Written questions by Obese-Jecty.

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 Phase 2 training and/or qualifications will those participating in the Armed Forces Foundation Scheme receive.

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.

Commonwealth and Development Affairs, how many (a) residential and (b) commercial properties in London are owned by the People's Republic of China.

The Government does not control the purchase of private property within the United Kingdom, and keeps no central record of purchases made on behalf of individual nation states.

With reference to the Written Ministerial Statement on the Ajax Investigation HCWS1212, published on 18 December 2025, how much delay to the investigations will the suspension of Ajax trials cause.

Ongoing investigations into the safety of the Ajax platform remain on track.

What his plans are for the 140 Challenger 2 tanks not due to be upgraded to Challenger 3.

A decision on what will happen to the Challenger 2 platforms not being used as part of the Challenger 3 programme has not yet been taken.

What assessment has he made of the feasibility of replacing the Army’s formation reconnaissance capability via Project ASGARD.

Project ASGARD is not a replacement for the Army's formation reconnaissance capability; it enhances and improves it. It provides the digital backbone that links our reconnaissance and strike systems at machine speed. Formation reconnaissance remains essential: it finds enemy targets, and ASGARD uses that information to deliver rapid, integrated effects through a range of precision weapons.

What recent progress he has made in replacing the FV430 series Mk3 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. The Heavy Protected Mobility sub-programme is in its Concept Phase and is currently evaluating the Finnish led Common Armoured Vehicles System (CAVS) Programme’s suitability in meeting UK’s Heavy Protected Mobility requirements. The programme is being considered and is part of the Defence Investment Plan.

What was the total number of remedial tasks conducted by each unit receiving Ajax vehicles in order to make them usable on exercise as of 31 December 2025.

All Army vehicles and equipment are subject to before use and routine maintenance schedules to ensure serviceability. Where faults are identified, these are rectified as part of business as usual activity. Information relating to each remedial task carried out on Ajax platforms is not held centrally and could be provided only at disproportionate cost.

What is the out-of-service date of the M60D machine gun.

The ramp mounted 7.62mm machine gun requirement has an Out of Service Date of 2040. This is currently fulfilled by the M60D.

When was the last inspection of MBR Acres under the Animals (Scientific Procedures) Act 1986.

The last audit at MBR Acres occurred in November 2025.The Animals in Science Regulation Unit conducts both announced and unannounced audits to assure establishments are compliant with the Animals (Scientific Procedures) Act 1986, the terms of their licences and the Code of Practice.

Whether veterans groups were consulted on the six lawful and deliverable protections in the Northern Ireland Troubles Bill.

The Government has announced new protections and safeguards designed specifically for veterans that were not included in the 2023 Legacy Act, and that respond directly to the views expressed by veterans during engagements that the Government has undertaken. All of the protections that the Government has announced are being introduced in order to protect and ensure fair treatment of any veteran who is asked to engage with legacy mechanisms. The Government continues to engage closely with veterans and their representatives at both ministerial and official level, and to listen to their views. This includes meetings with the UK Veterans Commissioners, the Royal British Legion, and specific regimental associations.

With reference to the Written Ministerial Statement on the Ajax Investigation (HCWS1212), published on 18th December 2025, what are the 45 points of inspection each Ajax vehicle has undergone.

The 45-point check is a comprehensive inspection of the vehicle for serviceability, functionality and condition of systems and components. It focuses on a number of areas:· Vehicle usage data.· Track and running gear, including track tension.· Driver and Crew compartments, including seats and controls.· Vehicle superstructure, including armour, engine decks and Powerpack.· Collective Protection and Environmental Control System.· Communication and Information Systems.· Noise and Vibration Harshness modifications.

With reference to the Written Ministerial Statement on the Ajax Investigation (HCWS1212), published on 18th December 2025, who are the independent group of experts supporting the investigation.

It would not be appropriate to comment on the individuals undertaking and supporting the ongoing investigations at this stage as to do so could prejudice the outcomes of the investigations. Their work is ongoing.

How many (a) RCH155 and (b) Boxer-variants will each Royal Artillery regiment be equipped with.

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.

What is the approval rate percentage of shotgun licence renewals within the target timeframe for Cambridgeshire Constabulary compared to the national average.

The issuing of firearms certificates, resourcing of firearms licensing teams and the efficiency of police forces, including the timeframe taken for processing shotgun licence renewals, is a matter for individual Chief Officers of Police and Police and Crime Commissioners. Cambridgeshire Constabulary, Bedfordshire Police and Hertfordshire Constabulary work together on firearms licensing as part of a tripartite arrangement between the forces and report to each of the relevant Chief Officers.The Home Office does not routinely collect data on the percentage of shotgun licence renewal applications that are approved within the target time of four months for each police force.However, the National Policing Chiefs Council (NPCC) lead for Firearms Licensing now publishes quarterly performance data for firearms licensing in all police forces in England and Wales. The data is published on the NPCC website at firearms-licensing-2526-q2-headlines.pdf and includes a combined percentage figure for the number of applications for the grant and renewal of licensing applications completed within four months of their receipt, including for Cambridgeshire Constabulary.

What the projected cost of the Armed Forces Foundation Scheme is in (a) 2026-27, (b) 2027-28 and (c) 2028-29.

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.

With reference to the Urgent Question HMP Leyhill: Offender Abscondments, how many of the 57 prisoner abscondments that occurred in 2025 remained at large as of 1 January 2026.

There were 57 absconds in the year ending March 2025. Data on absconds is published annually in the HMPPS Annual Digest: HMPPS Annual Digest 2024 to 2025 - GOV.UK. This only includes a 30-day reference point for whether prisoners remained at large. Data for April 2025 to March 2026 will be published in July 2026 as part of the next HMPPS Annual Digest.Public protection is our top priority. When a prisoner absconds, police are immediately notified and are responsible for locating the offender. The majority of absconders are quickly recaptured and returned to custody.Those who abscond face serious consequences, including being returned to closed prison conditions where they may serve up to two additional years on conviction. Prisoners subject to parole decisions will likely face longer before they are released.

What rank those participating in the Armed Forces Foundation Scheme will hold in the a) Army, b) Royal Navy and c) Royal Air Force.

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.

If he will publish the full scope of the Armed Forces Foundation Scheme for under-25s.

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.