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 1,101–1,120 of 4,549 · this parliament
What the trained strength is of the Royal Marines.
The latest statistics concerning UK Service personnel, including the trained strength of the Royal Marines, can be found here: https://www.gov.uk/government/statistics/quarterly-service-personnel-statistics-2025
What assessment has he made of the potential impact of all central commands being led by the United States on NATO operations.
While the US will now command all of the Theatre Component Commands (TCC), the UK and other European allies will hold the respective Deputy Commander positions on rotation. This will give the UK insight and influence at these central commands. By focusing on the Component Commands, the US have ceded 4* command of the Joint Force Commands (JFC), which control operations in their respective areas of operations. This will allow greater 4* representation for the largest Allies and enables burden shifting to European nations, with the UK taking command of JFC Norfolk.
If he will set out how the Dismounted Data System will speed up battlefield decision-making using AI.
The Dismounted Data System (DDS) delivers reconnaissance and intelligence data to troops far faster than legacy systems, giving commanders quicker and more accurate information.It provides realtime clarity on friendly and enemy positions, reducing misidentification and the risk of friendly fire. This capability underpins the modernisation of the Army’s light role forces, allowing us to take advantage of technological developments, including the use of Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning to counter threats to our personnel.
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
Pursuant to the answer of 10 February 2026 to question 110161 on Artillery: Procurement, how the a) common design baseline and b) technical specification for the UK and Germany differs from the version of RCH155 in service in Ukraine.
Both Germany and the UK have agreed to a minor baseline modification to ensure the platform meets a common standard that satisfies each nation’s requirements. Following this, each nation will integrate its own national communications systems and secondary self-protection weapon.
What assessment has he made of the potential impact of procuring the Nightfall missile on the UK's precision fires capability.
The new ballistic missiles developed under Project Nightfall are intended to provide Ukraine with a long range-capability to counter Russian aggression as rapidly as possible. Decisions on the UK's precision strike capabilities will be prioritised appropriately against the threat as part of the future Integrated Force and set out in the Defence Investment Plan to be published this year.
Which Type 26 frigates are scheduled to be allocated to the Royal Norwegian Navy.
I refer the hon. Member to the response to Question 108598 provided on 4 February 2026. https://questions-statements.parliament.uk/written-questions/detail/2026-01-27/108598
What plans he has to dispose of the SA80 family of weapons after they are replaced by a new individual weapon via Project Grayburn.
Project GRAYBURN is currently in the concept phase with the aim of identifying and understanding requirements. As part of this phase, a disposal plan is under consideration. Due to the current phase of the project and commercial sensitivities, I am unable to provide further detail at this stage.
What progress his Department has made in developing a quantum illumination 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.
What assessment he has made of the potential impact of the UK taking command of Joint Force Command Norfolk on the UK's role as lead nation within the Joint Expeditionary Force.
The UK taking command of Joint Force Command (JFC) Norfolk will not impact the UK’s role as Framework Nation within the Joint Expeditionary Force (JEF).
What assessment he has made of the potential merits of procuring the Leonardo Proteus helicopter.
I refer the hon. Member to the response to Question 101435 provided on 8 January 2026.
Commonwealth and Development Affairs, pursuant to the answer of 9 February 2026 to question 109314 on Chagos Islands: Sovereignty, with reference to the Answer of 26 January 2010 to Question HL1306, what the respective positions on sovereignty were that were set out.
I refer the Hon Member to the answer provided to Question 109314 on 09 February 2026.
What assessment has he made of the potential impact on UK naval priorities of losing NATO’s Marcom central maritime command appointment.
The UK’s commitment to NATO is unshakeable and we continue to reinforce our role as the leading European nation in the alliance.
What aircraft do the RAF operate that are capable of deploying airborne parachute infantry at a) company, b) battalion and c) all arms battlegroup scale.
All twenty-two Atlas C1 aircrafts can be fitted with the Static Line delivery system for deploying parachute infantry at scale in a low-level static line configuration. They can also employ specialist military freefall parachuting and air dispatch of associated equipment.
Pursuant to the answer of 9 February 2026, to question 110946 on Navy: Artificial Intelligence, what is the full scope of the Maritime Fighting Web.
The Maritime Fighting Web (MFW) is not a single system or platform but a long‑term programme of digital modernisation. Subject to the Defence Investment Plan, the MFW will deliver the maritime component of the Digital Targeting Web, enabling the Royal Navy to sense, understand, decide, and deliver effects at pace across the Hybrid Navy.
How many a) RAF Typhoons and b) RAF F-35Bs are stationed at RAF Akrotiri, as at 6 February 2026.
It is longstanding policy that we do not publicly comment on exact details around operational deployments (including figures), as it would harm the capability, security and operational effectiveness of UK forces.
Whether Border Force personnel are qualified to conduct Visit, Board, Search, Seizure operations.
Border Force officers operate using a range of powers from the Immigration Act 1971, The Customs and Excise Management Act 1979, The Police and Criminal Evidence Act 1984, The Police and Criminal Evidence (Northern Ireland) Order 1989, The Criminal Justice (Scotland) Act 2016, and other legislation. Border Force officers are trained and have guidance on the use of these powers.
Whether his Department currently has operational command of Border Force vessels in the English Channel.
The Ministry of Defence does not have operational command of Border Force vessels in the English Channel.
What is the minimum operationally deployable capability drop standard for the Ajax-family of vehicles.
Capability Drop 3 is the minimum operationally deployable capability drop, with deployability being subject to decisions based on the safety reviews.
Pursuant to the answer of 9 February 2026, to question 110946 on Navy: Artificial Intelligence, what progress has he made in establishing a Royal Navy Targeting organisation to represent the maritime component of the Integrated Force.
The Maritime Fighting Web and the Digital Targeting Web are both elements of Defence’s broader programme to improve data‑driven decision making and effects delivery across the Integrated Force. The initiatives are designed for seamless integration to enable rapid maritime awareness, threat assessment, and coordinated action The Royal Navy is progressing plans to strengthen its dedicated maritime targeting function, so that it can more effectively contribute to joint and multi‑domain targeting activity and support an Integrated Force able to operate at greater speed, precision and scale. All future capabilities are dependent on the outcome of Defence Investment Plan.