at Hinchingbrooke.

North West Anglia NHS Foundation Trust is currently part way through the business case process for a new Electronic Patient Record, working to submit its outline business case (OBC) in 2026. NHS England is supporting them to produce a robust and affordable OBC which meets their core capabilities as set out by the NHS England Frontline Digitisations Programme. This includes providing procurement support, subject matter expertise, and funding, including capital and revenue.Hinchingbrooke has also recently submitted its strategic outline case for its new hospital as part of the NHP, which was considered by the Joint Investment Committee on 22 October 2025, and a decision is pending.

What vehicles are in scope to be procured under the Common Armoured Vehicle System programme.

The Army has joined the Technical Agreement for Common Armoured Vehicle System joining several European partners in early scoping of a modular single platform which can be adapted for different roles. The vehicle roles in scope are General Purpose, Utility, Communications, Maintenance, Medical, Troop Carrying, Protected Patrol, Tactical Mobility and Air Defence.

What the cost to the public purse has been of redundancy packages for staff following the abolition of NHS England.

Following the Prime Minister’s announcement of the abolition of NHS England, we are clear on the need for a smaller centre, as well as scaling back integrated care board running costs and NHS provider corporate cost reductions in order to reduce waste and bureaucracy.Redundancies are anticipated to cost approximately £1 billion in total, with most exit activity concentrated in 2025/26 and 2026/27, to release savings as soon as possible and to align to the available funding. The precise split between financial years and organisations is being worked through as operational delivery planning progresses.

When he plans to deliver the Global Decision Support System.

The Global Decision Support System is in the capability planning and concept development stage. The establishment of a funded project remains dependant on Defence investment prioritisation.