Ben Obese-Jecty
MP for Huntingdon
Con
4 Jul 2024 - Present
Questions Asked by This MP
Parliamentary questions and government responses.
Response classifications show how directly each question was answered.
Ahead of the forthcoming consultation on local government reorganisation, last month Huntingdonshire district council voted for option E, a Huntingdonshire unitary council. That was a cross-party view, and the Prime Minister’s own Labour councillors voted in favour of it. There is a suspicion locally that the Government favour option D, proposed by the Labour eastern regional office, which would see Huntingdonshire, and my constituency, split in two and combined with Peterborough. Will the Prime Minister offer assurances to my constituents and people across Huntingdonshire that the decision is not already a done deal, and that the democratic will of Huntingdonshire district council will not be overridden to satisfy an unelected Labour regional office?
Context
There is suspicion that the Government favour a particular option for Huntingdonshire's local government reorganisation.
The Prime Minister (Keir Starmer)
There are no done deals here; we are going through the proper process.
Assessment
No specific assurances were given, and the issue of overriding democratic will was not addressed
Session: PMQs
View Full Session -->
Does the Prime Minister think it is acceptable for a Back-Bench MP to suggest that the Leader of the Opposition represents “white supremacy in blackface” and is the most prominent member of white supremacy's black collaborator class, with all the race traitor innuendo that that carries? If he does not, why has he not removed the Whip?
Context
A Back-Bench MP suggested that the Leader of the Opposition represents “white supremacy in blackface” and is part of “the most prominent member of white supremacy's black collaborator class”. This raises questions about the appropriateness of such language.
Keir Starmer
No, I do not.
Session: PMQs
View Full Session -->
I have received over 70 complaints from tenants in my constituency who are resident in Places for People properties about its failure to maintain its obligation to fix the property and carry out basic maintenance. Are the Government aware of whether this is a more widespread problem, and is there anything they can do to encourage Places for People to fulfil its obligations?
Context
Over 70 complaints have been received from tenants in Places for People properties regarding the failure to maintain properties and carry out basic maintenance.
Matthew Pennycook
Places for People will no doubt have heard the concerns the hon. Gentleman has raised today. Social housing providers are regulated on the basis of consumer standards, and they are inspected on that basis. We have introduced Awaab's law, which provides that landlords have to fix hazards within specified time limits. If he wants to write to me with further information about the development in question, I will be happy to look into it.
Session: Topical Questions 2026-09-07
View All Questions -->
Some 40% of roads in Cambridgeshire take up roughly 80% of the highways budget. With the forthcoming announcement about local government reorganisation in Cambridgeshire, what assessment has the Department made of the feasibility of that being deliverable given that most of those roads will end up in the same, much smaller unitary authority?
Context
Most of the roads in Cambridgeshire will end up in a smaller unitary authority as part of the local government reorganisation.
Simon Lightwood
We continue to liaise closely with other Government Departments during the reorganisation. I am obviously happy to enter into further conversations with the hon. Member on his specifics.
Session: Topical Questions 2026-07-16
View All Questions -->
Is the plan indeed a 10-year one? If yes, does it assume a 3.5% spend on defence by 2035?
Context
The defence investment plan covers a 10-year period, but only nine years are detailed.
Luke Pollard
It is a 10-year plan. The first four years are detailed due to known technology purchases, but the final five years focus on unspecified technologies like drones.
Session: Topical Questions 2026-07-06
View All Questions -->
I am hugely concerned about the manner in which SLAPPs are being used to intimidate and harass individuals in public service. In my constituency alone, I have seen two separate instances of parish councillors being bullied out of public office. Both Hemingford and Ellington parish councils have been targeted due to planning concerns—one by a local company and one by a wealthy individual. Such an attempt to stifle democracy is unacceptable. Parish councils are the bedrock of democracy and the brazen attempt to railroad individual parish councillors is unacceptable. What are the Government doing to protect local councillors from being left exposed to SLAPPs, which deters people from participating in democratic representation?
Context
Two separate instances of parish councillors being bullied out of public office in Hemingford and Ellington due to planning concerns.
David Lammy
We have to act. We will work cross-party and there are some vehicles by which we might well be able to see progress over the coming months.
Session: Strategic Lawsuits against Public Participation 2026-06-30
View All Questions -->
Last week, the Government voted against my amendment to the Armed Forces Bill, new clause 5, which would have waived visa fees for the spouses and children of armed forces personnel and veterans. That was, of course, a Labour manifesto pledge—as it was a Conservative manifesto pledge— to ensure that the families of those who have fought to defend this country are allowed to reside here without being charged £3,229 per person just to remain in the country following service. I understand that the reason the policy has not been pursued is a Home Office issue, rather than a Defence issue, so will the Minister explain why it has not been progressed in two years? Could he give an update on whether the policy will be amended when the changes come out later this year?
Context
The MP noted the government's vote against an amendment to waive visa fees for spouses and children of armed forces personnel and veterans, which was a Labour manifesto pledge.
Mike Tapp
I thank the hon. Member for his question—as a veteran, it is an important question, and I respect it. I am working with colleagues in the Ministry of Defence at the moment to deliver that important manifesto commitment.
Session: Indefinite Leave to Remain Skilled Legal Migrants
View All Questions -->
By now, the Secretary of State will be well aware of my opposition to the 1,900 acre East Park Energy solar farm in my constituency. We are now at the business end of the planning process; the application is before the Planning Inspectorate, ahead of a decision by the Secretary of State later this year. Will he outline roughly when he expects to have to take a decision on the application? Ahead of that, will he meet me and my hon. Friend the Member for North Bedfordshire (Richard Fuller) to discuss our concern that it is not the right solution for our area and our constituents?
Context
There is opposition to the East Park Energy solar farm in Huntingdon due to its size and potential impact.
Michael Shanks
I thank the hon. Gentleman for his question, but because it is a live planning application under independent examination, it is not possible for me to comment further. I obviously encourage him and his constituents to register with the Planning Inspectorate, if they have not done so already, so that they can share their views.
