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 1,761–1,780 of 5,090 · this parliament
What was the Capability Drop status of each Ajax-family vehicle within the fleet operated by the Household Cavalry Regiment as at 22 November 2025.
I refer the hon. Member to the answer I gave on 21 January 2026 to his Question 98879. All vehicles referenced in my response are at Capability Drop 3.
With reference to the medical status update on personnel injured during Exercise Titan Storm, provided by the Minister for the Armed Forces during the Ajax debate on 14th January 2026, how many of those personnel were in the (a) Household Cavalry Regiment and the (b) Queen’s Royal Hussars.
The safety of our personnel is of paramount importance. I updated the House on 22 January 2026 on those injured as a result of the two incidents since November 2025, which includes Exercise Titan Storm. However, we do not routinely provide medical information down to unit level as this would risk identifying individual personnel.
How many people from the Queens Royal Hussars have been diagnosed as suffering from noise and vibration sickness following operating in an Ajax-family vehicle (a) before and (b) after 23 July 2025.
The safety of our personnel is of paramount importance. I updated the House on 22 January 2026 on those injured as a result of the two incidents since November 2025, which includes Exercise Titan Storm. However, we do not routinely provide medical information down to unit level as this would risk identifying individual personnel.
How many individuals from the Household Cavalry Regiment have been diagnosed as with noise and vibration sickness following operating in an Ajax-family vehicle a) before and b) after 23 July 2025.
The safety of our personnel is of paramount importance. I updated the House on 22 January 2026 on those injured as a result of the two incidents since November 2025, which includes Exercise Titan Storm. However, we do not routinely provide medical information down to unit level as this would risk identifying individual personnel.
Pursuant to the answer of 19 January 2026 to question 105591 on Veterans: Visas, what issues he has encountered in the delivery of a visa fee waiver for dependents of Commonwealth veterans.
The Ministry of Defence continues to work closely with the Home Office on the Government’s commitment to waive visa fees for non-UK veterans and their dependants. This work is ongoing, and the Department will update Parliament in the usual way once cross Government decisions have been finalised.
How many Ajax-family vehicles were at each Capability Drop status as at 22 November 2025.
At 22 November 2025, the following number of Ajax vehicles were at each Capability Drop: CD1 – 59CD2 – 84CD3 – 172 Total Produced – 315Total Contract - 589 Only Capability Drop 3 vehicles are fielded to Army units.
What assessment he has made of the potential benefits of equipping Ares with the Northrop Grumman M230LF (Link Fed) Dual Feed Bushmaster Chain Gun.
The Army and the Defence Science and Technology Laboratory have established an enduring research programme to assess the benefits of equipping elements of the armoured vehicle fleet with a range of capabilities, including enhanced lethality. As part of this work, the M230LF is being considered alongside other medium‑calibre cannon options available from industry.
What assessment he has made of the potential impact of the MARTE Project on future defence export opportunities for Challenger 3.
Challenger 3 is the centrepiece of the British Army’s armoured modernisation programme and will deliver a step change in lethality, survivability and digital integration. The Department continues to explore export opportunities for Challenger 3 and its capabilities under the Land Industrial Strategy.
Food and Rural Affairs, what assessment she has made of the potential impact of the Gifford farm development on flooding via Parsons Drove drain in Huntingdon constituency.
The Environment Agency (EA) was consulted on the emerging Local Plan, which sets out potential locations for development in Huntingdonshire, and responded regarding the proposed Gifford’s Park site. In the EA’s response, it advised:A detailed Flood Risk Assessment (FRA) and drainage strategy should be provided which addresses all flood risks including climate change.Only ‘water compatible’ development should be permitted in the small area of the site that is at flood risk. ‘Water compatible’ development are designed to be in or next to water so they can safely function in areas that flood.The FRA should consider opportunities for Natural Flood Management to reduce risk. Until the above detailed work is provided by the developer, it is not possible to comment on whether this site may impact flooding specifically via Parson’s Drove Drain.
On which vehicle platforms is he currently assessing the feasibility of equipping the M230LF (Link Fed) Dual Feed Bushmaster Chain Gun.
The Army and the Defence Science and Technology Laboratory have established an enduring research programme to assess the benefits of equipping elements of the armoured vehicle fleet with a range of capabilities, including enhanced lethality. As part of this work, the M230LF is being considered alongside other medium‑calibre cannon options available from industry.
What is the maximum weight of the new rifle under Project Grayburn.
