Every parliamentary written question tabled by James MacCleary this session, with the full answer and department. See how every department answers, or back to the MP page.
Showing 101–120 of 517 · this parliament
What recent steps he has taken on (1) Project Beehive, (2) the Marine Mine Counter Measures programme, (3) SeaCat and (4) the repairs to HMS Bangor.
The Royal Navy has a comprehensive Mine Warfare capability across crewed ships and an increasing number of uncrewed systems. The updates requested are listed below: Project BEEHIVE - 10 of the 20 craft ordered have been delivered.MMCM – RNMB ADVENTURE, th...
When does he plan to issue an update to the National Shipbuilding Strategy.
This Government is fully committed to supporting our sovereign shipbuilding and maritime technology industries, which collectively offer high potential as an engine for growth. The National Shipbuilding Office is currently developing a new Shipbuilding an...
Communities and Local Government, for what reason the Sussex and Brighton Strategic Authority includes Brighton in its name.
The name ‘Sussex and Brighton’ for the Sussex and Brighton Combined County Authority reflects the make-up of the constituent councils. This is an approach taken in other areas, such as Cheshire and Warrington. The name of the Combined County Authority was...
What assessment her Department has made of the potential merits of using defence bonds as a way to finance capital-intensive commitments in the Strategic Defence Review.
This Government has announced a significant uplift in defence spending over the Spending Review period. This uplift is underpinned by our non-negotiable fiscal rules; reducing borrowing whilst investing in defence to keep the UK and allies safe. There are...
With reference to his Department's press release entitled Shadow fleet set to be interdicted in UK waters in latest blow to Russia, published on 25th of March 2026, which Royal Naval ships have been deployed to c
The Royal Navy routinely deploys a range of maritime assets to monitor, track and, where appropriate, take action against vessels of concern in and around UK waters. For reasons of operational security, it is the Department’s longstanding policy not to co...
Representing the Church Commissioners, what steps she is taking to support the campaign to rewild 30% of Church owned land.
The Church Commissioners have engaged with the campaign and note that ‘30 by 30’ is a national target, not one set for individual landowners. As a charity with duties to generate sustainable returns to support the Church’s work, the Commissioners’ rural p...
With reference to his Department's press release entitled Shadow fleet set to be interdicted in UK waters in latest blow to Russia, published on 25th of March 2026, (a) how many Russian shadow fleet ships have tr
The UK has supported multiple interdictions of sanctioned vessels in recent months. We will not get into details of our decision-making process as this could compromise our ability to successfully take action against sanctioned ships, only benefitting ou...
When he plans to issue an update to the National Shipbuilding Strategy.
It has not proved possible to respond to the hon. Member in the time available before Prorogation.
Under what legislation do British forces operate in UK waters.
UK forces operate in accordance with both international law, including the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea, and domestic law.
What progress his Department has made on resolving disputes over pay and work conditions in the Royal Fleet Auxiliary.
We continue to engage constructively with trade unions. It would not be appropriate to offer more detail of these engagements as discussions are ongoing.
Whether his Department has considered New Zealand's retirement villages sector in developing policy on the future of the social care system in England.
We recognise the important role retirement villages play in providing high quality, safe, and suitable homes which can help people stay independent and healthy for longer and reduce the need to draw on health and social care provision. The Department of Health and Social Care is working closely with the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government to support the development of suitable older people’s housing. We are aware of relevant international evidence in this area, including examples cited in the Older People’s Housing Taskforce report such as older people’s housing models in New Zealand, Australia, and Canada.
What progress he has made on (a) Project Beehive, (b) MMCM program (Marine Mine Counter Measures), (c) SeaCat and (d) the repairs to HMS Bangor.
It has not proved possible to respond to the hon. Member in the time available before Prorogation.
By which year does he forecast the Royal Navy surface fleet will return to its minimum target strength of 19 frigates and destroyers.
Awaiting answer.
What steps his Department is taking to improve mine hunting capabilities.
It has not proved possible to respond to the hon. Member in the time available before Prorogation.
What progress his Department has made on the Type 83 design process; and whether it will be completed by 2038.
I refer the hon. Member to my response to question 106653 on 27 January 2026.
How many operational vessels are available to the Royal Navy with hospital or casualty receiving facilities.
It has not proved possible to respond to the hon. Member in the time available before Prorogation.
How many (a) falsely-flagged and (b) non-flagged vessels have passed through the English Channel since July 2024.
I refer the hon Member to the answer I gave on 20 April 2026, to Question 125435.
What steps is her Department taking to ensure those renewing short-term medical driving licences are kept up to date with the progress of their application.
The Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency (DVLA) writes to drivers to advise of any action taken on their case, for example where medical information has been requested from their healthcare professional or when a reminder has been issued and no response has been received. The DVLA is also enhancing its online service to provide clearer application progress updates via the driver and vehicles customer account. Details on how to sign up for an account can be found at www.gov.uk/driver-vehicles-account.
What is the average time a new licence is issued to those who are over 70 and have applied online.
Specific information on the average time to process driving licence applications where the applicant is over the age of 70 and applied online is not available. The table below shows the average number of working days taken to process non-medical driving licence applications made online between January and 14 April 2026. Group 1 (car and motorcycle)Group 2 (lorry and bus)DateOnline ApplicationsOnline ApplicationsJan 20261.31.0Feb 20261.21.0Mar 20261.21.0Apr 2026(to 14 Apr)1.21.0 The Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency (DVLA)’s online services are the quickest and easiest way to renew a driving licence and customers should receive their driving licence within a few days following a successful online application. However, driving licence applications where a medical condition must be investigated can take longer as in the interests of road safety the DVLA must be satisfied that the required medical standards are met before a licence is issued. The DVLA is currently experiencing an increase in both the volume and complexity of driving licence applications from people with one or more medical conditions. Unfortunately, this has led to longer waiting times for some customers. To keep up with growing customer demand and to offer a better service, the DVLA is updating its online service and has launched a new casework system which will deliver significant improvements to drivers with medical conditions. The DVLA has also launched a new digital medical services portal. These enhancements, along with the recruitment of additional staff to deal with medical applications and answer telephone calls, will deliver real improvements for customers.
(a) when he expects the Ministry of Defence to respond to Freedom of Information request FOI2026/00636, submitted by my office on the 9th January 2026, and (b) what the reasons are for the delay in issuing a response.
It has taken more time than expected to collate the information in scope of this request. I apologise for the delay and will aim to provide a substantive response as soon as possible.