Ben Obese-Jecty MP: written questions
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Written questions
NavyMinistry of DefenceTabled 10 Oct 2025AnsweredUIN 79369More
Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, with reference to page 106 of the Strategic Defence Review 2025, published on 8 July 2025, what recent progress he has made in developing a global decision support system for the Royal Navy.
Answer: The Global Decision Support System will transform the Royal Navy’s world leading Maritime Domain Awareness capability, by integrating existing, novel, and commercial data sources to improve situational awareness and deliver decision advantage to commander...
Answered 20 Oct 2025
Original Parliament recordNavyMinistry of DefenceTabled 10 Oct 2025AnsweredUIN 79368More
Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, with reference to page 4106 of the Strategic Defence Review 2025, published on 8 July 2025, what recent progress he has made in improving the Royal Navy’s detection capacity.
Answer: The Royal Navy is integrating existing, novel and commercial sources of data to detect activity at sea into a new Global Decision Support System (GDSS) that will transform the Royal Navy’s world leading Maritime Domain Awareness capability. These streams ...
Answered 20 Oct 2025
Original Parliament recordAircraft Carriers: Guided WeaponsMinistry of DefenceTabled 10 Oct 2025AnsweredUIN 79367More
Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, with reference to page 106 of the Strategic Defence Fund, updated on 8 July 2025, what modifications would be required to aircraft carriers in order to facilitate long-range precision missiles capable of being fi
Answer: Project VANTAGE has recently been established as the maritime element of the UK’s One Way Effectors (OWE) programme, which are long-range uncrewed systems. VANTAGE is an iterative programme, with the first phase focussed on demonstrating OWE launch from a...
Answered 20 Oct 2025
Original Parliament recordAircraft Carriers: Guided WeaponsMinistry of DefenceTabled 10 Oct 2025AnsweredUIN 79366More
Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, with reference to page 106 of the Strategic Defence Review, what progress he has made in developing long-range precision missiles capable of being fired from a carrier deck.
Answer: Project VANTAGE has recently been established as the maritime element of the UK’s One Way Effectors (OWE) programme, which are long-range uncrewed systems. VANTAGE is an iterative programme, with the first phase focussed on demonstrating OWE launch from a...
Answered 20 Oct 2025
Original Parliament recordNavy: Military AircraftMinistry of DefenceTabled 10 Oct 2025AnsweredUIN 79365More
Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, with reference to page 106 of the Strategic Defence Review 2025, updated on 8 July 2025, what progress he has made in establishing hybrid carrier airwings.
Answer: Hybrid Air Wings, underpinned by the Royal Navy’s approach to Maritime Aviation Transformation, represents the evolution of the Fleet Air Arm to a crewed-uncrewed mix of drones, fast jets, helicopters and one-way effectors that will deliver enhanced letha...
Answered 20 Oct 2025
Original Parliament recordDefence Safety AuthorityMinistry of DefenceTabled 10 Oct 2025AnsweredUIN 79364More
Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, with reference to page 106 of the Strategic Defence Review, updated on 8 July 2025, what progress he has made in enhancing the mandate of the Defence Maritime Regulator.
Answer: The Defence Maritime Regulator (DMR) is currently developing several options for defence to consider and progress. These options are being developed in conjunction with defence stakeholders and the Maritime and Coastguard Agency (MCA) and will be presente...
Answered 18 Oct 2025
Original Parliament recordNavy: Autonomous WeaponsMinistry of DefenceTabled 10 Oct 2025AnsweredUIN 79363More
Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, with reference to page 106 of the Strategic Defence Review 2024, what progress he has made in establishing more flexible regulation in order to facilitate experimentation in autonomy.
Answer: The Defence Maritime Regulator (DMR) is currently developing several options for defence to consider and progress. These options are being developed in conjunction with defence stakeholders and the Maritime and Coastguard Agency (MCA) and will be presente...
Answered 18 Oct 2025
Original Parliament recordShipbuildingMinistry of DefenceTabled 10 Oct 2025AnsweredUIN 79362More
Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, with reference to page 106 of the Strategic Defence Review 2025, what progress he has made in ensuring an always on supply line for shipbuilding.
Answer: I refer to the answer provided by the former Minister for Defence Procurement and Industry to the Commons Oral Question 904899 from Graeme Downie MP on 30 June 2025: 'As outlined in the Strategic Defence Review and in the UK's Modern Industrial Strategy, ...
