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 701–720 of 4,549 · this parliament
Whether HMS Duncan was the Royal Navy fleet-ready escort on 1 February 2026.
I refer the hon. Member to the answer I gave to the right. hon Member for Rayleigh and Wickford (Mark Francois MP) on 12 March 2026 to Question number 118155. Written questions and answers - Written questions, answers and statements - UK Parliament
Whether Land Ceptor is capable of ballistic missile interception.
Sky Sabre is a system of systems made up of radars, Command and Control nodes and Land Ceptor launchers. The Land Ceptor is not configured for Ballistic Missile Defence capability.
If he will set out which senior (a) Ministers, (b) military officers and (c) civil servants are required to approve the Defence Investment Plan prior to publication.
The Defence Investment Plan will be a Government document and plan, underpinned by the normal and appropriate collective agreement.
Commonwealth and Development Affairs, on what date Lord Mandelson (a) was appointed to and (b) commenced his role as Ambassador to the United States of America.
Peter Mandelson's appointment was announced on 20 December 2024 and he commenced his role as Ambassador to the United States of America on 10 February 2025.
With reference to the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs' Oral Statement of 19 March 2026 on International Development, Official Report, columns 1042-1045, what proportion of the reduction in the development budget will be spent on defence in (a) 2026/27, (b) 2027/28 and (c) 2028/29.
In 2026/27, 2027/28 and 2028/29, 100 percent of the reduction in the Official Development Assistance (ODA) budget will be spent on defence.
With reference to his Department's press release entitled Powerful new Royal Navy warship programme advances as milestones reached for two ships, published on 24 February 2026, if he will confirm that defence spending will increase to 2.6% of GDP from 2027.
As the Hon. Gentleman will probably already know, based on the latest GDP projections, the UK's defence spending is currently forecast to reach 2.6% of GDP in 2027.
Following the meeting of the Defence Working Group on 5 March 2026, what steps is he taking to fulfil the UK’s military deterrence obligations following the Islamic Republic of Iran’s actions that threaten the Kingdom of Bahrain’s a) sovereignty and b) territorial integrity under Article II of the Comprehensive Security Integration and Prosperity Agreement (C-SIPA).
The UK remains committed to supporting Bahrain from Iran's indiscriminate attacks in any way we can. Since 12 March 2026, we have provided Defensive Counter Air support, enabled by the deployment of additional Typhoon aircraft to the region. The Ministry of Defence is meeting its obligations under the Comprehensive Security Integration and Prosperity Agreement (C-SIPA). The Chief of the Defence Staff has spoken with his Bahraini and American C-SIPA counterparts and they remain in regular contact as the situation develops.
What the timeline is for phasing out the Land Rover from service.
As I recently confirmed at the Land Rover commemorative event in Bovington on 19 March 2026, the Light Mobility Vehicle programme aims to identify an enduring successor to the Land Rover, ensuring the Army’s continued operational effectiveness. The programme will formally launch in due course. The planned Out of Service Date for all current variants of the Land Rover fleet is 2030.
What type of Iranian missile that was intercepted by the United States Navy was directed at Naval Support Facility Diego Garcia.
We do not comment on the detail of such threats for reasons of safeguarding operational security.
With reference to the press release entitled New radar systems to unlock offshore wind, published on 20 March 2026, which air defence radars have been purchased.
The contract will supply and integrate technologically advanced radar systems. I am withholding details of the specific air defence radar systems as its disclosure would prejudice commercial interests and the capability, security and effectiveness of the Armed Forces. However, I can confirm that the contract has been awarded to BAE Systems, a trusted partner in delivering advanced defence capabilities.
What progress has he made in assessing the potential compatibility of the Aster missile with the Mk 41 vertical launch system.
The Royal Navy has announced its intention to become a Mk41 Navy, to ensure that future combatants have a versatile missile launcher capable of deploying both offensive and defensive missiles. The Navy is currently assessing a range of effector options, including missiles, guns, lasers and drones as it develops the Hybrid Navy concept.
