25 Mar 2026·Ministry of Defence·Answered
AskedWith reference to the statement given by Director Strategic Capability, Engagement and Operations, Defence Equipment & Support, Lieutenant General Anna-Lee Reilly, at the Public Accounts Committee hearing on 24 March 2026, what Ajax 2 is.
ReplyIt has not proved possible to respond to the hon. Member in the time available before Prorogation.
25 Mar 2026·Home Office·Answered
AskedWhether she has taken steps to prevent the use of Chinese software connected vehicles by (a) police forces and (b) the security services.
ReplyAs noted in Question 121206 the Government prioritises national security and does not routinely provide details on operational matters or specific threats.The Home Office works closely with the National Technical Authorities, Police Digital Service, National Police Chief’s Council (NPCC), alongside other Government Departments, to fully understand and address cyber vulnerabilities, proportional to the threat. This collaborative effort covers all connected vehicles, including those using Chinese softwareThe government will continue to promote good practice in cybersecurity, support transparency on data collection and usage, and coordinate with the transport sector to strengthen the security of vehicles.NPCC have shared guidance to all Chief Constables on understanding and effectively managing risks from Connected Vehicles. We will continue to work with partners to ensure the guidance remains up to date and that forces follow guidance appropriately.
25 Mar 2026·Home Office·Answered
AskedHow many police forces are currently using Chinese software connected vehicles within their fleets.
ReplyPolice forces are operationally independent; this includes the procurement and use of vehicles. The Home Office does not routinely collect information on vehicle types within Police fleets.The Home Office works closely with the National Technical Authorities, Police Digital Service, National Police Chief’s Council (NPCC), alongside other Government Departments, to fully understand and address cyber vulnerabilities, proportional to the threat. This collaborative effort covers all connected vehicles, including those using Chinese softwareNPCC have shared guidance to all Chief Constables on understanding and effectively managing risks from Connected Vehicles. We will continue to work with partners to ensure the guidance remains up to date and that forces follow guidance appropriately.
25 Mar 2026·Cabinet Office·Answered
AskedWhat steps were taken by the former Chief Advisor to the Prime Minister to report the theft of his mobile phone to security services in October 2024.
ReplyThe former Chief of Staff’s phone was stolen, and he reported it at the time to the police and relevant teams in No10. This was before the Humble Address that was passed in February. The Government is committed to complying with the Humble Address in full, while continuing to support the Metropolitan Police with their investigation. I refer the Hon Member to the statement provided by the Metropolitan Police on 25 March and publication of the transcript confirming that the theft was reported.
25 Mar 2026·Cabinet Office·Answered
AskedWhat steps his Department took to help prevent the exploitation of data from the unlocked mobile phone of the former Chief Advisor to the Prime Minister following its theft in October 2024.
ReplyThe former Chief of Staff’s phone was stolen, and he reported it at the time to the police and relevant teams in No10. This was before the Humble Address that was passed in February. The Government is committed to complying with the Humble Address in full, while continuing to support the Metropolitan Police with their investigation. I refer the Hon Member to the statement provided by the Metropolitan Police on 25 March and publication of the transcript confirming that the theft was reported.
25 Mar 2026·Ministry of Justice·Answered
AskedPursuant to the answer of 24 March 2024 to question 122048 on Prisoners' Release: Reoffenders, what proportion of those recalls were attributed to the introduction of the a) Fixed-Term Recall Statutory Instrument (FTR-SI) and the b) Standard Determinate Sentences 40% (SDS40).
ReplyThe Ministry of Justice routinely publishes data in Offender Management Statistics Quarterly (OMSQ) on licence recalls.Further breakdowns of this information are not held by the Ministry of Justice.
25 Mar 2026·Cabinet Office·Answered
AskedWhat assessment he has made of the potential security breach following the theft of the mobile phone of the former Chief Advisor to the Prime Minister, Morgan McSweeney in October 2024.
ReplyThe Government takes matters of national security very seriously, including cyber security, and has robust procedures in place to prevent the loss of sensitive information. However the Government does not routinely comment on the specifics on matters relating to national security.
25 Mar 2026·Ministry of Defence·Answered
AskedWhat role did Director Strategic Capability, Engagement and Operations, Defence Equipment and Support, Lieutenant General Anna-Lee Reilly, play in the decision of the Army to declare Initial Operating Capability for Ajax in September 2025.
ReplyThe Army confirmed Initial Operating Capability internally on 15 September 2025 at the Chief of the General Staff Command Group. Director General Materiel Delivery sits outside the Army’s command structure and is not a member of this group.