Session: Topical Questions
View All Questions -->
Why are two F-35B planes, ZM177 and ZM179, stranded in the Azores for nearly three months? Who is responsible for their delivery: Lockheed Martin or the Ministry of Defence?
Context
Two F-35B planes, ZM177 and ZM179, are stranded in the Azores since March 9th.
Luke Pollard
I am surprised that the hon. Gentleman has not kept up with those two planes, I will write to him to give him the full details or perhaps he will get another PQ in which he can inform himself of the information.
Session: Topical Questions
View All Questions -->
As an MP whose constituency has a category C prison for male sex offenders that is almost at capacity—HMP Littlehey—I welcome the clarity from the Minister regarding paedophiles in the prison estate.
We know that the Minister is on the hook to deliver thousands of new category C and D prison places. I want to ask him about the prison places he has made almost no progress on since the election because the contractor ISG went into administration in September 2024. I first highlighted the failure of that project last year. Can he confirm whether, since then, all those 12 prisons have had new contractors appointed? When will those prison places be delivered?
We know that the Minister is on the hook to deliver thousands of new category C and D prison places. I want to ask him about the prison places he has made almost no progress on since the election because the contractor ISG went into administration in September 2024. I first highlighted the failure of that project last year. Can he confirm whether, since then, all those 12 prisons have had new contractors appointed? When will those prison places be delivered?
Jake Richards
This Government are undertaking the biggest prison building programme since the Victorian era. We will be building 13,000 new places by 2031. We inherited a prison capacity crisis from the Conservatives, so it takes some chutzpah for them to start asking questions about prison building. We are committed to the prison building programme that we announced in 2024, and we are confident that we will match it. We are fixing the mess that they created.
Session: Open Prisons Policy on Convicted Paedophiles
View All Questions -->
My constituent has paid £23,000 during a dispute about being the parent of a child who is not on the birth certificate due to a refusal for a DNA test. After three family court hearings ruling in his favour, I am sure that this amount of money is an incredible burden. Will the Minister meet me to discuss how my constituent can have it reimbursed?
Context
A constituent paid £23,000 in a dispute about parentage of a child not on the birth certificate and refused a DNA test. The court ruled in his favour after three hearings.
Andrew Western
Yes, I will.
Session: Topical Questions
View All Questions -->
The Government recently informed me that they have received 64 category 2 type B extradition notices under section 70 of the Extradition Act 2003, of which 56 have been certified. Fewer than five of those come from Bangladesh. Can the Minister confirm how many of those relate to Members of this House, and whether there are any Interpol red notices that apply to Members of this House?
Context
The MP noted that the government has received a total of 64 category 2 type B extradition notices under section 70 of the Extradition Act 2003, with 56 certified. He highlighted that fewer than five notices are from Bangladesh and asked for specific details on Members of this House.
Hamish Falconer
The hon. Member will have heard the point I just made: it is a matter of long-standing policy and practice that we do not confirm Interpol notices in public.
Session: Interpol Red Notices
View All Questions -->
I thank the Minister for his response the other day to my written question, which made clear that the trees would be replanted alongside the A14. I have surveyed that area in recent weeks, and it is real mess. The land has simply not been maintained after the environmental land-management schemes were put in place, so it is reassuring to hear that the trees will be replaced. However, there are other problems with some of the schemes: some of the buildings that were compulsorily purchased have not been maintained and have become dilapidated, National Highways is ransoming access to the land to local developers by charging a 30% shared value increase, just so that developers can gain access to the A14, and we have dangerous at-grade junctions. Will the Minister meet me to discuss some of the problems that we have with access to the A14 in Huntingdonshire, so that my constituents can be reassured that we are working hard to ensure that that road works as it should?
Context
The MP previously raised concerns about the replanting of trees and maintenance issues on land used for environmental mitigation along the A14 in Huntingdon. The latest survey revealed further problems.
Simon Lightwood
On the specific topic of trees, it is an absolute scandal that something like 600,000 trees died as part of the previous Government's road schemes—some 90% of the trees died at that particular scheme—but of course I will be happy to meet the hon. Gentleman to discuss the individual issues that he raised.
Session: A14 Environmental Mitigation Huntingdon
View All Questions -->
Whether she has reviewed with Cabinet colleagues the status of land used for environmental mitigation along the A14 in Huntingdon constituency. The area faces issues such as damaged land after environmental schemes were put in place, requiring assessments and improvements.
Context
The area along the A14 in Huntingdon has environmental issues, including damage to land and trees used for mitigation.
Simon Lightwood
National Highways has assessed the status of the land and is taking steps to improve its condition, including replanting substantial numbers of trees, protecting ecological sites and creating new wildlife habitats.
Session: A14 Environmental Mitigation Huntingdon
View All Questions -->
The Government are preparing to resume deportations of Syrian foreign national offenders while the Syrian Democratic Forces call for repatriation. Several ISIS-linked individuals have returned from al-Roj camp. Will these individuals return to custody in the UK, given their direct links to a proscribed terrorist organisation? Are they now free in the UK?
Context
Several ISIS-linked individuals have been returned to the UK from al-Roj camp in Syria.
Jake Richards
When foreign national offenders are deported from this country and return, they should be detained and dealt with appropriately by law enforcement agencies. I expect that to happen in every single case.
Session: Foreign National Prisoners Sentences
View All Questions -->
Are the autonomous mine-clearing vessels currently deployable, and what support ship will accompany them? The delay to the defence investment plan should not be affecting important decisions.
Context
The MP is concerned about the operational arrangements for autonomous mine-clearing vessels in the Gulf and how the delay of the defence investment plan impacts capabilities.
John Healey
The hon. Gentleman is last to expect setting out detail of such operational arrangements in public. Defence investment plan is not holding up decisions; 1,200 major contracts have been awarded since the election.
Session: Defence Investment Plan
View All Questions -->
When will the government publish the defence investment plan?
