Ben Obese-Jecty MP: written questions
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Written questions
ArtilleryMinistry of DefenceTabled 5 Jan 2026AnsweredUIN 102956More
Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, how many (a) RCH155 and (b) Boxer-variants will each Royal Artillery regiment be equipped with.
Answer: 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 ...
Answered 13 Jan 2026
Original Parliament recordArmed Forces: FirearmsMinistry of DefenceTabled 5 Jan 2026AnsweredUIN 102955More
Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, what is the out-of-service date of the M60D machine gun.
Answer: The ramp mounted 7.62mm machine gun requirement has an Out of Service Date of 2040. This is currently fulfilled by the M60D.
Answered 13 Jan 2026
Original Parliament recordChallenger TanksMinistry of DefenceTabled 5 Jan 2026AnsweredUIN 102954More
Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, what his plans are for the 140 Challenger 2 tanks not due to be upgraded to Challenger 3.
Answer: 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.
Answered 8 Jan 2026
Original Parliament recordArmoured Fighting Vehicles: ProcurementMinistry of DefenceTabled 5 Jan 2026AnsweredUIN 102953More
Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, what recent progress he has made in replacing the FV430 series Mk3 Bulldog.
Answer: 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 evalu...
Answered 8 Jan 2026
Original Parliament recordAjax Vehicles: Health and SafetyMinistry of DefenceTabled 5 Jan 2026AnsweredUIN 102952More
Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, 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.
Answer: Ongoing investigations into the safety of the Ajax platform remain on track.
Answered 8 Jan 2026
Original Parliament recordAjax Vehicles: Health and SafetyMinistry of DefenceTabled 5 Jan 2026AnsweredUIN 102951More
Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, 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.
Answer: 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 carrie...
Answered 8 Jan 2026
Original Parliament recordArmy: Military IntelligenceMinistry of DefenceTabled 5 Jan 2026AnsweredUIN 102950More
Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, what assessment has he made of the feasibility of replacing the Army’s formation reconnaissance capability via Project ASGARD.
Answer: 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 essen...
Answered 8 Jan 2026
Original Parliament recordAjax Vehicles: Health and SafetyMinistry of DefenceTabled 5 Jan 2026AnsweredUIN 102949More
Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, with reference to the Written Ministerial Statement on the Ajax Investigation (HCWS1212), published on 18th December 2025, who are the independent group of experts supporting the investigation.
Answer: It would not be appropriate to comment on the individuals undertaking and supporting the ongoing investigations at this stage as to do so could prejudice the outcomes of the investigations. Their work is ongoing.
Answered 13 Jan 2026
Original Parliament recordAjax Vehicles: Health and SafetyMinistry of DefenceTabled 5 Jan 2026AnsweredUIN 102948More
Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, with reference to the Written Ministerial Statement on the Ajax Investigation (HCWS1212), published on 18th December 2025, what are the 45 points of inspection each Ajax vehicle has undergone.
Answer: The 45-point check is a comprehensive inspection of the vehicle for serviceability, functionality and condition of systems and components. It focuses on a number of areas:· Vehicle usage data.· Track and running gear, including track tension.· Driver and ...
Answered 13 Jan 2026
Original Parliament recordArmed Forces Foundation SchemeMinistry of DefenceTabled 5 Jan 2026AnsweredUIN 102947More
Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, what rank those participating in the Armed Forces Foundation Scheme will hold in the a) Army, b) Royal Navy and c) Royal Air Force.
Answer: 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 ...
Answered 13 Jan 2026
Original Parliament recordArmed Forces Foundation SchemeMinistry of DefenceTabled 5 Jan 2026AnsweredUIN 102946More
Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, what the projected cost of the Armed Forces Foundation Scheme is in (a) 2026-27, (b) 2027-28 and (c) 2028-29.
Answer: 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 ...
Answered 13 Jan 2026
Original Parliament recordArmed Forces Foundation SchemeMinistry of DefenceTabled 5 Jan 2026AnsweredUIN 102945More
Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, if he will publish the full scope of the Armed Forces Foundation Scheme for under-25s.
Answer: 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 ...
Answered 13 Jan 2026
Original Parliament recordNorthern Ireland Troubles BillNorthern Ireland OfficeTabled 5 Jan 2026AnsweredUIN 102944More
Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland, whether veterans groups were consulted on the six lawful and deliverable protections in the Northern Ireland Troubles Bill.
Answer: The Government has announced new protections and safeguards designed specifically for veterans that were not included in the 2023 Legacy Act, and that respond directly to the views expressed by veterans during engagements that the Government has undertake...
Answered 12 Jan 2026
Original Parliament recordChallenger Tanks: ProcurementMinistry of DefenceTabled 2 Jan 2026AnsweredUIN 101931More
Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, when is the demonstration phase trial of Challenger 3 due to be completed.
Answer: I refer the hon. Member to my answer to Question 100127, which remains extant: Challenger 3 is currently undergoing demonstration phase trials to prove the performance of the tanks. Manufacturing will begin once the tank's performance is proven, rather th...
Answered 12 Jan 2026
Original Parliament recordLocal Government: CambridgeshireMinistry of Housing, Communities and Local GovernmentTabled 2 Jan 2026AnsweredUIN 101930More
Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government, what is the projected total cost of local government reorganisation in Cambridgeshire.
