Written questions by Obese-Jecty.

Media and Sport, pursuant to the Answer of 11 February 2026 to Question 111279 on Thatched Roofing, what is the date and location of the April 2026 thatching-straw growers workshop.

Agricultural policy is the responsibility of the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs. The Government has allocated a record £11.8 billion to sustainable farming and food production over this parliament, investing more than £2.7 billion a year in farming and nature recovery. This includes the Government's Paludiculture Exploration Fund, which has been exploring opportunities to support multi-functional crops on rewetted lowland peatlands. One of the twelve trials, the Broads Authority's "FibreBroads", funded a series of workstreams including fibre products for building materials such as reed for thatch, as well as fibreboards and acoustic panels from other wetland crops.DCMS supports thatching-straw growers through the work of Historic England, Government statutory advisors on the historic environment and arms length body of DCMS. Historic England is hosting a thatching-straw growers’ workshop on 11 March 2026, in Marlborough Wiltshire. The event is aimed at thatch straw growers, and will be a unique opportunity for them to meet one another, share knowledge, and hear updates from Historic England on the work being done to support the production of thatching straw. If you wish to find out more about the event and related issues you can contact the National Specialist Services Team at Historic England on nationalspecialistservices@historicengland.org.uk.

Pursuant to the answer of 12 February 2026 to question 110957 on Electronic Warfare: Procurement, by when will the delivery phase of Project Goldweed be completed.

I refer the hon. Member to the answer I provided on 12 February 2026 to Question 110957. As I hope the hon. Member will understand, due to operational and commercial sensitivities I am unable to provide any further detail on Project Goldweed.

What is the total planned number of Challenger 3 tanks for Royal Armoured Corps Regiments.

148 Challenger 2 Main Battle Tanks are being upgraded to the Challenger 3 standard. All 148 are for the Royal Armoured Corps.

Media and Sport, pursuant to the Answer of 11 February 2026 to question 111279 on Thatched Roofing, what steps is she taking to increase the number of thatching-straw growers in the UK.

Agricultural policy is the responsibility of the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs. The Government has allocated a record £11.8 billion to sustainable farming and food production over this parliament, investing more than £2.7 billion a year in farming and nature recovery. This includes the Government's Paludiculture Exploration Fund, which has been exploring opportunities to support multi-functional crops on rewetted lowland peatlands. One of the twelve trials, the Broads Authority's "FibreBroads", funded a series of workstreams including fibre products for building materials such as reed for thatch, as well as fibreboards and acoustic panels from other wetland crops.DCMS supports thatching-straw growers through the work of Historic England, Government statutory advisors on the historic environment and arms length body of DCMS. Historic England is hosting a thatching-straw growers’ workshop on 11 March 2026, in Marlborough Wiltshire. The event is aimed at thatch straw growers, and will be a unique opportunity for them to meet one another, share knowledge, and hear updates from Historic England on the work being done to support the production of thatching straw. If you wish to find out more about the event and related issues you can contact the National Specialist Services Team at Historic England on nationalspecialistservices@historicengland.org.uk.

What is the total planned number of tanks to be upgraded to Challenger 3.

148 Challenger 2 Main Battle Tanks are being upgraded to the Challenger 3 standard. All 148 are for the Royal Armoured Corps.

What is the current level provided for the (a) service pupil premium and the (b) primary pupil premium in Cambridgeshire.

Pupil premium and service pupil premium allocations, including at local authority level, can be found here: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/pupil-premium-allocations-and-conditions-of-grant-2025-to-2026.The allocations amount in the 2025/26 financial year for Cambridgeshire thus far are as follows: Quarter 1 June 2025Quarter 2 September 2025Quarter 3 December 2025Service pupil premium£323,750£323,050£323,050Deprivation pupil premium - primary pupils£16,755,143£16,755,143£16,680,908Quarter 4 pupil premium allocations will be published in late March 2026.

Pursuant to the Answer of 12 February 2026 to Question 110953 on Military Intelligence: Digital Technology, when does he expect the SCC to be fully operational.

Secret Community Cloud capability will continue to be delivered on a phased basis, with Full Operating Capability expected in Autumn 2026.

When does he expect the UK’s commitment to Atlantic Strike to commence.

I refer the hon. Member to the response to Question 98877 provided on 18 December 2026.

What progress has he made in developing a Quantum Radar capability.