Answered 17 Oct 2025
Original Parliament recordWarships: SonarMinistry of DefenceTabled 10 Oct 2025AnsweredUIN 79361More
Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, with reference to box 12 page 105 of the Strategic Defence Review 2025, updated on 8 July 2025, what progress he has made in developing acoustic detection systems (a) powered by artificial intelligence and (b) in
Answer: Atlantic Bastion is a portfolio of programmes to secure the North Atlantic for the UK and in support of NATO against a range of underwater threats. It will develop a range of capabilities that enhance existing systems and deploy new platforms into the Nor...
Answered 18 Oct 2025
Original Parliament recordNavy: Unmanned Marine SystemsMinistry of DefenceTabled 10 Oct 2025AnsweredUIN 79360More
Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, with reference to Box 12 page 105 of the Strategic Defence Review 2025, updated on 8 July 2025, what (a) uncrewed surface vessels and (b) uncrewed underwater vehicles are currently in operational service with the
Answer: As outlined in the Strategic Defence Review 2025, Atlantic Bastion is the Royal Navy’s plan to secure the North Atlantic for the UK and NATO against the persistent and growing underwater threat posed by a modernising Russian submarine force. The UK’s anti...
Answered 20 Oct 2025
Original Parliament recordType 26 FrigatesMinistry of DefenceTabled 10 Oct 2025AnsweredUIN 79359More
Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, with reference to Box 12 page 15 of the Strategic Defence Review 2025, updated on 8 July 2025, how do mission bays facilitate (a) rapid upgrades and (b) spiral development.
Answer: The Royal Navy has embraced the mission bay concept, which are spaces on our ships into which modular capabilities can be inserted quickly, easily and at very low cost. Mission bays offer the opportunity to support a standardised footprint capability modu...
Answered 20 Oct 2025
Original Parliament recordNavy: North Atlantic OceanMinistry of DefenceTabled 10 Oct 2025AnsweredUIN 79358More
Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, with reference to Box 12 page 105 of the Strategic Defence Review 2025, what is the composition of the Atlantic Bastion Type 26 anti-submarine warfare frigate force.
Answer: Atlantic Bastion is a portfolio of programmes to secure the North Atlantic for the UK and in support of NATO against a range of underwater threats. It will develop a range of capabilities that enhance existing systems and deploy new platforms into the Nor...
Answered 18 Oct 2025
Original Parliament recordNavy: North Atlantic OceanMinistry of DefenceTabled 10 Oct 2025AnsweredUIN 79357More
Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, with reference to Box 12 page 105 of the Strategic Defence Review 2025, updated on 8 July 2025, what the full scope is of Atlantic Bastion’s approach.
Answer: Atlantic Bastion is a portfolio of programmes to secure the North Atlantic for the UK and in support of NATO against a range of underwater threats. It will develop a range of capabilities that enhance existing systems and deploy new platforms into the Nor...
Answered 18 Oct 2025
Original Parliament recordNavy: TrainingMinistry of DefenceTabled 10 Oct 2025AnsweredUIN 79356More
Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, with reference to page 105 of the Strategic Defence Review, updated on 8 July 2025, if he will list the sites he has considered for the Royal Navy's training estate.
Answer: The Ministry of Defence keeps the Royal Navy’s training estate under regular review to ensure it continues to meet both current and future operational requirements. As part of the Strategic Defence Review, all elements of the training estate are being ass...
Answered 20 Oct 2025
Original Parliament recordNavyMinistry of DefenceTabled 10 Oct 2025AnsweredUIN 79355More
Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, with reference to page 105 of the Strategic Defence Review 2025, updated on 8 July 2025, what his planned timeframe is for changing the Royal Navy’s personnel balance between (a) regulars and (b) reservists.
Answer: The outputs of the Strategic Defence Review including the recommendation to increase the size of the Active Reserve by 20% are being reviewed through the Defence Investment Plan, with future strategic workforce planning to be modelled into the Royal Navy'...
Answered 21 Nov 2025
Original Parliament recordType 45 DestroyersMinistry of DefenceTabled 10 Oct 2025AnsweredUIN 79354More
Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, with reference to page 105 of the Strategic Defence Review 2025, updated on 8 July 2025, what assessment he has made of the potential impact of Type 45 destroyers on NATO regional plans.
Answer: Type 45 destroyers are central to the UK's integrated air and missile defence strategy, and they have actively contributed to NATO operations through Carrier Strike Group deployments and singleton deployments with Standing Naval Maritime Groups. Upgrades ...
