Ben Obese-Jecty MP: written questions
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Written questions
F-35 Aircraft: ProcurementMinistry of DefenceTabled 10 Oct 2025AnsweredUIN 79427More
Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, with reference to recommendation 46 of the Strategic Defence Review 2025, published on 8 July 2025, what assessment he has made of how a mix of F-35A and B models provide value for money.
Answer: I refer the hon. Member to the answer my predecessor gave to Question 64538 on 10 July 2025 to the hon. Member for South Suffolk (James Cartlidge). The procurement of 12 F-35A rather than 12 F-35B is expected to deliver a saving of up to 25% per aircraft....
Answered 17 Oct 2025
Original Parliament recordUnmanned Air SystemsMinistry of DefenceTabled 10 Oct 2025AnsweredUIN 79426More
Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, with reference to page 114 of the Strategic Defence Review 2025, published on 8 July 2025, what progress he has made in enhancing protector with maritime (a) surveillance equipment and (b) connectivity.
Answer: The exploration of the Maritime capability for Protector is being considered as part of the Defence Investment Plan to take onboard the Review's vision and recommendations and turn them into a delivery plan. We will ensure that this Plan is affordable, co...
Answered 20 Oct 2025
Original Parliament recordBoeing E-7: ProcurementMinistry of DefenceTabled 10 Oct 2025AnsweredUIN 79425More
Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, with reference to page 114 of the Strategic Defence Review 2025, published on 8 July 2025, what assessment he has made of the opportunities for cost-sharing with NATO Allies in procuring more E-7 Wedgetail AEW&C
Answer: I refer the hon. Member to the answer given to Question 70763 on 8 September 2025 to the hon. Member for South Suffolk (James Cartlidge).
Answered 17 Oct 2025
Original Parliament recordMilitary Aircraft: ProcurementMinistry of DefenceTabled 10 Oct 2025AnsweredUIN 79424More
Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, with reference to page 114 of the Strategic Defence Review 2025, published on 8 July 2025, when sixth-generation aircraft will replace (a) Typhoon and (b) F-35.
Answer: With regard to Typhoon out of service dates I refer the hon. Member to the response by my hon. Friend the Minister of State for Defence Procurement and Industry on 1 September 2025 to Question 69517. The F35 aircraft will remain a cornerstone of our CA ca...
Answered 17 Nov 2025
Original Parliament recordTyphoon Aircraft: Defence EquipmentMinistry of DefenceTabled 10 Oct 2025AnsweredUIN 79423More
Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, with reference to page 114 of the Strategic Defence Review 2025, published on 8 July 2025, what the full scope is of Typhoon upgrades for (a) radar, (b) defensive aids, (c) avionics and (d) weapons.
Answer: An assessment of the planned Typhoon upgrades is currently underway. Further information regarding upgrades to the Typhoon's systems and equipment will be communicated in the forthcoming Defence Investment Plan.
Answered 20 Oct 2025
Original Parliament recordMilitary Aircraft: In-flight RefuellingMinistry of DefenceTabled 10 Oct 2025AnsweredUIN 79422More
Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, with reference to page 114 of the Strategic Defence Review 2025, published on 8 July 2025, what assessment he has made of the (a) flexibility, (b) efficiency and (c) value for money of civilian charter options fo
Answer: The RAF Voyager Force contributes to NATO Integrated Air Defence and NATO Enhanced Air Policing. In addition, I refer the hon. Member to the answer the right hon. Member for Liverpool Garston (Maria Eagle) gave to him on 4 July 2025 to Question 63066.
Answered 18 Oct 2025
Original Parliament recordEmergencies: AirportsMinistry of DefenceTabled 10 Oct 2025AnsweredUIN 79421More
Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, with reference to page 114 of the Strategic Defence Review 2025, published on 8 July 2025, what progress he has made in planning for the use of UK commercial airfields in times of crisis.
Answer: The Ministry of Defence (MOD) has robust plans for mobilising and deploying the Armed Forces in response to any number of events and crises, whether they take place at home and abroad. These plans are regularly reviewed, tested and exercised. As part of t...
Answered 20 Oct 2025
Original Parliament recordNATO: Armed ForcesMinistry of DefenceTabled 10 Oct 2025AnsweredUIN 79420More
Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, with reference to page 113 of the Strategic Defence Review 2025, published on 8 July 2025, what assessment he has made of the extent of NATO reliance on the RAF’s GUARDIAN Air Battle Management system.