Defence quantum experts within Defence Science and Technology (DST), the Defence Science and Technology Laboratory (Dstl), and Atomic Weapons Establishment (AWE) work closely with our international allies and partners in wider Government, industry and academia to support the UK’s world class expertise in quantum, and to identify and exploit the potential opportunities this developing technology can bring. Defence is a founding partner of the National Quantum Technology Programme (NQTP) and works closely with the NQTP, DSIT, Innovate UK and the UKRI quantum research activities. ‘Quantum Radar’ and ‘Quantum Illumination’ have specific meanings. In both cases the technology is immature and the potential benefits to Defence remain uncertain.However, the Ministry of Defence (MOD) is conducting science & technology research into Quantum Technologies more broadly. This includes a focus on clock technology to enhance timing capabilities and sensing for navigation and situational awareness. Trials have been undertaken to understand the utility this technology can offer and inform technology development. MOD is collaborating with the UK’s Quantum Ecosystem, including the Quantum sensing, Imaging and Timing (QuSIT) Hub (led by the University of Birmingham) that is researching Quantum enhanced RADAR. The particular focus and priorities of Defence research activity is classified and cannot be released for National Security reasons.

Pursuant to the answer of 12 February 2026 to question 111273 on Military Bases: Sales, what his planned timetable is for a decision on the disposal of JITG Chicksands.

The decision has already been taken to dispose of Ministry of Defence Chicksands when it becomes surplus to military requirement, as announced by the previous administration in December 2023.

With reference to the press release entitled UK announces urgent new air defence package for Ukraine worth over half a billion pounds, published on 12 February 2026, what calibre are the 200,000 rounds of artillery ammunition.

The calibre of this artillery ammunition cannot be detailed due to operational sensitives.

Pursuant to the answer of 12 February 2026 to question 110957 on Electronic Warfare: Procurement, whether Project Goldweed is an electronic warfare procurement project.

I refer the hon. Member to the answer I provided on 12 February 2026 to Question 110957. As I hope the hon. Member will understand, due to operational and commercial sensitivities I am unable to provide any further detail on Project Goldweed.

Whether previous disciplinary allegations against Dame Antonia Romeo have been assessed by the Cabinet Office since 2017.

The allegations were dismissed 9 years ago on the basis that there was no case to answer. These allegations were considered by the Cabinet Office as the individual was a permanent member of staff of that Department.

What the outcome was of the investigation into Dame Antonia Romeo in 2017.

The allegations were dismissed 9 years ago on the basis that there was no case to answer. We do not release confidential documents relating to internal HR processes.

With reference to the press release entitled Battlefield tactics to inspire UK fight against prison drones, published on 16 January 2026, how has he tasked prisons with learning from Ukraine's drone expertise.

We are working closely with international partners across our priorities, including lessons learnt from the battlefield to counter the threat of malicious drones. Officials are in further discussion with counterparts in Ukraine and other international allies to understand best practice and what lessons could be applied to the security of our prison estate. International companies are also encouraged to take part in ongoing challenges to industry, for example the challenge launched on behalf of the Ministry of Justice by UK Defence Innovation (UKDI) on 3 March. The challenge is looking for practical, low-collateral technologies that can safely stop hostile drones once they breach secure prison airspace. Up to £1.85 million combined funding is available across the Ministry of Justice, the Ministry of Defence, UK Research and Innovation (UKRI) and other partners. As announced by the Deputy Prime Minister on his visit to Ukraine in January 2026, UKRI has committed an additional £6.5 million to help accelerate counter-drone research and development (R&D). This funding is owned and will be delivered by UKRI as part of the R&D Mission Accelerator Programme. Decisions for how this funding will be allocated are still being finalised and will be announced in due course. As well as the £1.85 million challenge led by UKDI, the Ministry of Justice has also delivered counter-drone R&D through His Majesty’s Government Communications Centre. The Counter-Drone Challenge, launched in November 2025, invited industry to find cutting-edge solutions to detect drones. Successful applicants will receive up to £60,000 funding to develop proof-of-concept systems over a 12-week period. The Ministry of Justice will continue to work with UKRI, UKDI and the wider counter-drones ecosystem to develop innovative solutions to keep our prisons secure and protect the public.

With reference to the press release entitled Battlefield tactics to inspire UK fight against prison drones, published on 16 January 2026, how will his Department benefit from the £6.5 million UKRI funding available to accelerate anti-drone research and development.

