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 1,421–1,440 of 5,090 · this parliament
With reference to the press release published on 5 February 2026 titled Clean energy upgrades for hospitals and military sites, whether funding for new batteries and solar panels will be allocated to Hinchingbrooke hospital.
None of this funding was allocated for Hinchingbrooke Hospital.
What assessment he has made of the effectiveness of the flight testing performance of the General Atomics Aeronautical Systems Collaborative Combat Aircraft YFQ-42A Dark Merlin.
The RAF continues to monitor the development of the global collaborative combat air market and develop advanced capabilities to augment crewed combat air as part of the Future force mix that will deliver control of the air for the UK.
What assessment he has made of the potential impact of levels of (a) workforce skills, (b) industrial capacity and (c) sustainment of specialist manufacturing expertise on the effective delivery of Project GRAYBURN.
Project GRAYBURN is in the formal concept phase and therefore the scope, timeline and complexity are yet to be determined. Project GRAYBURN will deliver against the Defence Industrial Strategy and our strategic partnership with industry will generate new long-term skilled jobs, including in STEM, and increase our industrial capacity and resilience.
What is the full scope of the bilateral Nuclear-Powered Submarine Partnership and Collaboration Treaty regarding the a) design, b) build, c) operation, d) sustainment and e) disposal of SSN-AUKUS submarines.
The Government is fully committed to AUKUS. The Nuclear-Powered Submarine Partnership and Collaboration Treaty is a key part of this partnership and will enable comprehensive cooperation between the UK and Australia on the design, build, operation, sustainment, and disposal of our SSN-AUKUS submarines. This includes port visits, and notably HMS ANSON has recently arrived in Perth, Australia – a major milestone that will see Australian personnel conducting maintenance on the Astute Class submarine. The text of the treaty can be found here: https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/media/68b1814ecc8356c3c882a8dc/CS_Australia_2.2025_Nuclear_Powered_Submarine_Partnership_Agreement.pdf
Pursuant to the Answer of 23 February 2026 to Question 112783 on Prisons: Unmanned Air Systems, what is the full scope of the challenge launched on behalf of the Ministry of Justice by UK Defence Innovation.
This UK Defence Innovation (UKDI) competition is run on behalf of the Ministry of Justice (MOJ), His Majesty’s Prison and Probation Service (HMPPS), the Ministry of Defence (MOD), the Nuclear Decommissioning Authority (NDA), the Home Office, the Police, Innovate UK, and wider UK security stakeholders. It is seeking proposals that offer innovative, low-collateral solutions to counter or defeat hostile drones targeting secure sites and locations. Drones, or ‘uncrewed aerial systems’ (UAS), pose a growing challenge when used for contraband delivery, surveillance and disruption near prisons, sensitive sites or critical national infrastructure, including in congested urban areas. The users for the solutions would include HMPPS security teams, MOD, police, law enforcement agencies, and operational staff, these groups need solutions to work alongside existing ‘last line of defence’ technology that are activated when other mitigation measures fail. Technologies in this area are developing rapidly. UKDI is keen to understand how innovation can keep up with the pace of development while remaining legally and ethically compliant, fully considering operational constraints, and integrating easily into existing security frameworks such as the Regulation of Investigatory Powers Act (RIPA), SAPIENT (Situational Awareness and Preparedness for Improved Operational Effectiveness and Efficiency), the Prison Act 1952, and the Police Act 1997. The calling notice can be found on GOV.UK.
With reference to page 64 of the Police reform white paper entitled From Local to National: A New Model for Policing, CP1489, how she plans to ensure that other policing bodies respond to HMICFRS recommendations.
The Home Secretary announced her plans to introduce a local intervention model and new powers for His Majesty’s Inspectorate of Constabulary and Fire & Rescue Services (HMICFRS) to intervene in failing forces in the police reform White Paper entitled “From Local to National: A New Model for Policing”, which was published on 26 January.Under this local intervention model, intervention leads may be appointed to take responsibility for turning around failing forces, providing focused leadership and oversight where local arrangements have failed. This approach has been used successfully in sectors such as local government, health and education to drive rapid improvement and restore public confidence.In addition, new powers will be introduced to strengthen HMICFRS’ ability to intervene in failing forces and ensure that other policing bodies respond to its recommendations.We intend to bring forward legislation to introduce both the local intervention model and the new HMICFRS powers when Parliamentary time allows.
Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what assessment has she made of the potential implications for her policies of the provisional measures order from the International Court of Justice regarding the Chagos Islands.
I refer the Hon Member to the answer to Questions 114799 and 114800.
What progress has he made with the Secretary of State for the Home Department in apprehending Daniel Boakye following his abscondment.
A formal investigation has been commissioned into the circumstances surrounding the escape from custody. Additional management checks are also being undertaken in relation to all operational staff who may be called upon to undertake escort duty.Public safety is the Government’s priority. Following a joint operation by the Metropolitan Police, the National Crime Agency and the French authorities, we have received confirmation that Daniel Boakye has now been detained in France. Arrangements are being made to secure his return to the UK.
What information his Department holds on the factors that led to the abscondment of Daniel Boakye.
A formal investigation has been commissioned into the circumstances surrounding the escape from custody. Additional management checks are also being undertaken in relation to all operational staff who may be called upon to undertake escort duty.Public safety is the Government’s priority. Following a joint operation by the Metropolitan Police, the National Crime Agency and the French authorities, we have received confirmation that Daniel Boakye has now been detained in France. Arrangements are being made to secure his return to the UK.
With reference to his Department's press release entitled Tech challenge launched to counter drone threats in prisons, published on 4 November 2025, on what date is the 12-week Counter-Drone Challenge due to end.