Context
The MP is concerned about the delay in publishing the defence investment plan, which could impact capabilities.
John Healey
We are working flat out to settle the defence investment plan, which is a 10-year vision as laid out in the strategic defence review. It will be affordable and deliverable unlike previous plans.
Session: Defence Investment Plan
View All Questions -->
The National Security Adviser Jonathan Powell commenced his role on 2 December 2024, and his appointment was announced on 8 November 2024. I appreciate that the Minister will not have this information to hand, but I would be grateful if he could write to me and confirm when the National Security Adviser was granted security clearance for that role.
Context
Jonathan Powell commenced his role as National Security Adviser on 2 December 2024, and his appointment was announced on 8 November 2024. The questioner seeks confirmation of when the security clearance was granted.
Darren Jones
I will take the question away, Mr Speaker.
Session: Topical Questions
View All Questions -->
The EHCP backlog in Cambridgeshire is a significant challenge. I appreciate what the Minister said about the help that is currently in place. However, I am struggling to see where the immediate impact will come. I had a letter from a constituent at the weekend who thanked me for helping her child get an EHCP after 74 weeks. What advice can the Minister give Cambridgeshire county council on how the SEND White Paper will help it get on top of the EHCP backlog?
Context
Cambridgeshire faces significant challenges with its education, health, and care plan backlog, affecting many families and children. Constituents have been waiting up to nearly two years for an EHCP.
Georgia Gould
The timeliness of EHCPs has been unacceptable, and we are taking this seriously. We are putting £200 million directly into councils as part of the schools White Paper to support their capacity. We will be monitoring this closely.
Session: EHCP Backlog Cambridgeshire
View All Questions -->
What steps is the Department taking to tackle the EHCP backlog in Cambridgeshire? The EHCP backlog in Cambridgeshire is a significant challenge, with some children waiting up to nearly two years for an EHCP after a needs assessment. I am due to meet Cambridgeshire county council to discuss this issue.
Context
Cambridgeshire faces significant challenges with its education, health, and care plan backlog, affecting many families and children.
Georgia Gould
The Department is providing targeted help for Cambridgeshire, including a specialist SEND adviser and sector-led improvement support. We are actively monitoring Cambridgeshire's recovery plan to reduce EHCP backlogs. We are putting £200 million directly into councils as part of the schools White Paper to support their capacity, and we will monitor this closely.
Session: EHCP Backlog Cambridgeshire
View All Questions -->
Defence will be a key pillar of the Oxford-Cambridge growth corridor. Given RAF Wyton's involvement in Project Fairfax and the existing collaboration with Huntingdonshire district council, will you meet me and the chief executive of the council to discuss how we can supercharge these plans?
Context
RAF Wyton in Ben Obese-Jecty's constituency is involved in a major land use project called Project Fairfax, which aims to utilise surplus Ministry of Defence land for development.
Matthew Pennycook
I am more than happy to meet the hon. Gentleman.
Session: Oxford-Cambridge Growth Corridor
View All Questions -->
Can the Home Secretary disclose how many ISIS-linked individuals have been repatriated to the UK and if they were held in custody?
Context
There is a need for clarity regarding repatriated individuals linked with ISIS and their custody status upon return.
Dan Jarvis
I hope the hon. Gentleman will understand if I do not get into specifics—we do not comment on individual cases—but we use all available tools to ensure public safety.
Session: Topical Questions
View All Questions -->
Can the Justice Secretary tell us what is the current counter-drone strategy for HM Prison and Probation Service, given the current delays in the installation of physical unmanned aircraft systems countermeasures, what specific projects are actually in flight to develop the counter-UAS capability across our prison estate, and by when that capability will be available?
Context
The use of drones to bring contraband into prisons has increased by 43% last year, causing alarm in constituencies with prison facilities. The Justice Secretary announced a £6.5 million funding stream but no tenders are currently out.
David Lammy (The Lord Chancellor and Secretary of State for Justice)
This is a very serious issue, which is why I announced the partnership with our Ukrainian colleagues. I also announced £6 million of funding for that research innovation as part of the package. We are working closely on this matter to enhance security measures.
Session: Prison Estate Safety
View All Questions -->
What steps he is taking to ensure the delivery of initial operating capability for the Ajax programme. The Minister knows that I have a keen interest in this topic. There were 33 injuries sustained during Exercise Titan Storm. General Dynamics achieved initial operating capability for Ajax on 23 July, and between then and Exercise Titan Storm on 22 November, there were three other exercises: Exercise Scorpion Cyclone, Exercise Cyclone Storm and Exercise Tradewind. I asked the Minister a written question last year about how many injuries were sustained, but I am yet to receive a response. How many noise and vibration injuries were sustained on those three exercises? Will he confirm whether there were any injuries prior to his signing off IOC on 5 November?
Context
The MP references previous incidents during Exercise Titan Storm where 33 injuries were sustained. He notes General Dynamics achieved IOC on July 23, followed by three other exercises.
The Minister for Defence Readiness and Industry (Luke Pollard)
I am certain that I have replied to that one, but will check when I get back to the Department, and make sure that he has the reply. We are looking at all the incidents from Titan Storm, at previous suggestions of incidents, and at potential injuries. The injuries under the last Government were well documented, but we have instigated a number of investigations to get to the bottom of what happened, and why that information did not flow to Ministers ahead of the IOC declaration.
Session: Ajax Initial Operating Capacity
View All Questions -->
Could the Minister confirm whether there are any conversations through the UK Defence and Security Exports office around securing an export package for the Ajax vehicle and guaranteeing work at the factory going forwards?
Context
The Ajax armoured vehicle programme is under threat, with work set to be completed at the Merthyr Tydfil factory next summer. The questioner seeks clarity on whether there are discussions around securing an export package for the Ajax vehicle to ensure ongoing employment.
Chris Bryant
Obviously we would like to do so. As the MP for the next-door constituency, and having visited the factory myself, I am keen to ensure that we do so. A large part of this programme is a Ministry of Defence responsibility, and I will make sure that the MOD writes to the hon. Gentleman.