We are working closely with international partners across our priorities, including lessons learnt from the battlefield to counter the threat of malicious drones. Officials are in further discussion with counterparts in Ukraine and other international allies to understand best practice and what lessons could be applied to the security of our prison estate. International companies are also encouraged to take part in ongoing challenges to industry, for example the challenge launched on behalf of the Ministry of Justice by UK Defence Innovation (UKDI) on 3 March. The challenge is looking for practical, low-collateral technologies that can safely stop hostile drones once they breach secure prison airspace. Up to £1.85 million combined funding is available across the Ministry of Justice, the Ministry of Defence, UK Research and Innovation (UKRI) and other partners. As announced by the Deputy Prime Minister on his visit to Ukraine in January 2026, UKRI has committed an additional £6.5 million to help accelerate counter-drone research and development (R&D). This funding is owned and will be delivered by UKRI as part of the R&D Mission Accelerator Programme. Decisions for how this funding will be allocated are still being finalised and will be announced in due course. As well as the £1.85 million challenge led by UKDI, the Ministry of Justice has also delivered counter-drone R&D through His Majesty’s Government Communications Centre. The Counter-Drone Challenge, launched in November 2025, invited industry to find cutting-edge solutions to detect drones. Successful applicants will receive up to £60,000 funding to develop proof-of-concept systems over a 12-week period. The Ministry of Justice will continue to work with UKRI, UKDI and the wider counter-drones ecosystem to develop innovative solutions to keep our prisons secure and protect the public.

What is the total number of people who have arrived to fulfil jobs on the Immigration Salary List (formerly the Shortage Occupation List), since 5 July 2024.

We are unable to estimate the number of workers with specific roles that have physically arrived to take up employment, but we do hold data on the numbers that have obtained visas with the intention of taking up a role.The Home Office publishes data on sponsored work visas, by occupation, in the ‘Immigration System Statistics Quarterly Release’. Data on grants of Skilled Worker visas are published in table ‘Occ_D02’ of the Sponsored work visas by occupation and industry dataset. A visa grant does not necessarily correspond to the person arriving in the UK. Information on how to use the dataset can be found in the ‘Notes’ page of the workbook. Data is from January 2021 up to the end of September 2025.

How many people have arrived against each job on the (a) Immigration Salary List and (b) the former Shortage Occupation List since 5 July 2024.

We are unable to estimate the number of workers with specific roles that have physically arrived to take up employment, but we do hold data on the numbers that have obtained visas with the intention of taking up a role.The Home Office publishes data on sponsored work visas, by occupation, in the ‘Immigration System Statistics Quarterly Release’. Data on grants of Skilled Worker visas are published in table ‘Occ_D02’ of the Sponsored work visas by occupation and industry dataset. A visa grant does not necessarily correspond to the person arriving in the UK. Information on how to use the dataset can be found in the ‘Notes’ page of the workbook. Data is from January 2021 up to the end of September 2025.

With reference to the press release entitled Battlefield tactics to inspire UK fight against prison drones, published on 16 January 2026, what progress has he made in launching high-stakes competitions to develop technologies to help counter the scourge of illegal drones and drugs in prisons.

We are working closely with international partners across our priorities, including lessons learnt from the battlefield to counter the threat of malicious drones. Officials are in further discussion with counterparts in Ukraine and other international allies to understand best practice and what lessons could be applied to the security of our prison estate. International companies are also encouraged to take part in ongoing challenges to industry, for example the challenge launched on behalf of the Ministry of Justice by UK Defence Innovation (UKDI) on 3 March. The challenge is looking for practical, low-collateral technologies that can safely stop hostile drones once they breach secure prison airspace. Up to £1.85 million combined funding is available across the Ministry of Justice, the Ministry of Defence, UK Research and Innovation (UKRI) and other partners. As announced by the Deputy Prime Minister on his visit to Ukraine in January 2026, UKRI has committed an additional £6.5 million to help accelerate counter-drone research and development (R&D). This funding is owned and will be delivered by UKRI as part of the R&D Mission Accelerator Programme. Decisions for how this funding will be allocated are still being finalised and will be announced in due course. As well as the £1.85 million challenge led by UKDI, the Ministry of Justice has also delivered counter-drone R&D through His Majesty’s Government Communications Centre. The Counter-Drone Challenge, launched in November 2025, invited industry to find cutting-edge solutions to detect drones. Successful applicants will receive up to £60,000 funding to develop proof-of-concept systems over a 12-week period. The Ministry of Justice will continue to work with UKRI, UKDI and the wider counter-drones ecosystem to develop innovative solutions to keep our prisons secure and protect the public.

Pursuant to the Answer of 28 January 2026 to Question 107227 on Challenger Tanks: Exports, what assessment he has made of the potential impact of the Main Ground Combat System project on Challenger 3 exports.

I refer the hon. Member to the answer I gave him on 28 January 2026 to Question 107227 which remains extant. https://questions-statements.parliament.uk/written-questions/detail/2026-01-20/107227