Written questions by Obese-Jecty.

How much is received annually in rental income from the 782 properties purchased along the route of HS2.

In financial year 2024/25, a total of 1,723 properties were managed within the HS2 Managed Property Portfolio along the route of HS2 Phase 1 and the former Phase 2. This included residential, commercial, agricultural, forestry and wayleave interests, which collectively generated an annual rental income of £24 million. This income was fully used to offset the costs of managing properties acquired for HS2. Annual rental income naturally fluctuates as the proportion of tenanted properties changes over time.

When does she intend to launch the consultation on changes to firearms licensing.

We intend to publish this consultation shortly.

How many firearms offences have been committed with 3D-printed guns in each of the last five years.

Offences involving the use of 3D printed firearms offences are not recorded separately within the crime statistics published by the Office for National Statistics. A firearm manufactured using 3D printing technology is regarded as a firearm under the Firearms Act 1968 and the controls set out in that Act apply. The overall number of offences involving firearms offences decreased by 16%, to 5,053 offences in the year ending June 2025 compared to the year ending June 2024.The Government works closely with the police and the National Crime Agency to ensure that we have the right laws, intelligence, detection and enforcement capabilities to tackle the threat posed by the unlawful possession and use of firearms, including firearms manufactured in full, or in part, using 3D printing technology. This includes the measures in the Border Security, Asylum and Immigration Act 2025 which, when commenced, will make it an offence to possess or supply templates for the 3D printing of firearms.

What assessment has he made of the standard of work completed by the Ajax Programme’s Joint Acceptance Group with regards to (a) assembly line output, (b) quality control and (c) level of remedial work required by receiving units.

As previously announced, there are ongoing reviews into the Ajax programme. An assessment will be made should the outcomes identify any concerns with the vehicle acceptance process.

How much have business rates increased for Hinchingbrooke Hospital for the 2026-2027 financial year .

The Government cannot comment on the bills of individual ratepayers. I recommend that Hinchingbrooke Hospital get in contact with their local authority for any questions regarding their business rates bill.

What assessment has he made of the potential benefit of utilising the Ares vehicle as a direct replacement for the FV430 series Mk3 Bulldog.

The Army routinely assess which vehicles are best aligned to support specific capabilities. The Ares platform has a higher protection level and is more suitable to be employed in the direct battle, rather than in the close support role normally associated with Bulldog. The long-term replacement for the FV430 series Bulldog is being considered as part of the Heavy Protected Mobility sub-programme, within the Land Mobility Programme.

Commonwealth and Development Affairs, whether she has made an assessment of the potential impact of recognising Palestine as a state on the application of the Foreign Enlistment Act of 1870 to British-Israeli dual nationals serving in the Israeli Defence Forces in (a) Gaza and (b) the West Bank.

The Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office does not hold specific information on British Nationals who have served in the Israeli Defense Forces, but the UK recognises the right of British dual nationals to serve in the legitimately recognised armed forces of the country of their other nationality.

What role has former CGS General Sir Peter Wall played in a) delivery of the Ajax Programme by General Dynamics and b) the decision of General Dynamics to declare Initial Operating Capability on 23 July 2025.

I refer the hon. Member to my response to Question 101921 on 7 January 2026. It would be inappropriate to comment on personnel from external organisations.

Pursuant to the answer of 5th January 2026 to question 100522 on General Dynamics, how many exercises took place using Ajax-family vehicles between 23 July 2026 and 05 November 2026.

I believe that the hon. Member is referring to 2025 not 2026. Therefore, I can confirm that three exercises involving Ajax vehicles took place between 23 July 2025 and 5 November 2025.

What assessment he has made of the legality of the US military operation to capture President Nicolas Maduro of Venezuela.

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.”

Commonwealth and Development Affairs, whether the new Venezuelan President, Delcy Rodríguez, has had sanctions imposed upon her by the UK Government.

I refer the Hon Member to the current list of designated persons publicly available on GOV.UK at https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/financial-sanctions-venezuela.

For what reason was the Short Service Limited Commission discontinued in 2007.

The Short Service Limited Commission had, by 2007, already been superseded by the Gap Year Commission. In mid‑2007, the Gap Year Commission was discontinued due to a shift in policy emphasis toward people programme measures judged to deliver wider recruitment and retention benefits. The scheme was later reintroduced in 2015 and was subsequently integrated into what is now the Army Internship Programme.

What assessment has he made of the potential benefit of procuring the AMPV from BAE as a replacement for the FV430 Mk3 Bulldog.

