To match an exact phrase, use quotation marks around the search term. eg. "Parliamentary Estate". Use "OR" or "AND" as link words to form more complex queries.

Keep yourself up-to-date with the latest developments by exploring our subscription options to receive notifications direct to your inbox

Written Question
Ajax Vehicles: Health and Safety
Monday 2nd February 2026

Asked by: Mark Francois (Conservative - Rayleigh and Wickford)

Question to the Ministry of Defence:

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, pursuant to his recent WMS on Ajax of 22 January 2026, whether the current or former National Armament Director advised him that Ajax was safe to enter operational service.

Answered by Luke Pollard - Minister of State (Ministry of Defence)

I refer the right hon. Member to the answer I gave him on 17 December 2025 to Question 98361 which remains extant.

Speech in Commons Chamber - Wed 28 Jan 2026
British Indian Ocean Territory

"On that point, will the Minister give way?..."
Mark Francois - View Speech

View all Mark Francois (Con - Rayleigh and Wickford) contributions to the debate on: British Indian Ocean Territory
Speech in Commons Chamber - Wed 28 Jan 2026
British Indian Ocean Territory

"My hon. Friend is making a powerful speech. Will he confirm to the House that very shortly after the deal was announced, the Argentine Government announced that they wished to renew their claim to the Falkland Islands? That is a fact, is it not?..."
Mark Francois - View Speech

View all Mark Francois (Con - Rayleigh and Wickford) contributions to the debate on: British Indian Ocean Territory
Speech in Commons Chamber - Wed 28 Jan 2026
British Indian Ocean Territory

"He is an hon. and gallant Member...."
Mark Francois - View Speech

View all Mark Francois (Con - Rayleigh and Wickford) contributions to the debate on: British Indian Ocean Territory
Speech in Commons Chamber - Wed 28 Jan 2026
British Indian Ocean Territory

"It’s a flesh wound!..."
Mark Francois - View Speech

View all Mark Francois (Con - Rayleigh and Wickford) contributions to the debate on: British Indian Ocean Territory
Speech in Commons Chamber - Wed 28 Jan 2026
British Indian Ocean Territory

"My right hon. Friend is making an excellent speech, and if he was not already sanctioned by the Chinese, he would be by the end of it. Does he recall that Disraeli said in opposition, “We may not win the vote tonight, but we can win the argument?” Does my …..."
Mark Francois - View Speech

View all Mark Francois (Con - Rayleigh and Wickford) contributions to the debate on: British Indian Ocean Territory
Speech in Commons Chamber - Wed 28 Jan 2026
British Indian Ocean Territory

"Will the hon. Member give way?..."
Mark Francois - View Speech

View all Mark Francois (Con - Rayleigh and Wickford) contributions to the debate on: British Indian Ocean Territory
Speech in Commons Chamber - Wed 28 Jan 2026
British Indian Ocean Territory

"Both the hon. Gentleman and I have visited the Falkland Islands, although on different occasions. There is a strategic runway and base there at RAF Mount Pleasant. Would he agree that what the Government are doing is analogous to paying Argentina £35 billion to rent back that base and the …..."
Mark Francois - View Speech

View all Mark Francois (Con - Rayleigh and Wickford) contributions to the debate on: British Indian Ocean Territory
Speech in Commons Chamber - Wed 28 Jan 2026
British Indian Ocean Territory

"Will the Minister give way on that point?..."
Mark Francois - View Speech

View all Mark Francois (Con - Rayleigh and Wickford) contributions to the debate on: British Indian Ocean Territory
Speech in Commons Chamber - Wed 28 Jan 2026
British Indian Ocean Territory

"Frit...."
Mark Francois - View Speech

View all Mark Francois (Con - Rayleigh and Wickford) contributions to the debate on: British Indian Ocean Territory