Written questions by Obese-Jecty.

Pursuant to the Answer of 26 November 2025 to Question 92643, by when will she have made an assessment on the feasibility of a prevalence study for forced marriage and FGM.

In 2023, the Home Office commissioned the University of Birmingham to conduct a study on the feasibility of producing a prevalence estimate of forced marriage and female genital mutilation (FGM) in England and Wales.Published in December 2025, the “Freedom from Violence and Abuse: a cross-government strategy to build a safer society for women and girls” committed to conducting an additional study to explore the viability of the approach recommended by the University of Birmingham in producing a national prevalence estimate for forced marriage and FGM.This study is due to conclude in March after which the Government will review the findings of both studies in the round and consider next steps, including publication.

What assessment has he made of the potential impactions for his policies of the recent withdrawals of a) Poland, b) Estonia and c) Finland from the Ottawa Treaty.

His Majesty's Government has noted the withdrawal of Finland, Estonia and Poland from the Ottawa Convention. The UK acknowledges and shares concerns about the security environment in the region as a result of Russia’s illegal invasion of Ukraine. We also acknowledge that it is the sovereign right of those countries to make this decision. The UK will continue to work to mitigate impacts on vital arms control and disarmament norms, while continuing to engage bilaterally on the actions those States plan to take following their withdrawal. As a State Party to the Convention on the Prohibition of the Use, Stockpiling, Production and Transfer of Anti-Personnel Mines and on their Destruction (also known as the Ottawa Convention), the UK remains committed to the Convention.

How many individuals arrived from Afghanistan to the UK between 25 October 2022 and 6 December 2023.

The Home Office publishes data on resettlement as part of the Immigration System Statistics quarterly release. Data on refugees resettled under the Afghan Resettlement Program is published in table Res_D02 of the resettlement detailed datasets. The latest data is available up to the end of December 2025.The latest data is available up to the end of December 2025.The Immigration system statistics release also includes data on grants of entry clearance visas and arrivals by illegal entry routes.

What assessment he has made of the potential merits of withdrawing from the Ottawa Treaty.

His Majesty's Government has noted the withdrawal of Finland, Estonia and Poland from the Ottawa Convention. The UK acknowledges and shares concerns about the security environment in the region as a result of Russia’s illegal invasion of Ukraine. We also acknowledge that it is the sovereign right of those countries to make this decision. The UK will continue to work to mitigate impacts on vital arms control and disarmament norms, while continuing to engage bilaterally on the actions those States plan to take following their withdrawal. As a State Party to the Convention on the Prohibition of the Use, Stockpiling, Production and Transfer of Anti-Personnel Mines and on their Destruction (also known as the Ottawa Convention), the UK remains committed to the Convention.

What steps is she taking to help improve the condition of roads built on peatland within the Cambridgeshire fens.

To support local highway authorities in the maintenance of their highway networks, the Government has confirmed a record investment of £7.3 billion for local highways maintenance over the next four years. Cambridgeshire and Peterborough Combined Authority will be eligible for £188 million in highways maintenance funding over this period. The Government’s record investment over the next four years builds on an investment of £1.6 billion nationally this financial year, a £500 million increase compared to the previous financial year.

Whether he has had discussions with representatives from India on the development of the engine for their new Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft.

The Ministry of Defence continues to engage at all levels to support and advance the UK’s bid for the Engine Development Programme for India’s Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft. Deepening the UK-India relationship on defence capability is a Prime Minister priority, as outlined by the recently published Defence Industrial Roadmap.

What is the full scope of the Low-Cost Effectors & Autonomous Platforms’ initiative.

The LEAP initiative is another firm signal of European collective commitments, delivering a united front of deterrence against Russia. LEAP will embrace groundbreaking industry innovation to exploit rapidly evolving technology at pace to deliver capabilities to counter threats posed now and in the future. The first focus of LEAP is on a new surface-to-air weapon – lightweight, affordable, and designed to counter mass drone and missile threats. Our innovative approach could see the defined effector designs manufactured from 2027. The aspiration is that LEAP will grow into other key low-cost and autonomous areas in the future.

What progress has he made in exploring the potential of using Australian Active Electronically Scanned Array (AESA) radar technologies for the UK.

As part of the Ministry of Defence’s capability delivery process the UK is exploring possibilities, including better understanding of Active Electronically Scanned Array (AESA) with our allied partners. A series of targeted risk-reduction activities has been agreed with the Australian Government. Any future decisions will be made in accordance with Departmental processes.