Session: Topical Questions
View All Questions -->
Does the Secretary of State agree that the Mayor of London and the Met Police have a duty to do a full public consultation on these plans after the initial proposal to close several police front counters across London, which was scaled back but still includes the closure of Twickenham's police station front counter despite only 15 people being invited to an online meeting?
Context
The Met Police proposed closing several police front counters in London, but the plans were scaled back after public feedback. However, Twickenham police station’s front counter is still earmarked for closure despite only 15 people being invited to an online meeting.
Sarah Jones
The hon. Lady is right: there was a consultation, and seven fewer front counters will now be closed than before, and she is right that Twickenham is not one of those that will no longer close. We need to judge the police in London on their outcomes and Sadiq Khan on the work that he has done. We have the lowest number of murders since records began.
Session: Topical Questions
View All Questions -->
In June I asked the Government to consider my private Member’s Bill calling for them to publish a strategy to tackle interpersonal abuse and violence against men and boys. On 1 September, the Minister told me that the strategy would be published early in the autumn. We are now well past that date. What is causing the delay in the publication of the revised VAWG strategy?
Context
The questioner had previously asked the Government to consider a private Member’s Bill calling for them to publish a strategy addressing interpersonal abuse and violence against men and boys. The promised publication date has been delayed.
The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for the Home Department (Jess Phillips)
Yes, I can absolutely give the hon. Gentleman that assurance and would be more than happy to meet him to discuss these matters further. The delay is being caused by the fact that the work will be completely cross-governmental; we must ensure that allocations processes in Government Departments are as good as they possibly can be because previous VAWG strategies have not met expectations.
Session: Violence against Women and Girls
View All Questions -->
May I first associate myself with the Secretary of State’s remarks about the attack on the train at the weekend? Last week the Ministry of Defence announced the launch of Project Fairfax, which will see a defence technology cluster established alongside RAF Wyton in my constituency. I thank the Minister for his support in bringing the project forward; it has been warmly received not only by industry but, crucially, by my constituents, who are excited about the opportunity presented by specialist defence careers and increasing regional growth that will be delivered best via option E of local government reform. What steps could he take in giving Huntingdonshire the opportunity to create a wider defence ecosystem to meet the eligibility criteria for consideration for funding from the Defence and Security Accelerator?
Context
The MP is discussing the launch of Project Fairfax in his constituency, which will establish a defence technology cluster alongside RAF Wyton.
The Minister for Defence Readiness and Industry (Luke Pollard)
I thank the hon. Gentleman for the tone in which he spoke to the nation about the attack that took place in his constituency. He should feel very proud of the first responders from his area who responded to that attack. As for the opportunities that exist in his constituency, I was very pleased to meet him and my hon. Friend the Member for North West Cambridgeshire (Sam Carling) to look into how, on a cross-party basis, we can seize a real opportunity at RAF Wyton, supporting activities with local government in order to do so. The defence industrial strategy sets out the framework for delivering that opportunity through local and national Government working together with our armed forces and the private sector, as well as academia. We will continue those discussions, but the opportunity at RAF Wyton is real, and I am happy to be helping the hon. Gentleman to deliver it.
Session: Defence Sector Innovation
View All Questions -->
With a decision yet to be made about identifying investible sites and regarding the £600 million fund available through the strategic sites accelerator programme, will the Secretary of State meet me and the chief executive of my local council to discuss the inclusion of potential defence sites in Huntingdon?
Context
RAF Wyton in Huntingdon is set to host a defence technology cluster under Project Fairfax, supported by a £600 million fund from the strategic sites accelerator programme.
The Secretary of State for Business and Trade (Peter Kyle)
I am grateful for the hon. Gentleman’s question, and I know that his community will be grateful for his question too. I can assure him that we are working to mobilise the strategic sites accelerator which will operate across the nation. We expect to communicate how and when the programme will deploy in the coming period into spring. As he knows, RAF Wyton is a key site for cyber and specialist operations command. It is an important asset for our nation. I, or the relevant Minister, will of course meet him to discuss how we can better support that site going forward, but already within Government it is a very highly valued asset.
Session: Topical Questions
View All Questions -->
The new Minister stated earlier that the Government have created 2,405 new prison places, but 1,468 of those are at HMP Millsike, which is part of the new prisons programme that was announced by the previous Conservative Government. The 10,000 additional prison places estate expansion programme—including the houseblocks and refurbishments programme, and the category D programme—has been downgraded from amber to red in the delivery confidence assessment, due to the programme’s key supplier entering administration. What steps is the Justice Secretary taking to put prison construction back on track?
Context
The Government's prison places estate expansion programme has been downgraded from amber to red due to the key supplier entering administration.
Jake Richards
The hon. Member seems to be the last person defending the last Conservative Government on prisons and law and order. The truth is that over 14 years, they built 500 prison places; in 14 months, this Labour Government have built 2,500 places. We are fixing the mess that they left behind.
Session: Topical Questions
View All Questions -->
I recently had an opportunity to join Cambridgeshire constabulary’s rural crime action team to see the work that it does, despite having to cover a huge county of eight constituencies with just 14 officers. Those officers have recently been reallocated from being designated operational support unit officers to neighbourhood policing officers, thus bolstering the number of officers the Government will classify as neighbourhood police and helping them to reach the target of 3,000 officers. However, those officers are neither new nor dedicated neighbourhood police. Can the Home Secretary explain why she is artificially inflating neighbourhood policing numbers by reclassifying those in specialist roles?
Context
Last week was Rural Crime Action Week, and the MP had an opportunity to join Cambridgeshire constabulary's rural crime action team. The team is covering a huge county with just 14 officers, who have been reclassified from operational support unit officers to neighbourhood policing officers.
Shabana Mahmood
The Government’s policy position is to ensure that the policing resource that we have focuses on neighbourhood policing, because we know that visible neighbourhood policing increases the confidence that communities have in going about their business and helps us to take back our town centres from those who indulge in low-level criminality—which is not low level, because it harms people and their confidence in their own communities. That is why we make no secret and are not ashamed of our neighbourhood policing guarantee.
