Every parliamentary written question tabled by Ben Obese-Jecty this session, with the full answer and department. See how every department answers, or back to the MP page.
Showing 1,921–1,940 of 2,264 · Ministry of Defence
How many 12” L2A1 rifles were held by (a) the British Army, (b) the Royal Navy, excluding the Royal Marines, (c) the Royal Air Force, (d) the Royal Marines, (e) other MoD services and (f) his Department in dry storage on 28 May 2025.
I am withholding this information as its disclosure would, or would be likely to prejudice the capability, effectiveness or security of the Armed Forces.
Where the Cyber and Electromagnetic Command will be (a) headquartered and (b) otherwise located.
On Monday, 2 June 2025, the Strategic Defence Review confirmed the establishment of a new Cyber and Electromagnetic Command, within Strategic Command. Currently, the UK Strategic Command Transformation team is working on the detailed design for the Cyber and Electromagnetic Command, which is due to reach Initial Operating Capability by the end of 2025. The locations of the Cyber and Electromagnetic Command and other units that fall under this will be confirmed in due course, subject to these design considerations.
How many personnel have been recruited through the Cyber Direct Entry Scheme.
Employment offers are currently being made to the Cyber Direct Entry Scheme. Successful candidates are scheduled to commence training in June and July, more information will be provided in due course.
What NATO operations UK armed forces are participating in.
In line with the government’s NATO First policy, UK armed forces are deployed in support of a wide range of NATO operations, including:NATO’s enhanced air policing mission;Baltic Sentry, NATO’s vigilance activity to detect and understand surface and sub-surface threats to critical undersea infrastructure;NATO Mission Iraq, and;NATO’s Kosovo Force, where the UK also provides the high-readiness Strategic Reserve Force. Around 1,000 personnel are provided into NATO’s Command Structure, including the post of the Deputy Supreme Allied Commander Europe (DSACEUR) and the Maritime Component Commander in Northwood.The UK is also the framework nation for NATO’s Forward Land Force in Estonia under Operation CABRIT and is a major workforce contributor to NATO’s Security Assistance and Training for Ukraine (NSATU) initiative. The UK supports a wide range of activities which help maintain NATO’s technological edge, including hosting the European headquarters of the Defence Innovation Accelerator for the North Atlantic (DIANA) programme.
What weapon systems the L123A2 underslung grenade launcher is compatible with, other than the L85A2/3.
I can confirm that the L123A2 Underslung Grenade Launcher (UGL) is no longer in service within the British Army and was replaced by the L123A3 UGL. The L123A3 UGL is only compatible with the British Army’s L85 rifle family and is due to go out of service in 2030.
What the planned out-of-service date is for the L123A2 underslung grenade launcher.
I can confirm that the L123A2 Underslung Grenade Launcher (UGL) is no longer in service within the British Army and was replaced by the L123A3 UGL. The L123A3 UGL is only compatible with the British Army’s L85 rifle family and is due to go out of service in 2030.
Pursuant to the Answer of 21 May 2025 to Question 52039 on Armed Forces: Housing, where the 19 void properties are in Huntingdon constituency.
We are unable to provide information confirming where the 19 void properties are in the Huntingdon constituency as this would potentially put at risk the security of our Armed Forces personnel and the safety of their families and dependants. To provide specific addresses would provide public confirmation that the address provided is a home for Armed Forces personnel. Providing such confirmation would give anyone with malicious intent the address of a Service person which would potentially place them and their family, or indeed anyone who occupied the property in the future, at risk of harm. We are currently undertaking an extensive review of our entire Service Family Accommodation portfolio to determine how we will utilise our properties including those reacquired from Annington Homes Ltd. Until this review is completed, we are unable to provide details of our future intentions. All options will be assessed during the review to ensure a strategic and structured approach is taken.
Pursuant to the Answer of 21 May 2025 to Question 52039 on Armed Forces: Housing, when the 19 void properties in Huntingdon constituency are due to be refurbished.
We are unable to provide information confirming where the 19 void properties are in the Huntingdon constituency as this would potentially put at risk the security of our Armed Forces personnel and the safety of their families and dependants. To provide specific addresses would provide public confirmation that the address provided is a home for Armed Forces personnel. Providing such confirmation would give anyone with malicious intent the address of a Service person which would potentially place them and their family, or indeed anyone who occupied the property in the future, at risk of harm. We are currently undertaking an extensive review of our entire Service Family Accommodation portfolio to determine how we will utilise our properties including those reacquired from Annington Homes Ltd. Until this review is completed, we are unable to provide details of our future intentions. All options will be assessed during the review to ensure a strategic and structured approach is taken.
If he will publish a list of which historic medal claims are currently under review by the Independent Advisory Military Sub-Committee (AMSC).
The Advisory Military Sub-Committee (AMSC) last met on 28 March 2025. The following list consists of all the medallic recognition claims which were considered during that meeting and remain under review, pending the sourcing of further evidence and information. These claims seek to establish new medals or institute new clasps for existing medals, and will be further considered when the AMSC next meets on 9 July 2025. General Service Medal (GSM) 1918 with Korean War post-armistice clasp.Greek Civil War Medal.GSM 1962 and GSM 2008 with Afghanistan Clasp.GSM 1962 and GSM 2008 with Iraq Clasp.GSM 1962 and GSM 2008 with Middle East Clasp. In addition to the above list, new claims received after 28 March 2025 will be considered by the AMSC when it next meets on 9 July 2025. Any cases approved by the AMSC will then be considered by the Committee on the Grant of Honours, Decorations and Medals (HD Committee) and, if supported, would be passed to His Majesty The King for his approval.