What progress he has made on developing cooperation with Australia on directed‑energy weapons.

As part of the UK's ambition to accelerate the development and deployment of Directed Energy Weapons (DEW) we are engaging with key allies who share our mutual aims in this field. For reasons of national security, it would not be appropriate to comment further on the specifics of this cooperation.

What assessment he has made of the potential impact of the decision of the (a) US Marines to retain the M27 rifle and (b) US Army’s adoption of the M7 on the ability of UK forces to operate with US forces.

The UK and US share evidence on research and experimentation on the development of small arms. Enhancing interoperability with Allies remains an important consideration in any procurement of capability that the Department undertakes. This includes the British Army’s Project GRAYBURN which will deliver the replacement of the L85 rifle. The project is considering different calibres as part of wider interoperability considerations.

What is the delivery timeline for the (a) 61 M270 MLRS launchers and (b) eight Repair and Recovery vehicles.

The Multiple Launch Rocket Systems launchers and Repair and Recovery Vehicles (RRVs) are on contract to be upgraded to the A2 standard. Two launchers have now been delivered to the UK and a further 13 launchers and two RRVs are currently on the production line for delivery in 2026. The whole MLRS fleet is being upgraded in four tranches with the final deliveries estimated to be complete by 2029.

What progress he has made in upgrading the M270B1 Multiple Launch Rocket Systems to A2 standard.

The Multiple Launch Rocket Systems launchers and Repair and Recovery Vehicles (RRVs) are on contract to be upgraded to the A2 standard. Two launchers have now been delivered to the UK and a further 13 launchers and two RRVs are currently on the production line for delivery in 2026. The whole MLRS fleet is being upgraded in four tranches with the final deliveries estimated to be complete by 2029.

What progress he has made in procuring a) GMLRS and b) ER-GMLRS munitions.

Replenishment of the Guided Multiple Launch Rocket Systems (GMLRS) stockpile is on contract with the first deliveries expected to arrive in the UK in Quarter two 2026. The procurement of Extended Range GMLRS (ER-GMLRS) is on contract with the first deliveries expected to arrive in the UK in 2028.

What is the current size of the Royal Artillery’s M270B1 Multiple Launch Rocket Systems fleet.

The Ministry of Defence has an operational fleet of 21 M270B1 Multiple Launch Rocket Systems, comprising launcher and repair and recovery vehicle variants.

How many M270 launchers have been procured from Norway.

The UK has acquired 11 M270A0 Multiple Launch Rocket Systems launchers from Norway.

What assessment has she made of the potential impact of proposed local government reorganisation in Cambridgeshire on her proposed plans to reform SEND provision in that area.

The department is reviewing all local government reorganisation (LGR) proposals to consider the potential impact on education and children’s services, including plans to reform special educational needs and disabilities provision. Huntingdonshire is in tranche three of the LGR process and the statutory consultation on proposals will close on 26 March. I encourage all local areas to respond to the consultation.

Media and Sport, whether she has had discussions with the England and Wales Cricket Board on the potential exclusion of players on the grounds of nationality.

We were concerned to hear of the reports on potential exclusion of players on the grounds of nationality and have discussed with the ECB directly who have put out a clear position confirming that nationality should not be a factor in the selection of players. More generally, we are clear that cricket must be a sport that is inclusive and open to all. Last March, I attended the launch of the Chance to Shine 2025 Impact Report at the House of Lords. This highlighted how the power of cricket can play a significant role in transforming young people’s lives and its ability to reach into underserved communities.

How many armed forces personnel have qualified for the operational allowance each year since its introduction.

It is taking time to collate the required information to answer the hon. Member's Question. I will write to him when the information is available, and a copy of this letter will be placed in the Library of The House.

If the Attorney General whether he provided advice to (a) the Prime Minister and (b) the Secretary of State for Local Government on the original decision to cancel local elections in May 2026.

By long standing convention, whether the Law Officers have been asked to provide advice, and the contents of any such advice, is not disclosed outside Government.This convention protects the Law Officers’ ability as chief legal advisers to the Government to give full and frank legal advice and provides the fullest guarantee that government business will be conducted at all times in light of thorough and candid legal advice.

Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what was the first meeting with the Government of Mauritius, after 5th July 2024, attended by National Security Advisor Jonathan Powell in association with her department.

I refer the Hon Member to the answer given to Question 115118 on 3 March.