Session: Neighbourhood Policing
View All Questions -->
On Friday, I visited Paragraf, a local business in my constituency. Founded by Simon Thomas, it is a hugely successful spin-out from Cambridge University, developing and manufacturing next generation electronic devices using graphene. These products provide solutions in a range of industries, from quantum computing to diagnostics. As one can imagine with a world-leading technology, there is a huge array of potential military applications. Indeed, the company has already been contacted by our NATO allies. May I invite the Secretary of State and the new procurement Minister to visit Paragraf, meet CEO Simon Thomas and look at how we can seize the initiative in defence with an innovative and world-leading technology, and a real British and Huntingdon success story?
Context
Obese-Jecty visited Paragraf, a local business in his constituency that develops next-generation electronic devices using graphene. The company has potential military applications and has been approached by NATO allies.
Luke Pollard (Minister of State, Ministry of Defence)
I thank the hon. Gentleman for his continuing championing of not just defence businesses in his constituency, but defence in total. The amount of parliamentary questions I have answered from him certainly shows his strong interest in this area. I want more of our defence budget focused on novel and innovative technologies. That is what we announced in the strategic defence review, with 10% going to those advanced technologies. There is a real opportunity to create more jobs that provide the world-leading innovation that will give us the edge on the battlefield, because the nation that innovates the most will be the nation that wins in any conflict. I would be very happy to discuss that further with him.
Session: Defence Investment Plan
View All Questions -->
What steps is the Secretary of State taking to improve the process that sees so many applications require a tribunal and to improve delivery of EHCPs in Cambridgeshire?
Context
Cambridgeshire has one of the worst records for delivering Education, Health and Care Plans within statutory deadlines. Over 99% of SEND tribunals find in favor of parents.
Bridget Phillipson
The hon. Gentleman raised serious concerns about reforms for children with SEND. If the Conservative party wants to work on this, I would be very happy. At the moment, all we seem to get is opposition for opposition's sake.
Session: Topical Questions
View All Questions -->
Since 14 June, an F-35B from the Prince of Wales carrier strike group has been stranded on the runway at the Thiruvananthapuram civilian airport in India. What steps are the Government taking to recover the plane, how much longer will that take, and how will the Government ensure the security of protected technologies on the jet while it is in the hangar and out of view?
Context
Concern about the stranded F-35B on a runway in India and its potential security risks.
Luke Pollard
We continue to work with our Indian friends who provided first-class support when the F-35B was unable to return to the Prince of Wales when on a flight mission, and I am certain that the security of the jet is in good hands because Royal Air Force crew are with it at all times.
Session: Topical Questions
View All Questions -->
On Friday, my private Member’s Bill is due for Second Reading. It calls for the Government to publish a strategy to tackle interpersonal abuse and violence against men and boys. The strategy would ensure that male survivors of crimes considered to be violence against women and girls, such as rape, sexual assault, domestic abuse, forced marriage and honour-based violence, are given dedicated support, and also prevent male survivors from having to be in spaces that should be for women. Currently, male survivors are to be included in the strategy for women and girls, due to be published this summer. Can the Minister reassure me, and male survivors in desperate need of support, that the Government will introduce a dedicated strategy for men and boys, and if they will not, why not?
Context
The MP is set to introduce a private Member's Bill aimed at ensuring that male survivors of crimes considered to be violence against women and girls receive dedicated support.
The Minister for Equalities (Seema Malhotra)
I thank the hon. Gentleman for raising this issue. It does affect women and girls more, but I take the points that he raises, and it is important that all people get the support that they need. I look forward to looking closely at his private Member’s Bill.
Session: Violence against Women and Girls
View All Questions -->
What rationale can the Minister provide for excluding branch staff in banks and building societies from the protections given to retail staff, who work next to them? There were over 10,000 instances of abuse in branches last year.
Context
The MP highlights that while the Crime and Policing Bill will make assaulting a shop worker an offence, branch staff in banks and building societies are not included in this classification despite facing similar threats and intimidation as retail staff.
The Minister for Policing and Crime Prevention (Dame Diana Johnson)
A case has been made over several years for why retail workers should be covered by this specific offence. Work was done with the Co-op, the Union of Shop, Distributive and Allied Workers and many others to get the evidence together. If there is evidence from the financial sector and from banks, I want to see it, so I ask the hon. Gentleman to talk to the people with whom he was having conversations about this. I am very open to looking at this, but at the moment, we have drawn up the offence on the basis of the evidence available to us.
Session: Violence against Shop Workers Rural Areas
View All Questions -->
Last month, I visited the Pidley Lorry Group to discuss its campaign to introduce a 7.5 tonne weight limit to prevent HGVs from using the village as a shortcut. Having enforced the use of the self-funded route by Cambridgeshire county council, the cost to the group so has been in excess of £7,000. There are similar examples affecting Upwood and Alconbury, which are also villages impacted by high volumes of HGV through traffic. What are the Government doing to reduce the bureaucracy and expense for our rural communities, so that they can maintain their quality of life and the safety of those who live there?
Context
High volumes of HGV traffic through villages causing significant costs and quality of life issues.
Lilian Greenwood
Local authorities already have the powers that they need to restrict HGVs to certain vehicles or to place weight limits. If the hon. Member wants to write to me with further details of the particular issues to which he refers, I would be happy to look at that.
Session: Topical Questions
View All Questions -->
Across my constituency in recent weeks we have experienced severe delays to post in those areas served by the Huntingdon delivery office. That follows a recent restructuring of the workforce and changes to delivery routes. Rural communities and businesses, in particular, have been impacted, with missed hospital appointments and several businesses telling me that it is affecting their ability to receive and therefore pay invoices. Will the Minister urgently investigate those ongoing and worsening delays in Huntingdon, and write to me with the outcome of his findings?