Answered 17 Oct 2025
Original Parliament recordAmphibious WarfareMinistry of DefenceTabled 10 Oct 2025AnsweredUIN 79353More
Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, with reference to page 105 of the Strategic Defence Review 2025, updated on 8 July 2025, what assessment he has made of the potential impact of littoral strike by the Royal Navy on NATO regional plans.
Answer: The Royal Navy's Littoral Strike capabilities are aligned with NATO's strategic objectives. These capabilities enhance the UK's ability to contribute to NATO operations, particularly in contested and strategically significant regions, and they support the...
Answered 17 Oct 2025
Original Parliament recordCybersecurityDepartment for Science, Innovation and TechnologyTabled 10 Oct 2025AnsweredUIN 79352More
Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Science, Innovation and Technology, with reference to page 89 of the Strategic Defence Review, updated on 8 July 2025, what assessment he has made of the potential impact of the Cyber Security and Resilience Bill on cyber
Answer: The Strategic Defence Review sets out the high-level priorities for defence across government and highlights that greater attention must be given to the space and cyber and electromagnetic domain. This includes a more proactive posture to harden critical ...
Answered 20 Oct 2025
Original Parliament recordNuclear Weapons: CostsMinistry of DefenceTabled 10 Oct 2025AnsweredUIN 79351More
Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, what is the projected cost of Project Astrea in this Parliament.
Answer: Funding for the Astraea programme is included within the £15 billion investment in the sovereign nuclear warhead programme this Parliament, announced in the 2025 Strategic Defence Review. That investment also includes sustaining our current Mk4A warhead a...
Answered 20 Oct 2025
Original Parliament recordNational Security CouncilCabinet OfficeTabled 10 Oct 2025AnsweredUIN 79350More
Question: To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office, how many times the National Security Council (Nuclear) Committee has met since 4 July 2024.
Answer: Membership of the National Security Council (Nuclear) comprises the Prime Minister, the Chancellor of the Exchequer, the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster, Secretary of State for the Home Department, Secretary of State for Defence, and Secretary of Sta...
Answered 21 Oct 2025
Original Parliament recordNew START TreatyForeign, Commonwealth and Development OfficeTabled 10 Oct 2025AnsweredUIN 79349More
Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what progress has she made on renewing the New START Treaty before its expiration in February 2026.
Answer: The New START Treaty is a bilateral agreement between the United States and Russian Federation; any replacement treaty is a matter for the US and Russia. The UK regularly raises issues related to strategic risk reduction, including arms control with the U...
Answered 22 Oct 2025
Original Parliament recordUSA: Military AlliancesMinistry of DefenceTabled 10 Oct 2025AnsweredUIN 79348More
Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, on what date the 1958 Mutual Defence Agreement with the United States was last renewed.
Answer: The most recent renewal of the 1958 Mutual Defense Agreement between the United Kingdom and the United States entered into force on 14 November 2024. The agreement is now enduring in its entirety following the removal of the 10-yearly renewal provisions.
Answered 20 Oct 2025
Original Parliament recordDefence: PublicityMinistry of DefenceTabled 10 Oct 2025AnsweredUIN 79347More
Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, with reference to recommendation 35 of the Strategic Defence Review 2025, published on 8 July 2025, what progress has he made on delivering a National Endeavour public communications campaign.
Answer: The ‘National Endeavour’ communications campaign is an enduring strategic communications campaign which aims to highlight and improve understanding of the work of the Defence Nuclear Enterprise (DNE), its importance to our national security, and its contr...
Answered 20 Oct 2025
Original Parliament recordNuclear Weapons: Parliamentary ScrutinyMinistry of DefenceTabled 10 Oct 2025AnsweredUIN 79346More
Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, with reference to recommendation 35 of the Strategic Defence Review 2025, published on 8 July 2025, what progress he has made on developing mechanisms for the enhanced parliamentary scrutiny of the UK’s nuclear d
Answer: I refer the hon. Member to the answer I gave on 8 September 2025 to Question 70759 to the hon. Member for South Suffolk (James Cartlidge).
Answered 18 Oct 2025
Original Parliament recordNuclear WeaponsMinistry of DefenceTabled 10 Oct 2025AnsweredUIN 79345More
Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, with reference to recommendation 34 of the Strategic Defence Review 2025, published on 8 July 2025, what recent progress he has made in determining what the post-Dreadnought nuclear deterrent would be.
Answer: This Government is fully committed to the United Kingdom’s independent nuclear deterrent, underpinned by our triple lock commitment to continue to build the four new Dreadnought Class submarines, maintain our continuous at sea deterrent and deliver all th...
Answered 18 Oct 2025
Original Parliament record
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