We have recently launched a new innovation challenge with His Majesty’s Government Communications Centre (HMGCC) Co-Creation aimed at combatting the growing threat of drones around prisons.The Counter-Drone Challenge competition closed on 4 December 2025. Selected industry partners will receive up to £60,000 funding to develop proof-of-concept systems over a 12-week period.
What is the full scope of Project VANAHEIM.
Project FLYTRAP (formerly Project VANAHEIM) is a joint UK/US/Australian Army initiative focused on countering small uncrewed aerial systems. The project aims to accelerate the British Army’s ability to address this threat through operational experimentation, system integration, and evidence-based capability development. It is evaluating a range of sensors, effectors, networks and tactics in realistic field conditions to inform doctrine and support future capability decisions.
What is the UK contribution to NATO’s Standing Naval Maritime Group 1.
The Standing Naval Forces are under the control of NATO Allied Maritime Command which responds to Allied Command Operations. This multinational, integrated force is continuously available for tasking, ranging from NATO missions to exercise participation.
On what dates the National Security Advisor held discussions with Philippe Sands KC on the Chagos Islands.
The National Security Adviser meets with a range of individuals and organisations as part of his role providing advice to the Prime Minister and the Cabinet on national security matters. Such meetings are often sensitive in nature, and the Government does not routinely comment on them or their content.
How many (a) phones, (b) laptops and (c) other electronic devices have been lost by his Department between 5 July 2024 and 29 April 2025.
Between 5 July 2024 and 29 April 2025, the Ministry of Justice recorded lost or stolen:59 laptops91 mobile phones5 other devicesAll Ministry of Justice laptops and mobile phones are encrypted and protected to National Cyber Security Centre standards. The Department has mandatory reporting procedures for lost or stolen items, and incidents are investigated in line with security policy.
When he plans to provide an answer to Question 107814.
The Proteus Rotary Wing Uncrewed Air System has been designed and built to unlock the potential of uncrewed aerial systems, operating them side-by-side with crewed aircraft in a future ‘hybrid air wing’, and supporting future anti-submarine operations under the Atlantic Bastion strategy. The Proteus Technology Demonstrator is being developed by Leonardo under a £60 million programme supporting 100 highly-skilled British jobs. Procurement decisions, including for the New Medium Helicopter contract, will be made in the Defence Investment Plan (DIP). The Department is working flat out to deliver the DIP, which will be published as soon as possible. It is backed by the Government’s largest sustained increase in defence investment since the end of the Cold War, spending £270 billion on defence in this Parliament alone.
What Chinese made electric vehicles are currently leased by his Department through the Phoenix II white fleet contract.
I refer the hon. Member to the answer given by my predecessor the Minister for Defence Procurement and Industry (Maria Eagle) on 29 April 2025 to Question 45896 to the hon. Member for Rutland and Stamford (Alicia Kearns).
What decision framework is being used to assess potential future calibre changes within Project Grayburn.
As advised in my response to Question 106283, the project is within its concept stage, and we cannot yet assess the adequacy of the UK supply chain regarding this project. However, we have set clear expectations that Project Grayburn will be manufactured in the UK to enhance sovereign industry, generate employment and provide opportunity for export. There is currently no specific definition for the future export potential of Project Grayburn, but it is desirable for the project to create future export opportunities. As part of the current phase, analysis of potential addressable export opportunities will be conducted. With regards to the decision framework being used to assess potential future calibre changes, the project will employ the established scrutiny and approvals tools for decision making, including the Combined Operation Effectiveness and Investment Appraisal.
What definition his Department uses of export potential in the context of Project GRAYBURN.
As advised in my response to Question 106283, the project is within its concept stage, and we cannot yet assess the adequacy of the UK supply chain regarding this project. However, we have set clear expectations that Project Grayburn will be manufactured in the UK to enhance sovereign industry, generate employment and provide opportunity for export. There is currently no specific definition for the future export potential of Project Grayburn, but it is desirable for the project to create future export opportunities. As part of the current phase, analysis of potential addressable export opportunities will be conducted. With regards to the decision framework being used to assess potential future calibre changes, the project will employ the established scrutiny and approvals tools for decision making, including the Combined Operation Effectiveness and Investment Appraisal.
Whether the Attorney General has provided legal advice on granting permission to the United States to launch offensive military action against Iran from (a) Diego Garcia and (b) RAF Fairford.
As you may know, the Law Officers’ Convention applies to advice which may or may not have been given by the Law Officers, or requested of the Law Officers, and the Convention applies to your question. The Law Officers’ Convention can be found at paragraph 21.27 of Erskine May: “By long-standing convention, observed by successive Governments, the fact of, and substance of advice from, the law officers of the Crown is not disclosed outside government. This convention is referred to in paragraph [5.14] of the Ministerial Code [updated on 6 November 2024]. The purpose of this convention is to enable the Government to obtain frank and full legal advice in confidence.”
What assessment he has made of the adequacy of the role of UK-based (a) manufacturing, (b) testing and (c) assurance activities under Project GRAYBURN.
As advised in my response to Question 106283, the project is within its concept stage, and we cannot yet assess the adequacy of the UK supply chain regarding this project. However, we have set clear expectations that Project Grayburn will be manufactured in the UK to enhance sovereign industry, generate employment and provide opportunity for export. There is currently no specific definition for the future export potential of Project Grayburn, but it is desirable for the project to create future export opportunities. As part of the current phase, analysis of potential addressable export opportunities will be conducted. With regards to the decision framework being used to assess potential future calibre changes, the project will employ the established scrutiny and approvals tools for decision making, including the Combined Operation Effectiveness and Investment Appraisal.