Context
The hon. Member's constituency has experienced severe postal service delays, particularly affecting rural areas and businesses.
Justin Madders
I had to wait 50 minutes for a question, Mr Speaker, but this is an important one and I share the hon. Member’s concerns. We regularly meet Ofcom to discuss the performance of Royal Mail, and I will certainly write to him about the discussions we have in respect of his constituency.
Session: Topical Questions
View All Questions -->
Rugby union is sadly a sport on its knees in this country, propped up solely by the six nations, with top-flight clubs going to the wall despite a ringfenced premiership cartel. Mismanagement of the game has become endemic. The Rugby Football Union sustained losses of £38 million last year, yet still found the cash to provide a total remuneration package of £1.1 million to Bill Sweeney, who has presided over the current shambles. Although he survived a vote of no confidence at a special general meeting of the RFU at Twickenham last week, forced by the Whole Game Union, the RFU is desperately trying to restore credibility with the grassroots game. What oversight are the Government providing of the management of rugby union in England, the implementation of the forthcoming modernisation programme and the six-point plan for community rugby? What support can they give to beleaguered grassroots clubs that are the lifeblood of the game and create our future internationals?
Context
The MP raises concerns about the mismanagement in rugby union, including losses sustained by the RFU and high remuneration for senior figures despite financial struggles. He mentions players like George Furbank who started his career locally.
The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport (Stephanie Peacock)
The hon. Member raises some important points. We had a debate in Westminster Hall on this issue very recently. Of course we want rugby to sort the issues out for itself, but we appreciate the seriousness of the issues, and the Secretary of State and I meet regularly with its representatives.
Session: Grassroots Sports
View All Questions -->
In response to a written question to me last week, the Minister confirmed that no nationally significant infrastructure projects have been consented to that will use greater than 50% best and most versatile agricultural land. In my constituency, the East Park Energy solar farm is close to 75%, but the overarching national policy statement for energy states at paragraph 5.11.34: “The Secretary of State should ensure that applicants do not site their scheme on the best and most versatile agricultural land without justification.” Can the Minister confirm whether nearly 1,500 acres of best and most versatile land is too much good-quality agricultural land to sacrifice?
Context
There is to be a much reduced testing process for oil at the import terminal at Grangemouth. Brian Leishman is concerned about potential fuel shortages.
Miatta Fahnbulleh
Throughout the seven months that we have been in government, we have been doing everything we can to work with the operators of the Grangemouth refinery. Of course we were disappointed by its closure. We have carried out a number of pieces of work on fuel security. We are not concerned about that at this point, but, across the whole country, we keep constantly it under review.
Session: Topical Questions
View All Questions -->
In response to a written question to me last week, the Minister confirmed that no nationally significant infrastructure projects have been consented to that will use greater than 50% best and most versatile agricultural land. In my constituency, the East Park Energy solar farm is close to 75%, but the overarching national policy statement for energy states at paragraph 5.11.34: “The Secretary of State should ensure that applicants do not site their scheme on the best and most versatile agricultural land without justification.” Can the Minister confirm whether nearly 1,500 acres of best and most versatile land is too much good-quality agricultural land to sacrifice?
Context
Kent county council plans to introduce 10,000 on-street car chargers over the next decade. Mike Martin is concerned about the speed of implementation.
Miatta Fahnbulleh
The hon. Gentleman will know that any nationally significant project goes through a proper planning process, and it would not be right for me to comment on that. None the less, I am sure that the decision makers will be looking closely at the issues that he has raised.
Session: Topical Questions
View All Questions -->
How will the new offence of possessing a knife with violent intent differ from existing legislation relating to possession of an article with a blade or point, or possession of an offensive weapon? How far will the law go when it comes to proving intent?
Context
The question seeks clarification on how the new law will differ from current laws and what considerations will be made when determining intent.
The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Justice (Alex Davies-Jones)
I welcome that question. My understanding is that the hon. Member is a member of the Crime and Policing Bill Committee that will be scrutinising the legislation. Is he not? I will welcome engagement with him, though, and his scrutiny as the legislation progresses through the House.
Session: Knife Crime Victims
View All Questions -->
Other Parliamentary Activity
Debates led and petitions presented.
Local Government Reorganisation: Cambridgeshire
01 September 2026
Responding: Jim McMahon
Main Concerns
['The delay in the decision on the future of local government reorganisation in Cambridgeshire and Peterborough is causing uncertainty and instability. The fear is that the decision will be a stitch-up, with Huntingdonshire being split in two to prop up two Labour MPs in the north of the county. The business case for option D, which would split Huntingdonshire, raises significant concerns about the viability and financial resilience of the proposed unitary authorities. It would leave Huntingdonshire in a perilous state, with risks to service delivery, employment, and economic growth.']
Specific Asks
['The Minister should clarify the timeline for the decision process, provide a definitive date for the decision, and ensure that the decision is not predetermined. The Secretary of State should also articulate why there has been a delay and whether further discussions are needed with Huntingdonshire district council.']
Ajax Programme
14 January 2026
Responding: Al Carns
Main Concerns
['The Ajax programme has been failing for several years with issues such as noise and vibration, delays in delivery, and safety concerns. The National Audit Office report in March 2022 highlighted problems with component specifications, design changes, and sequencing of work leading to programme delays.']
Specific Asks
['I ask the Minister to clarify whether the current issues with Ajax are still an issue today and if the contract incentivising production milestones over quality remains unchanged. Additionally, I seek confirmation on the validation of designs before manufacturing for capability drops 3 and 4.']
Local Government Reform: Huntingdonshire
19 November 2025
Responding: Alison McGovern
Main Concerns
['Reports suggest that councillors may be voting for option C based on advice from ChatGPT, which is a concerning way to decide the future of Huntingdonshire. The author expresses alarm over the lack of clear benefits outlined in option D and the potential disregard for local identities, particularly between communities like Huntingdon and St Ives.']
Specific Asks
['The MP urges councillors to vote against options C and D and support a unitary authority for Huntingdonshire (option E) to prevent the division and weakening of their community.']