Answer: The contribution of the RAF's GUARDIAN Air Battle Management system between the UK and NATO partners is key to delivering the RAF's core mission of Control of the Air. The UK GUARDIAN system currently meets all NATO interoperability requirements, includin...
Answered 20 Oct 2025
Original Parliament recordAir Force: TrainingMinistry of DefenceTabled 10 Oct 2025AnsweredUIN 79419More
Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, with reference to page 113 of the Strategic Defence Review 2025, published on 8 July 2025, how arrangements for fast jet training are inadequate.
Answer: The Strategic Defence Review 2025 identified inadequacies in fast jet training arrangements, primarily due to the underperformance of the Hawk T2 aircraft, necessitating the initiation of a replacement programme. This issue, combined with the increased de...
Answered 17 Oct 2025
Original Parliament recordAir Force: Reserve ForcesMinistry of DefenceTabled 10 Oct 2025AnsweredUIN 79418More
Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, with reference to page 113 of the Strategic Defence Review 2025, published on 8 July 2025, what progress he has made in increasing RAF reserves by 50%.
Answer: The RAF continues to make positive progress toward increasing its Reserves by 50% by focusing on recruitment activity, structural reform and strategic alignment. The RAF is prioritising the growth of the Part Time Volunteer Reserves, who are the reserve o...
Answered 18 Oct 2025
Original Parliament recordNATO: Armed ForcesMinistry of DefenceTabled 10 Oct 2025AnsweredUIN 79417More
Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, with reference to page 113 of the Strategic Defence Review 2025, published on 8 July 2025, what air-to-air refuelling capability does the RAF contribute to NATO plans in the Euro-Atlantic.
Answer: The RAF Voyager Force contributes to NATO Integrated Air Defence and NATO Enhanced Air Policing. In addition, I refer the hon. Member to the answer the right hon. Member for Liverpool Garston (Maria Eagle) gave to him on 4 July 2025 to Question 63066.
Answered 18 Oct 2025
Original Parliament recordNATO: Armed ForcesMinistry of DefenceTabled 10 Oct 2025AnsweredUIN 79416More
Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, with reference to page 113 of the Strategic Defence Review 2025, published on 8 July 2025, what (a) airborne early warning and (b) control capability does the RAF contribute to NATO plans in the Euro-Atlantic.
Answer: The UK will contribute the E-7 Wedgetail aircraft once operational. The Wedgetail is an airborne early warning and control aircraft that will deliver cutting-edge capabilities and strengthen the Alliance.
Answered 20 Oct 2025
Original Parliament recordAir ForceMinistry of DefenceTabled 10 Oct 2025AnsweredUIN 79415More
Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, with reference to page 112 of the Strategic Defence Review 2025, published on 8 July 2025, what progress he has made in improving the RAF’s (a) productivity, (b) agility and (c) adaptability.
Answer: The RAF has established, and is operating an approach which drives increased output, improved affordability and enhanced workforce effectiveness to deliver the recommendations set out in the Strategic Defence Review. Through delivery of prioritised and me...
Answered 20 Oct 2025
Original Parliament recordMilitary AircraftMinistry of DefenceTabled 10 Oct 2025AnsweredUIN 79414More
Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, with reference to page 112 of the Strategic Defence Review 2025, published on 8 July 2025, what assessment he has made of the level of challenge to the primacy of crewed aircraft.
Answer: The safety of aircrew and the survivability of crewed platforms remain paramount. The Strategic Defence Review sets a path for the next decade and beyond to transform Defence and make the UK stronger both at home and abroad. The Government endorses the Re...
Answered 18 Oct 2025
Original Parliament recordRNAD Coulport: SafetyMinistry of DefenceTabled 10 Oct 2025AnsweredUIN 79413More
Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, how many category (a) A, (b) B, (c) C and (d) D incidents have taken place at RNAD Coulport since 5 July 2024.
Answer: I cannot provide specific detail for the events as disclosure would, or would be likely to, prejudice the capability, effectiveness or security of any relevant forces. However, I can assure the hon. Member that none of the events listed caused harm to the...