Answer: Exact costs and savings will vary by area, depending on proposals received and which proposals are implemented. It was for local areas to firstly submit proposals, including estimated costs/benefits of each proposal. We anticipate that we will launch a co...
Answered 12 Jan 2026
Original Parliament recordPolice and Crime CommissionersHome OfficeTabled 2 Jan 2026AnsweredUIN 101929More
Question: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, what is the projected overall financial saving from abolishing the role of Police and Crime Commissioners.
Answer: The Government expects to save at least £100m in this Parliament as a result of abolishing Police and Crime Commissioners (PCCs).At least £20m per annum will be reinvested back into policing from 28/29, in addition to savings from cancelling future PCC el...
Answered 13 Jan 2026
Original Parliament recordWarrior VehiclesMinistry of DefenceTabled 2 Jan 2026AnsweredUIN 101928More
Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, how many Warrior armoured vehicles have been written off due to a) enemy action and b) accidents, since its introduction.
Answer: I am unable to release the data requested as to do so would, or would be likely to, prejudice the security and capability of our Armed Forces.
Answered 12 Jan 2026
Original Parliament recordArmed Forces CommissionerMinistry of DefenceTabled 2 Jan 2026AnsweredUIN 101927More
Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, how many applicants for the role of Armed Forces Commissioner have been interviewed as of 1 January 2026.
Answer: Five candidates have been interviewed for the role of the Armed Forces Commissioner to date. The recruitment follows the Governance Code on Public Appointments, which is designed to ensure the process is fair, open, and transparent. We are committed to ap...
Answered 12 Jan 2026
Original Parliament recordMBR Acres: Animal WelfareHome OfficeTabled 2 Jan 2026AnsweredUIN 101926More
Question: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, pursuant to the answer of 13 March 2025, to question 35843 on Marshall Bioresources: Audit, when was the last a) announced and b) unannounced audit of MBR Acres in the Huntingdon constituency.
Answer: The last announced audit at MBR Acres occurred in November 2025. The last unannounced audit occurred in April 2024.The Animals in Science Regulation Unit conducts both announced and unannounced audits to assure establishments are compliant with the Animal...
Answered 12 Jan 2026
Original Parliament recordArmoured Fighting Vehicles: DecommissioningMinistry of DefenceTabled 2 Jan 2026AnsweredUIN 101925More
Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, what is the out of service date of each Protected Mobility Vehicle platform included within the UK Armed Forces Land Equipment table.
Answer: The table below outlines the Out of Service dates for each of the Army’s Protected Mobility Vehicles based on current plans. Protected Mobility VehicleOut of Service DateJackall2030Coyote2030Mastiff2028Ridgeback2028Wolfhound2028Foxhound2030Panther2037Viki...
Answered 12 Jan 2026
Original Parliament recordFirearms: LicensingHome OfficeTabled 2 Jan 2026AnsweredUIN 101924More
Question: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, what is the size of the processing backlog for firearms licensing applications in Hertfordshire, Bedfordshire and Cambridgeshire.
Answer: The issuing of firearms certificates, resourcing of firearms licensing teams and the efficiency of police forces, including tackling any backlogs, is a matter for individual Chief Officers of Police and Police and Crime Commissioners. Cambridgeshire Const...
Answered 13 Jan 2026
Original Parliament recordHM Prison and Probation Service: Migrant WorkersMinistry of JusticeTabled 2 Jan 2026AnsweredUIN 101923More
Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Justice, how many emergency visa extensions has his department applied for HMPPS staff since 1 November 2025.
Answer: The requested data is not held centrally in a reportable format.
Answered 12 Jan 2026
Original Parliament recordArmoured Fighting VehiclesMinistry of DefenceTabled 2 Jan 2026AnsweredUIN 101922More
Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, what assessment has he made of the potential merits of procuring the BAE CV90 as a replacement infantry fighting vehicle for Warrior.
Answer: I refer the hon. Member to the answer I gave to Question 98364 on 17 December 2025, which remains extant: The Ministry of Defence continually assesses its current and planned capabilities to ensure that it is appropriately equipped to face any adversary. ...
Answered 7 Jan 2026
Original Parliament recordAjax Vehicles: ProcurementMinistry of DefenceTabled 2 Jan 2026AnsweredUIN 101921More
Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, on what date his Department was first informed a) informally and b) formally by General Dynamics that Initial Operating Capability for Ajax had been achieved.
Answer: Initial Operating Capability (IOC) for the Armoured Cavalry Programme (commonly known as Ajax) was announced on 5 November 2025 by the Minister for Defence Readiness and Industry. IOC was not declared by General Dynamics.
Answered 7 Jan 2026
Original Parliament recordAjax Vehicles: Health and SafetyMinistry of DefenceTabled 2 Jan 2026AnsweredUIN 101920More
Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, how many noise and vibration injuries were sustained by personnel using Ajax vehicles between 23 July 2025 and Exercise Titan Storm.
Answer: The number of personnel with a recorded code for the relevant symptom has been provided. It should be noted that personnel who had a recorded symptom for noise or vibration may have had this on their health record prior to their first Ajax use. For any se...
Answered 17 Mar 2026
Original Parliament record
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