Local Government Reform: Cambridgeshire
08 July 2025
Responding: Jim McMahon
Main Concerns
['Cambridgeshire residents have been presented with just three options for local government reorganisation. However, the detailed proposals that were narrowed down from six initial options have not been published, making it difficult to understand how these decisions were made and what evidence was used.']
Specific Asks
['The MP asks the Government to ensure that any decision reflects the wants and needs of local residents and clarifies whether impacted residents across Cambridgeshire will have their say before the final proposals are submitted in November.']
Professional Cycling: Free-to-air Coverage
05 March 2025
Responding: Stephanie Peacock
Main Concerns
["The demise of Eurosport and the move to a subscription-based model for cycling coverage, including the Tour de France, is seen as a significant blow. The closure of GCN+ has led to less accessibility in watching global cycling events, with only 10% of viewers being able to access races through other means. There's also a concern that this will discourage children from taking up cycling and reduce national pride associated with the sport."]
Specific Asks
['The lead MP calls for free-to-air coverage of professional cycling to be maintained or reinstated, highlighting its importance in inspiring future generations and maintaining public interest in the sport.']
Falkland Islands: Sovereignty
08 September 2026
Ministerial Statement
Contributed to this debate
Local Government Reorganisation
07 September 2026
Ministerial Statement
Contributed to this debate
Building Homes and Renewing Communities
03 September 2026
Ministerial Statement
Contributed to this debate
Rewiring the State
02 September 2026
General Debate
Contributed to this debate
The Prime Minister has set out priorities to address 40 years of overly centralised decision making and over-privatisation, which have stripped power and resources away from communities. The Governmen...
Local Government Reorganisation
16 July 2026
Ministerial Statement
Contributed to this debate
Backbench Business
08 July 2026
General Debate
Contributed to this debate
The House recognises the threat posed by Russia and China, as well as the uncertainty regarding US reliability within NATO. It acknowledges the UK's current military shortfalls and calls for a program...
Rochdale Grooming Gang: Offender Deportation
06 July 2026
Ministerial Statement
Contributed to this debate
Defence Investment Plan
30 June 2026
Ministerial Statement
Contributed to this debate
Prisoner Early Release
29 June 2026
Ministerial Statement
Contributed to this debate
G7 Summit
22 June 2026
Ministerial Statement
Contributed to this debate
East Park Energy solar farm
12 May 2025
Residents of Cambridgeshire and Bedfordshire are concerned about the proposed East Park Energy solar farm, a 1,900-acre development classified as a Nationally Significant Infrastructure Project, which...
View Full Petition -->
East Park Energy Solar Farm
06 March 2025
Residents of Cambridgeshire and Bedfordshire are concerned about the proposed East Park Energy solar farm, which they believe will cause significant environmental and agricultural damage due to its si...
View Full Petition -->
Attendance
79.6%
78 of 98 votes
Aye Votes
43
43.9% of votes
No Votes
35
35.7% of votes
Abstentions
20
20.4% of votes
11 Sep 2026
VOTED NO
Closure motion
Ayes: 293
Noes: 218
Passed
11 Sep 2026
VOTED NO
Terminally Ill Adults (End of Life) Bill: Second Reading
Ayes: 270
Noes: 286
Failed
10 Sep 2026
VOTED AYE
Social Housing Bill [Lords]: Reasoned Amendment to Second Reading
Ayes: 77
Noes: 292
Failed
09 Sep 2026
VOTED NO
Draft Plant Health, Seeds, Seed Potatoes and Plant Propagating Material (Ame...
Ayes: 371
Noes: 100
Passed
08 Sep 2026
DID NOT VOTE
Health Bill: Report Stage: New Clause 140
Ayes: 79
Noes: 300
Failed
08 Sep 2026
VOTED AYE
Health Bill: Report Stage: New Clause 142
Ayes: 108
Noes: 357
Failed
08 Sep 2026
VOTED AYE
Health Bill: Report Stage: New Clause 143
Ayes: 106
Noes: 302
Failed
08 Sep 2026
VOTED AYE
Health Bill: Report Stage: Amendment 1
Ayes: 162
Noes: 297
Failed
07 Sep 2026
DID NOT VOTE
Health Bill: Report Stage: New Clause 6
Ayes: 77
Noes: 317
Failed
07 Sep 2026
VOTED AYE
Health Bill: Report Stage: New Clause 145
Ayes: 170
Noes: 316
Failed
04 Sep 2026
DID NOT VOTE
Motion to sit in private
Ayes: 1
Noes: 79
Failed
02 Sep 2026
VOTED AYE
Representation of the People Bill: Report Stage: New Clause 65
Ayes: 166
Noes: 346
Failed
02 Sep 2026
VOTED AYE
Representation of the People Bill: Report Stage: New Clause 67
Ayes: 105
Noes: 410
Failed
02 Sep 2026
VOTED NO
Representation of the People Bill: Report Stage: New Clause 88
Ayes: 85
Noes: 427
Failed
02 Sep 2026
VOTED NO
Representation of the People Bill: Third Reading
Ayes: 411
Noes: 102
Passed
01 Jul 2026
VOTED NO
Employment Tribunal (Extension of Time Limits) (Miscellaneous Amendments and...
Ayes: 322
Noes: 107
Passed
01 Jul 2026
VOTED NO
Employment Tribunals Extension of Jurisdiction (England and Wales) (Amendment...
Ayes: 318
Noes: 107
Passed
01 Jul 2026
DID NOT VOTE
Taxation (Energy and Vehicles) Bill Committee: New Clause 2
Ayes: 80
Noes: 281
Failed
01 Jul 2026
VOTED AYE
Taxation (Energy and Vehicles) Bill Committee: New Clause 4
Ayes: 173
Noes: 282
Failed
01 Jul 2026
VOTED AYE
Taxation (Energy and Vehicles) Bill Committee: New Clause 5
Ayes: 177
Noes: 308
Failed
24 Jun 2026
DID NOT VOTE
Customs (Tariff and Miscellaneous Amendments) (No. 4) Regulations 2026
Ayes: 323
Noes: 160
Passed
24 Jun 2026
VOTED NO
Draft Carbon Budget Order 2026
Ayes: 332
Noes: 94
Passed
24 Jun 2026
VOTED NO
Draft Climate Change Act 2008 (International Aviation and International Shipp...