Answered 20 Oct 2025
Original Parliament recordClyde Naval Base: Radioactive MaterialsMinistry of DefenceTabled 10 Oct 2025AnsweredUIN 79412More
Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, what assessment he has made of the scale of the damage to Loch Long caused by radioactive water from the burst pipework at HMNB Clyde.
Answer: There has been no unsafe radioactive material released into the environment of Loch Long at any stage. The Royal Navy frequently engages with regulators who report there is no significant impact on the environment or public health. Appropriate preventativ...
Answered 20 Oct 2025
Original Parliament recordNuclear Installations: SafetyMinistry of DefenceTabled 10 Oct 2025AnsweredUIN 79411More
Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, what assessment he has made of the implications for his policies of recent Nuclear Site Event Reports on (a) equipment failures, (b) human error, (c) procedural shortcomings and (d) near-misses.
Answer: I cannot provide specific detail for the events as disclosure would, or would be likely to, prejudice the capability, effectiveness or security of any relevant forces. However, I can assure the hon. Member that none of the events listed caused harm to the...
Answered 20 Oct 2025
Original Parliament recordNavy: Patrol CraftMinistry of DefenceTabled 10 Oct 2025AnsweredUIN 79410More
Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, what recent assessment he has made of the potential merits of replacing the Royal Navy’s Batch 1 OPVs on retirement.
Answer: The Royal Navy constantly reviews out-of-service dates to achieve maximum availability of its platforms for operational tasking. For operational security reasons, the Royal Navy does not release the out-of-service dates of individual platforms. The class ...
Answered 20 Oct 2025
Original Parliament recordNavy: Patrol CraftMinistry of DefenceTabled 10 Oct 2025AnsweredUIN 79409More
Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, what is the out-of-service date of all Royal Navy Batch 1 OPVs.
Answer: The Royal Navy constantly reviews out-of-service dates to achieve maximum availability of its platforms for operational tasking. For operational security reasons, the Royal Navy does not release the out-of-service dates of individual platforms. The class ...
Answered 20 Oct 2025
Original Parliament recordNeighbourhood PolicingHome OfficeTabled 10 Oct 2025AnsweredUIN 79408More
Question: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, how many named neighbourhood officers are in place in England and Wales.
Answer: The Neighbourhood Policing Guarantee ensures that every neighbourhood has named, contactable officers, with details available via each local police force’s website.As part of the Guarantee, 3,000 additional officers and PCSOs will be deployed to neighbour...
Answered 20 Oct 2025
Original Parliament recordNeighbourhood PolicingHome OfficeTabled 10 Oct 2025AnsweredUIN 79407More
Question: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, where can residents find the details of their named neighbourhood officer.
Answer: As part of the Neighbourhood Policing Guarantee, every neighbourhood across England and Wales now has named and contactable neighbourhood officers, dedicated to addressing the issues that matter most to their communities.The public can find the details of...
Answered 20 Oct 2025
Original Parliament recordPrivate Education: ChinaDepartment for EducationTabled 10 Oct 2025AnsweredUIN 79406More
Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Education, how many independent schools have been bought by Chinese-registered companies since 5 July 2025.
Answer: The department does not hold data on investment in or ownership of private schools.
Answered 30 Oct 2025
Original Parliament recordArmy: Reserve ForcesMinistry of DefenceTabled 10 Oct 2025AnsweredUIN 79405More
Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, with reference to Recommendation 43 of the Strategic Defence Review 2025, published on 8 July 2025, what tasks are in scope for the active reserve that qualify as being able to be (a) delivered well and (b) with
Answer: The Army Reserve will support home defence and warfighting. It will also be the training engine for regeneration and reconstitution. Specific tasks within these functions are subject to ongoing work.
Answered 20 Oct 2025
Original Parliament recordArmyMinistry of DefenceTabled 10 Oct 2025AnsweredUIN 79404More
Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, how many fully deployable manoeuvre brigades does the British Army have.
Answer: The Army has five fully deployable manoeuvre brigades.
Answered 17 Oct 2025
Original Parliament recordArmyMinistry of DefenceTabled 10 Oct 2025AnsweredUIN 79403More
Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, how many fully deployable divisional headquarters does the British Army have.
Answer: The British Army has two deployable divisions: 1 (UK) Division and 3 (UK) Division. Both have their own divisional headquarters.
Answered 17 Oct 2025
Original Parliament record
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