Ben Obese-Jecty MP: written questions

Written questions by answering department

4 Jul 2025–3 Jul 2026. One record per UIN and tabled date; the named department is not a measure of answer quality.

What this shows and doesn't show

4 Jul 2025–3 Jul 2026. One record per UIN and tabled date; the named department is not a measure of answer quality. Published records do not measure effort or effectiveness. Methodology.

Department or topic	Published records
Attorney General	12
Cabinet Office	109
Department for Business and Trade	60
Department for Culture, Media and Sport	28
Department for Education	58
Department for Energy Security and Net Zero	45
Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs	53
Department for Science, Innovation and Technology	137
Department for Transport	93
Department for Work and Pensions	13
Department of Health and Social Care	87
Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office	124
Home Office	313
Ministry of Defence	2023
Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government	61
Ministry of Justice	178
Northern Ireland Office	2
Treasury	56

2023 published records · newest first.

Written questions

NATOMinistry of DefenceTabled 21 Jan 2026AnsweredUIN 107520More
Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, pursuant to the answer of 21 January 2026 to question 105590 on NATO, how many of the six NATO-administered facilities are located within US-run military bases.
Answer: One facility—the NATO Intelligence Fusion Centre (NIFC)—is located at RAF Molesworth, a United States Visiting Forces (USVF) base, in Cambridgeshire.
Answered 30 Jan 2026
Original Parliament record
Armoured Fighting Vehicles: DecommissioningMinistry of DefenceTabled 21 Jan 2026AnsweredUIN 107519More
Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, pursuant to the answer of 21 January 2026 to question 105582 on Armoured Fighting Vehicles: Decommissioning, what programme does the replacement of Pinzgauer fall under.
Answer: The long-term replacement for the Pinzgauer vehicle is being considered within the Light Mobility Vehicle (LMV) segment of the Land Mobility Programme. The programme is being considered as part of the Defence Investment Plan.
Answered 30 Jan 2026
Original Parliament record
Navy: ShippingMinistry of DefenceTabled 21 Jan 2026AnsweredUIN 107518More
Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, pursuant to the answer of 21 January 2026 to question 105586 on Navy: Shipping, is the Patrick Blackett (a) in service with the Royal Navy and (b) a commissioned warship.
Answer: The XV Patrick Blackett is an experimental vessel, operating under a Blue Ensign. While it is in service with the Royal Navy to test new technologies, as an experimental vessel it is not a commissioned warship.
Answered 30 Jan 2026
Original Parliament record
Ajax Vehicles: ProcurementMinistry of DefenceTabled 21 Jan 2026AnsweredUIN 107516More
Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, how much his Department paid to General Dynamics in relation to the delivery of the Armoured Cavalry Programme.
Answer: As at 22 January 2026, the Ministry of Defence has paid General Dynamics Land Systems UK £4.664 billion in line with contractual obligations for the Ajax programme.
Answered 27 Jan 2026
Original Parliament record
Armoured Fighting Vehicles: WeaponsMinistry of DefenceTabled 20 Jan 2026AnsweredUIN 107237More
Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, on which vehicle platforms is he currently assessing the feasibility of equipping the M230LF (Link Fed) Dual Feed Bushmaster Chain Gun.
Answer: The Army and the Defence Science and Technology Laboratory have established an enduring research programme to assess the benefits of equipping elements of the armoured vehicle fleet with a range of capabilities, including enhanced lethality. As part of th...
Answered 28 Jan 2026
Original Parliament record
Armoured Fighting Vehicles: WeaponsMinistry of DefenceTabled 20 Jan 2026AnsweredUIN 107236More
Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, what assessment he has made of the potential benefits of equipping Ares with the Northrop Grumman M230LF (Link Fed) Dual Feed Bushmaster Chain Gun.
Answer: The Army and the Defence Science and Technology Laboratory have established an enduring research programme to assess the benefits of equipping elements of the armoured vehicle fleet with a range of capabilities, including enhanced lethality. As part of th...
Answered 28 Jan 2026
Original Parliament record
Ajax Vehicles: Health and SafetyMinistry of DefenceTabled 20 Jan 2026AnsweredUIN 107235More
Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, with reference to the medical status update on personnel injured during Exercise Titan Storm, provided by the Minister for the Armed Forces during the Ajax debate on 14th January 2026, how many of those personnel
Answer: The safety of our personnel is of paramount importance. I updated the House on 22 January 2026 on those injured as a result of the two incidents since November 2025, which includes Exercise Titan Storm. However, we do not routinely provide medical informa...
Answered 26 Jan 2026
Original Parliament record
Ajax Vehicles: ProcurementMinistry of DefenceTabled 20 Jan 2026AnsweredUIN 107234More
Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, how many Ajax-family vehicles were at each Capability Drop status as at 22 November 2025.
Answer: At 22 November 2025, the following number of Ajax vehicles were at each Capability Drop: CD1 – 59CD2 – 84CD3 – 172 Total Produced – 315Total Contract - 589 Only Capability Drop 3 vehicles are fielded to Army units.
Answered 26 Jan 2026
Original Parliament record
Rifles: ProcurementMinistry of DefenceTabled 20 Jan 2026AnsweredUIN 107233More
Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, what requirement has his Department specified for (a) anti-thermal and (b) anti IR coatings to the new rifle within Project Grayburn.
Answer: 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.
Answered 28 Jan 2026
Original Parliament record
Veterans: VisasMinistry of DefenceTabled 20 Jan 2026AnsweredUIN 107232More
Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, pursuant to the answer of 19 January 2026 to question 105591 on Veterans: Visas, what issues he has encountered in the delivery of a visa fee waiver for dependents of Commonwealth veterans.