Ayes: 329
Noes: 94
Passed
24 Jun 2026
VOTED NO
Draft Climate Change Act 2008 (Credit Limit) Order 2026
Ayes: 330
Noes: 93
Passed
23 Jun 2026
VOTED AYE
Opposition day: Defence spending and readiness
Ayes: 108
Noes: 307
Failed
23 Jun 2026
VOTED NO
Opposition Day Motion: Defence spending and readiness - Prime Minister's Amen...
Ayes: 294
Noes: 110
Passed
23 Jun 2026
DID NOT VOTE
Opposition Day: Puberty blockers
Ayes: 112
Noes: 283
Failed
22 Jun 2026
VOTED AYE
Armed Forces Bill Report Stage: New Clause 4
Ayes: 164
Noes: 311
Failed
22 Jun 2026
VOTED AYE
Armed Forces Bill Report Stage: New Clause 11
Ayes: 104
Noes: 391
Failed
22 Jun 2026
DID NOT VOTE
Armed Forces Bill Report Stage: New Clause 22
Ayes: 74
Noes: 323
Failed
22 Jun 2026
VOTED AYE
Armed Forces Bill Report Stage: Amendment 11
Ayes: 171
Noes: 322
Failed
17 Jun 2026
VOTED NO
National Security (State Threats) Bill: Allocation of Time motion
Ayes: 233
Noes: 94
Passed
17 Jun 2026
VOTED AYE
National Security (State Threats) Bill Committee: Amendment 3
Ayes: 85
Noes: 317
Failed
17 Jun 2026
VOTED AYE
National Security (State Threats) Bill Committee: Amendment 8
Ayes: 143
Noes: 249
Failed
17 Jun 2026
VOTED AYE
National Security (State Threats) Bill Committee: Amendment 13
Ayes: 135
Noes: 258
Failed
17 Jun 2026
VOTED AYE
National Security (State Threats) Bill Committee: New Clause 3
Ayes: 144
Noes: 244
Failed
16 Jun 2026
DID NOT VOTE
Cyber Security and Resilience (Network and Information Systems) Bill Remainin...
Ayes: 77
Noes: 255
Failed
16 Jun 2026
VOTED AYE
Cyber Security and Resilience (Network and Information Systems) Bill Remainin...
Ayes: 151
Noes: 258
Failed
16 Jun 2026
VOTED AYE
Cyber Security and Resilience (Network and Information Systems) Bill Remainin...
Ayes: 162
Noes: 246
Failed
16 Jun 2026
VOTED NO
Draft Clean Air Zones Central Services (Fees) (England) (Amendment) Regulatio...
Ayes: 262
Noes: 86
Passed
24 Feb 2026
DID NOT VOTE
Opposition Day: Protections for children from online harms
Ayes: 69
Noes: 279
Failed
23 Feb 2026
VOTED AYE
Industry and Exports (Financial Assistance) Bill Committee: Amendment 1
Ayes: 161
Noes: 272
Failed
23 Feb 2026
VOTED AYE
Industry and Exports (Financial Assistance) Bill Committee: New Clause 2
Ayes: 156
Noes: 273
Failed
23 Feb 2026
DID NOT VOTE
Industry and Exports (Financial Assistance) Bill Committee: New Clause 3
Ayes: 77
Noes: 280
Failed
23 Feb 2026
DID NOT VOTE
Universal Credit (Removal of Two Child Limit) Bill Committee: New Clause 3
Ayes: 73
Noes: 256
Failed
23 Feb 2026
VOTED NO
Universal Credit (Removal of Two Child Limit) Bill: Third Reading
Ayes: 361
Noes: 84
Passed
11 Feb 2026
VOTED NO
Draft Greenhouse Gas Emissions Trading Scheme (Amendment) (Extension to Marit...
Ayes: 362
Noes: 107
Passed
11 Feb 2026
VOTED NO
Local Government Finance Report (England) 2026-27
Ayes: 277
Noes: 143
Passed
11 Feb 2026
VOTED NO
Referendums Relating to Council Tax Increases (Principles) (England) Report 2...
Ayes: 279
Noes: 90
Passed
04 Feb 2026
VOTED NO
Draft Greenhouse Gas Emissions Trading Scheme (Amendment) Order 2026
Ayes: 392
Noes: 116
Passed
2
PMQs Asked
55
Ministerial Questions Asked
170
House of Commons Debates Involved
5
Westminster Hall Debates Led
0
Statements / Bills
2
Petitions Presented
98
Voting Record
Activity Compared to Peers
How does this MP's parliamentary activity compare to the national average across 1370 MPs?
Prime Minister's Questions
-45% below average
This MP:
2
Average:
3.7
Ministerial Questions
+310% above average
This MP:
55
Average:
13.4
Westminster Hall Debates Led
+99% above average
This MP:
5
Average:
2.5
Commons Chamber Debates
+3398% above average
This MP:
170
Average:
4.9
Statements / Bills Proposed
-100% below average
This MP:
0
Average:
9.5
Petitions Presented
-18% below average
This MP:
2
Average:
2.5
Voting Attendance Rate (%)
+15% above average
This MP:
79.6
Average:
69.2
Important Context
- - Ministers answer questions rather than asking them, so have different activity patterns
- - Activity quantity doesn't measure quality or effectiveness of representation
- - Some MPs focus more on constituency work than parliamentary questions
- - Newly elected MPs will have less parliamentary history
About This Page
This page tracks Ben Obese-Jecty's parliamentary activity including questions asked, debates (Commons Chamber + Westminster Hall), statements/bills, and petitions presented.