25 Mar 2026·Ministry of Defence·Answered
AskedOn what date is HMS Daring due to a) start and b) finish sea trials.
ReplyAs the hon. Gentleman will recall, in accordance with established practice, the Royal Navy does not routinely comment on the detailed operational programme of its vessels.
25 Mar 2026·Cabinet Office·Answered
AskedWhat is the current process for (a) Ministers, (b) Senior Civil Servants and (c) Government advisers for reporting the theft of a Government mobile phone containing sensitive information.
ReplyThe former Chief of Staff’s phone was stolen, and he reported it at the time to the police and relevant teams in No10. This was before the Humble Address that was passed in February. The Government is committed to complying with the Humble Address in full, while continuing to support the Metropolitan Police with their investigation. I refer the Hon Member to the statement provided by the Metropolitan Police on 25 March and publication of the transcript confirming that the theft was reported.
25 Mar 2026·Home Office·Answered
AskedPursuant to the Answer of 24 March 2026 to Question 121206 on Police: Vehicles, what guidance has been provided to Chief Constables by the NPCC on understanding and effectively managing risks from connected vehicles.
ReplyThe Government prioritises national security and does not routinely provide details on operational matters or specific threats.The Home Office works closely with the National Technical Authorities, Police Digital Service, National Police Chief’s Council (NPCC), alongside other Government Departments, to fully understand and address cyber vulnerabilities, proportional to the threat.Guidance provided covered proportionate risk-based measures on the in-life management, data handling, and disposal of Connected Vehicles. We will continue to work with partners to ensure the guidance remains up to date and that forces follow guidance appropriately.
25 Mar 2026·Ministry of Defence·Answered
AskedWhat assessment has he made of the potential impact upon the UK military of a Chinese invasion of Taiwan.
ReplyThe UK actively monitors and assesses all emerging threats to national security to safeguard the nation's interests. It would be inappropriate to comment on a hypothetical operational scenario.
25 Mar 2026·Ministry of Defence·Answered
AskedWhether any British service personnel are currently serving with the United States Army 82nd Airborne Division.
ReplyFor reasons of operational and personnel security, the Ministry of Defence does not comment on the specific roles, locations, or units in which UK personnel may be embedded.
25 Mar 2026·Ministry of Defence·Answered
AskedWhether any British service personnel are serving with the United States Marine Corps 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit.
ReplyFor reasons of operational and personnel security, the Ministry of Defence does not comment on the specific roles, locations, or units in which UK personnel may be embedded.
25 Mar 2026·Ministry of Defence·Answered
AskedFor what reason he withdrew HMS Dragon from the Standing NATO Maritime Group One commitment.
ReplyI refer the hon. Member to the answer I gave on 16 March 2026 to Question 119559.
25 Mar 2026·Ministry of Defence·Answered
AskedFor what reasons the Royal Navy’s commitment to provide the flagship for the Standing NATO Maritime Group One would be rescheduled.
ReplyI refer the hon. Member to the answer I gave on 16 March 2026 to Question 119559.
25 Mar 2026·Ministry of Defence·Answered
AskedPursuant to the Answer of 24 March 2026 to question 121233 on Qatar: Air Force, on what date the formal request from the Qatari Government was received to deploy 12 Squadron to Qatar.
ReplyThe Qatari government made a formal request in January to deploy 12 Squadron in support of their collective self-defence noting rising regional tensions.
25 Mar 2026·Ministry of Defence·Answered
AskedOn what date discussions were held between his Department and (a) NATO and (b) the Deutsche Marine regarding the replacement of HMS Dragon by the German frigate Sachsen in the Standing NATO Maritime Group One commitment.
ReplyI refer the hon. Member to the answer I gave on 16 March 2026 to Question 119559.
25 Mar 2026·Ministry of Defence·Answered
AskedPursuant to the Answer of 24 March 2026 to Question 121233 on Qatar: Air Force, what the reason given by the Qatari Government was for the formal request of 12 Squadron moving to Qatar.
ReplyThe Qatari government made a formal request in January to deploy 12 Squadron in support of their collective self-defence noting rising regional tensions.
25 Mar 2026·Ministry of Defence·Answered
AskedOn what date was the decision taken to withdraw HMS Dragon from the Standing NATO Maritime Group One commitment.
ReplyI refer the hon. Member to the answer I gave on 16 March 2026 to Question 119559.