Answer: The Ministry of Defence continues to work closely with the Home Office on the Government’s commitment to waive visa fees for non-UK veterans and their dependants. This work is ongoing, and the Department will update Parliament in the usual way once cross ...
Answered 26 Jan 2026
Original Parliament record
Ajax Vehicles: Health and SafetyMinistry of DefenceTabled 20 Jan 2026AnsweredUIN 107231More
Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, how many people from the Queens Royal Hussars have been diagnosed as suffering from noise and vibration sickness following operating in an Ajax-family vehicle (a) before and (b) after 23 July 2025.
Answer: The safety of our personnel is of paramount importance. I updated the House on 22 January 2026 on those injured as a result of the two incidents since November 2025, which includes Exercise Titan Storm. However, we do not routinely provide medical informa...
Answered 26 Jan 2026
Original Parliament record
Ajax Vehicles: Health and SafetyMinistry of DefenceTabled 20 Jan 2026AnsweredUIN 107230More
Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, how many individuals from the Household Cavalry Regiment have been diagnosed as with noise and vibration sickness following operating in an Ajax-family vehicle a) before and b) after 23 July 2025.
Answer: The safety of our personnel is of paramount importance. I updated the House on 22 January 2026 on those injured as a result of the two incidents since November 2025, which includes Exercise Titan Storm. However, we do not routinely provide medical informa...
Answered 26 Jan 2026
Original Parliament record
Rifles: ProcurementMinistry of DefenceTabled 20 Jan 2026AnsweredUIN 107229More
Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, whether he has made it a requirement to use Aubert & Duval Armad steel to manufacture barrels for rifle variants within Project Grayburn.
Answer: 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.
Answered 28 Jan 2026
Original Parliament record
Challenger Tanks: ExportsMinistry of DefenceTabled 20 Jan 2026AnsweredUIN 107227More
Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, what assessment he has made of the potential impact of the MARTE Project on future defence export opportunities for Challenger 3.
Answer: Challenger 3 is the centrepiece of the British Army’s armoured modernisation programme and will deliver a step change in lethality, survivability and digital integration. The Department continues to explore export opportunities for Challenger 3 and its ca...
Answered 28 Jan 2026
Original Parliament record
Rifles: ProcurementMinistry of DefenceTabled 20 Jan 2026AnsweredUIN 107226More
Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, what is the maximum weight of the new rifle under Project Grayburn.
Answer: 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.
Answered 28 Jan 2026
Original Parliament record
Fleet Solid Support Ships: Iron and SteelMinistry of DefenceTabled 19 Jan 2026AnsweredUIN 106666More
Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, 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.
Answer: 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 p...
Answered 22 Jan 2026
Original Parliament record
Navy: Middle EastMinistry of DefenceTabled 19 Jan 2026AnsweredUIN 106665More
Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, what plans he has to replace HMS Middleton in the Middle East upon its return to the UK.
Answer: 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 Com...
Answered 22 Jan 2026
Original Parliament record
Rifles: ProcurementMinistry of DefenceTabled 19 Jan 2026AnsweredUIN 106656More
Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, 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 Gray
Answer: 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.
Answered 27 Jan 2026
Original Parliament record
Rifles: ProcurementMinistry of DefenceTabled 19 Jan 2026AnsweredUIN 106655More
Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, what assessment has he made of the potential benefits of including an upper receiver which can accommodate .300 blackout as part of Project Grayburn.
Answer: 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.
Answered 27 Jan 2026
Original Parliament record
Rifles: ProcurementMinistry of DefenceTabled 19 Jan 2026AnsweredUIN 106654More
Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, what assessment he made of the potential benefits of including an upper receiver which can accommodate 6.5 Creedmoor as part of Project Grayburn.
Answer: 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.
Answered 27 Jan 2026
Original Parliament record
Type 83 Destroyers: ProcurementMinistry of DefenceTabled 19 Jan 2026AnsweredUIN 106653More
Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, 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.
Answer: 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.
Answered 27 Jan 2026
Original Parliament record
Ajax Vehicles: ProcurementMinistry of DefenceTabled 19 Jan 2026AnsweredUIN 106652More
Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, what was the role of the Permanent Secretary in the delivery of the Ajax programme since 23 July 2025.
Answer: 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, ...
Answered 3 Feb 2026
Original Parliament record
Uncrewed Systems: MinesweepersMinistry of DefenceTabled 19 Jan 2026AnsweredUIN 106651More
Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, how many MineWolf MW370 uncrewed mine and route clearance systems have been purchased by his Department.
Answer: 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, deta...
Answered 27 Jan 2026
Original Parliament record
Ajax Vehicles: ProcurementMinistry of DefenceTabled 16 Jan 2026AnsweredUIN 106364More
Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, 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.
Answer: 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.
Answered 22 Jan 2026
Original Parliament record
Nuclear Submarines: DeploymentMinistry of DefenceTabled 15 Jan 2026AnsweredUIN 106287More
Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, how many operational SSN’s were at sea as of 1 January 2026.
Answer: It is UK policy not to disclose the operational availability or deployment details of submarines, including SSNs, as doing so would, or would be likely to, prejudice the capability, effectiveness, or security of our Armed Forces.
Answered 23 Jan 2026
Original Parliament record

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