What discussions he has had with his Polish counterpart on joining the Global Combat Air Programme.
The Secretary of State has regular discussions with his international counterparts on a range of issues. We have always maintained that we remain open to others joining GCAP, however, the UK and GCAP partners, Italy and Japan, are focused on delivering this vital military capability at pace.
Whether the Royal Navy’s Phalanx CIWS is permitted to defeat crewed a) fixed-wing or b) rotary-wing platforms.
The Phalanx Close-In Weapon System (CIWS) is designed primarily to counter incoming missiles and other immediate air or surface threats, with its employment governed by strict Rules of Engagement. Any use of the system against crewed fixed‑ or rotary‑wing aircraft would be considered on a case‑by‑case basis in line with international law and operational necessity, noting that specific Rules of Engagement profiles are classified and protected from disclosure to ensure operational ambiguity and effectiveness.
On what date is HMS Daring due to rejoin the fleet.
HMS DARING entered Extended Readiness in October 2017 and will return to the Fleet later this year following completion of material upgrades including the Power Improvement Project. The Ministry of Defence provides Royal Navy Surface Fleet readiness data to the House of Commons Defence Committee on a six-monthly basis broken down by ship class rather than platform to maintain the operational security of the Fleet. The most recent release of readiness information can be found at the following website:https://committees.parliament.uk/publications/49270/documents/262458/default/(opens in a new tab)
Whether he plans to integrate the Ballistic Missile Early Warning System into the a) digital targeting and b) maritime fighting web.
Ballistic missile early warning is a vital component of national defence, and the Government reaffirmed its commitment to this capability in the SDR, of which the Digital Targeting Web (DTW) will be a key element. Subject to the forthcoming Defence Investment Plan, the Maritime Fighting Web will deliver the maritime component of the DTW. The Ministry of Defence aims to deliver the first elements of the DTW, referred to as the "Minimum Viable Product" (MVP), in 2026. Plans will be continually reviewed to respond to emerging threats and adjusted as necessary.
Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what progress she has made on legal options to pursue the Russian Shadow Fleet.
Disrupting the Russian shadow fleet is a priority for the UK and our action is having an impact. We have already sanctioned 595 shadow fleet vessels, and an estimated $4.5 billion less in Russian oil and oil products has been carried by these vessels as a result.On 26 March, the Prime Minister announced that UK Armed Forces and law enforcement officers would now be able to interdict vessels that have been sanctioned by the UK and are transiting through UK waters. Any action against these vessels would adhere to strict legal procedures and comply with both domestic and international law.
Pursuant to the answer of 18 March 2026 to question 120529 on Iran: RAF Akrotiri, what counter-UAS equipment does 2 Force Protection Wing have that is optimised to defeat one-way attack UAS.
You will appreciate the sensitivity of providing operational details that can be exploited by our adversaries. I refer you to the answer I gave on 18 March 2026 to Question 120529.
For how many days has HMS Daring been out of service since 2017.
HMS DARING entered Extended Readiness in October 2017 and will return to the Fleet later this year following completion of material upgrades including the Power Improvement Project. The Ministry of Defence provides Royal Navy Surface Fleet readiness data to the House of Commons Defence Committee on a six-monthly basis broken down by ship class rather than platform to maintain the operational security of the Fleet. The most recent release of readiness information can be found at the following website:https://committees.parliament.uk/publications/49270/documents/262458/default/(opens in a new tab)
Pursuant to the answer of 18 March 2026 to question 118993 on NATO: HMS Dragon, will the access to the special reserve, granted by the Chancellor to the Ministry of Defence, also be available to deploy capabilities to the High North on Operation Firecrest.
All National Security Council endorsed operations are funded from the special reserve. We do not comment on the eligibility of special reserve funding for live operations.
When the a) concept and b) assessment phases of the Future Air Dominance System are scheduled to commence.
The Future Air Dominance System (FADS) programme is already in its Concept Phase, following approval of its Strategic Outline Case in 2025. The commencement of subsequent phases will be subject to future approvals in line with Defence Investment Plan.