I refer the hon. Member to the answer I gave him to Question 102953 on 8 January 2026. https://questions-statements.parliament.uk/written-questions/detail/2026-01-05/102953

What is the full delivery timeline for all RCH 155mm.

The Mobile Fires Platform Project which will deliver the Remote-Controlled Howitzer 155mm (RCH 155) Calibre Wheeled Artillery System intended to be mounted on Boxer, remains in its assessment phase and is subject to contract. It is therefore too early to confirm platform numbers, delivery timelines and expected in-service dates. Analysis of future equipment fielding is ongoing. We are making good progress however with the purchase of two of these systems which are undergoing further testing.

Whether those participating in the Armed Forces Foundation Scheme be able to deploy overseas in a) training exercises or b) operations.

The Armed Forces Foundation Year Scheme (‘Gap Year’) helps deliver on the Strategic Defence Review 2025’s recommendation that Defence must offer novel ways of entry into the Armed Forces that attract more people from a wider range of backgrounds; options included offering shorter commitments that appeal to more of society. The Services are finalising their Gap Year plans, including the specifics on terms of engagement, professional training and military qualifications. Services will have the flexibility to provide the most appropriate employment, experiences and skills that offer best value to both participants and Defence. It is intended that participants will be remunerated with equivalency to Regular personnel, with pay, allowances and pension arrangements to be finalised prior to implementation. The schemes will start as a pilot during 2026, to understand the impact and measure success. The pilot is expected to include 150 entrants, with an intention to increase capacity for future cohorts. The total cost to Defence to deliver the pilot scheme is £13M, which will be drawn from existing training and workforce budgets. No costing has yet been completed for future cohorts; which will be informed by the pilot scheme. Participants will undertake their Foundation Years in the enlisted recruit entry rank for each Service, on enlisted terms of engagement. Following completion of training, Royal Navy participants will be classed as Able Seaman Class 2, Army participants will be classed as Private soldiers (or capbadge equivalent) and RAF participants will be classed as Air Specialist 2. The Royal Navy is developing a one-year scheme for sailors with employment offered across operational surface platforms in non-technical activities with participants living and working alongside sailors on ships at sea.The Army is developing an 18-month training scheme, with roles varied across specific trades in the Infantry, Royal Artillery and Royal Logistic Corps.The RAF is developing a one-year programme which will involve participants working alongside Regulars from the RAF’s twelve professions, working across all departments and gaining an understanding of the potential roles available within the RAF.

Which force has the lead on shotgun licence renewals within the Cambridgeshire, Bedfordshire and Hertfordshire tri-force area.

Cambridgeshire Constabulary, Bedfordshire Police and Hertfordshire Constabulary work together as part of a tripartite arrangement intended to provide a consistent firearms licensing service across the three police force areas.The arrangements are led by Hertfordshire Constabulary and report to the Chief Constables of all three forces.

What a) UK and b) other NATO forces are currently deployed in Greenland.

The UK does not currently have forces deployed in Greenland. Denmark is responsible for the defence of Greenland and maintains a military presence. NATO has made clear that the Arctic region is a priority for Euro-Atlantic Security, which is why, alongside our NATO Allies, we have increased our defence spending, presence and activities to keep the Arctic safe and deter the collective threat we face from Russia.

Pursuant to the answer of 28th July 2025, to question 67588 on MBR Acres: National Security, with reference to The Public Order Act 2023 (Interference With Use or Operation of Key National Infrastructure) Regulations 2025, what additional resources will be provided to Cambridgeshire Constabulary in order to facilitate the implementation of this legislation.

In 2026-27 Cambridgeshire Police will receive up to £220.5 million in funding. This represents an increase of up to £10.6 million when compared to the 2025-26 police settlement. There are no plans to provide additional funding to Cambridgeshire Constabulary in light of the amendment to the Public Order Act 2023.It is a long established principle that policing in England and Wales is operationally independent. Decisions regarding the allocation and use of resources within Cambridgeshire Constabulary are therefore matters for the police.

Pursuant to the answer of 20th October 2025 to question 79337 on Uncrewed Systems, what was the outcome of the proposed endorsement of the outline governance proposals for the Defence Uncrewed Systems Centre at the 3* Uncrewed Systems Steering Group in November 2025.

The 3-star Uncrewed Systems Steering Group approved the proposal and endorsed the establishment of the Uncrewed Systems Centre in 2026. The specifics of governance and organisation will be communicated formally once the design phase has completed.

What progress has he made in disposing the 20 Puma helicopters no longer in service.

The remaining aircraft have been passed to the Defence Recycling and Disposal Team within Defence Equipment and Support, who are currently exploring disposal options.