How many Ukrainian military personnel from the Ukrainian Armed Forces Shkval Battalions have been trained in the UK.
With regard to Op INTERFLEX, our major training operation for Ukrainian forces, the data held by INTERFLEX Headquarters is limited due to the closed nature of the questions which are asked when Ukrainian troops arrive, and we do not specifically track or ask which units individuals come from. Over 54,000 Ukrainian personnel have been trained under Operation INTERFLEX since June 2022.
Whether the AW159 Wildcat helicopters designated (a) ZZ394 and (b) ZZ384 flown by 815 Naval Air Squadron, known as Marine 11 and Marine 12, have been used for ministerial travel since 5 July 2024.
Neither of these helicopters have been used for Ministerial travel since 5 July 2024.
Pursuant to the Answer of 15 May 2025 to Question 46138 on Unmanned Air Systems: Procurement, how many variants within the FPV drones procured by his Department have a NATO stock number; and what those stock numbers are.
Aside from MOD’s procurement of circa 30,000 FPV drones for Ukraine the Army has procured 450 FPVs with a further 3,000 for delivery August 2025. The Royal Navy and Royal Air Force have procured a small number of FPVs for test and evaluation by the Defence Uncrewed Systems Design Authority and the Air and Space Warfare Centre. Details on specific FPV drones for operational purposes are sensitive and therefore any further commentary, including details of NATO stock numbers, would be inappropriate.
Pursuant to the Answer of 15 May 2025 to Question 46138 on Unmanned Air Systems: Procurement, how many of the FPV drones procured by his Department are for use by the (a) Army, (b) Royal Air Force, (c) Royal Navy and (d) Royal Marines.
Aside from MOD’s procurement of circa 30,000 FPV drones for Ukraine the Army has procured 450 FPVs with a further 3,000 for delivery August 2025. The Royal Navy and Royal Air Force have procured a small number of FPVs for test and evaluation by the Defence Uncrewed Systems Design Authority and the Air and Space Warfare Centre. Details on specific FPV drones for operational purposes are sensitive and therefore any further commentary, including details of NATO stock numbers, would be inappropriate.
Whether the Royal Navy’s Maritime Aviation Transformation Strategy has made a decision on the future of the F-35B Lightning fighter aircraft.
The F-35B Lightning will be at the forefront of the Nation's conventional deterrent for decades to come.The Royal Navy's Maritime Aviation Transformation Strategy is investigating how to further expand the deployment of uncrewed air systems in Royal Navy ships, including the aircraft carriers.Decisions on future capabilities are subject to the outcome of the Strategic Defence Review (SDR) which is looking at the threats we face and the capabilities we need to meet the challenges, threats and opportunity of the 21st century.
Pursuant to the Answer of 15 May 2025 to Question 46190 on Warships: Decommissioning, what ships will take on the role of mine clearance following the decommissioning of the Sandown Class vessels.
I refer the hon. Member to the response I provided to Question 47760 to the hon. Member for Suffolk South (James Cartlidge), on 29 April 2025.
Pursuant to the Answer of 15 May 2025 to Question 46190 on Warships: Decommissioning, what the disposal plan is for (a) Wave and (b) Sandown class ships.
The Wave Class ships have been declared for regulatory and legislative-compliant disposal. All value for money options will be considered.With regards to the Sandown Class, the transfer of HMS Pembroke via Government to Government sale to Romania will complete in the summer of this year. Disposal options are being scoped for two additional Sandown Class ships and HMS Bangor remains in service.
Pursuant to the Answer of 15 May 2025 to Question 51569 on Aircraft Carriers, what factors his Department would consider on balancing funding decisions on aircraft launch and recovery equipment.
The Ministry of Defence considers numerous factors to ensure a balanced result when making procurement decisions. These include: operational capability enhancement and technical innovation offered by new equipment; alignment with national security and defence strategies; interoperability with allies; industrial benefits; lifecycle costs and affordability; procurement risk; environmental sustainability; and regulatory compliance. Decisions on future capabilities are subject to the outcome of the Strategic Defence Review which is considering how the UK will meet the challenges, threats and opportunity of the 21st century.
Pursuant to the Answer of 14 May 2025 to Question 50625 on Armed Forces: Housing, how many service personnel have used the Forces Help to Buy scheme in each of the last five financial years.
The following table shows the number of First Stage applications for the Forces Help to Buy Scheme where the applicant has passed the initial eligibility checks. Financial YearNumber of First Stage Applications2020-2110,1352021-226,9972022-235,1082023-243,9342024-253,893 Further statistics on the Forces Help to Buy Scheme Service are published by the Ministry of Defence on gov.uk at the following link: www.gov.uk/government/statistics/forces-help-to-buy-scheme-quarterly-statistics-202425 The Defence Housing Strategy, planned for publication later this year, will set out a roadmap to deliver a generational renewal of military accommodation, where the main objective is to raise the minimum standard of Armed Forces housing. It will also turbocharge the development of surplus military land creating opportunities for Armed Forces home ownership and supporting the delivery of affordable homes for families across Britain as part of the Government’s Plan for Change.
Pursuant to the Answer of 9 April 2025 to Question 43786 on Armed Forces: Protective Clothing, what hearing protection is currently issued to Specialist Users.
The Tactical Hearing Protection System (THPS) Specialist User requirement is met by the 3M ComTac XPI.
Pursuant to the Answer of 4 March 2025 to Question 33142 on Ministry of Defence: Rifles, how will out of service (a) SA80A2 and (b) A3 variants be disposed of.
The current Out of Service Date (OSD) for the L85 (SA80) Rifle family is 2030. Plans for the L85 Rifles beyond their OSD are yet to be formally agreed.