Project GRAYBURN is its concept phase. One of the primary outputs of this phase will be user requirements. These will consider the full range of performance characteristics including maximum weight and coating requirements.
What requirement has his Department specified for (a) anti-thermal and (b) anti IR coatings to the new rifle within Project Grayburn.
Project GRAYBURN is its concept phase. One of the primary outputs of this phase will be user requirements. These will consider the full range of performance characteristics including maximum weight and coating requirements.
Whether he has made it a requirement to use Aubert & Duval Armad steel to manufacture barrels for rifle variants within Project Grayburn.
Project GRAYBURN is its concept phase. One of the primary outputs of this phase will be user requirements. These will consider the full range of performance characteristics including maximum weight and coating requirements.
What plans he has to replace HMS Middleton in the Middle East upon its return to the UK.
The Ministry of Defence keeps its force posture in the Middle East under continual review to safeguard UK interests. The Royal Navy remains committed to regional stability through its enduring presence under Operation KIPION, including the UK Maritime Component Command (UKMCC), located in Bahrain, with a footprint of over 130 personnel. The Royal Navy’s modernisation programme has already delivered an autonomous Mine Countermeasures capability operating in the Gulf, continuing to innovate at pace.
What assessment he has made of the potential impact of the raw material shortage at Liberty Steel's Dalzell plant on the construction of the three Fleet Solid Support ships for the Royal Fleet Auxiliary.
The current assessment of the potential impact of the raw material shortage at Liberty Steel's Dalzell plant, on the construction of the three Fleet Solid Support (FSS) ships for the Royal Fleet Auxiliary, is deemed low.The sourcing of steel for the FSS programme is a matter for the prime contractor, Navantia UK, whose goal is to maximise UK steel content wherever it is technically and commercially feasible, while protecting the delivery schedule.
What assessment he has made of the potential benefits of adopting a short stroke piston operated system rather than direct gas impingement for any of the rifle variants tendered for development under Project Grayburn.
Project GRAYBURN is currently in its concept phase. An important output of this phase will be the definition of user requirements, covering the full range of performance characteristics, including calibre and operating system.
What assessment has he made of the potential benefits of including an upper receiver which can accommodate .300 blackout as part of Project Grayburn.
Project GRAYBURN is currently in its concept phase. An important output of this phase will be the definition of user requirements, covering the full range of performance characteristics, including calibre and operating system.
Food and Rural Affairs, pursuant to the answer of 19 January 2026, to question 105593 on River Great Ouse: Flood Control, by when will the list of projects to receive Government funding in 26/27 be determined.
Delivering on the Plan for Change, this Government is investing at least £10.5 billion until 2036 to construct new flood schemes and repair existing defences, protecting communities from the devastating impacts of climate change. The final list of schemes to benefit in 2026/27 is due to be published on GOV.UK in March 2026.
Food and Rural Affairs, what steps the Environment Agency is taking to enforce waterway maintenance responsibilities by riparian owners in Huntingdonshire.
In Huntingdonshire, the Environment Agency (EA) has undertaken targeted enforcement across Brampton Brook, Alconbury Brook, Ellington Brook and St Ives to encourage voluntary compliance and to inform and educate landowners on riparian responsibilities. Throughout 2024 and 2025, the EA visited 35 properties on Brampton Brook to address vegetation overgrowth, waste, fallen trees and unpermitted structures. All necessary actions were completed by landowners, and no further action was required. Where maintenance presents a flood‑risk concern and voluntary action is not taken, the EA can issue a formal Section 25 Enforcement Notice requiring the owner to complete specific maintenance works. Failure to comply is an offence, and the EA may undertake the work itself and recover costs from the landowner.
Media and Sport, what assessment she has made of the potential benefits of negotiating free-to-air television coverage of the 2027 Tour de France Grand Depart in the UK.
Hosting the Tour de France and Tour de France Femmes Grand Départs in 2027 will cement Britain's reputation as a destination for major international sporting events. These events will stimulate growth, attract new visitors and leave a lasting legacy for athletes and fans alike.As a Government, we want to ensure sport can be accessed, played and enjoyed by as many people as possible. With more than 900km of route spanning England, Scotland and Wales, and free spectating all the way, together these races will be the most accessible major sporting event Great Britain has ever hosted.Broadcast rights are ultimately commercial decisions for broadcasters and event owners, in this case the Amaury Sport Organisation (ASO). I know that organisers are keen to work with all partners to maximise exposure and ensure these races can be enjoyed by as many people as possible.