National Armaments Director 2025-06-25

Expressed frustration over delays in scrutinising defence equipment spending, highlighting that the last scrutiny was in 2022.

Highlighted concerns about inflationary pressures on defence costs and questioned whether these were properly accounted for by Ministers.

Asks about the Government's stance on the Haythornthwaite review, which was previously carried out under the last Government to improve careers in the armed forces. Emphasises the importance of this review for retaining servicemen and women.

Welcomes the debate on the national armaments director's remit, highlighting its strategic importance. Discusses the need to focus on Scotland’s position in NATO and improving NATO’s deterrence in Northern Europe and the High North. Emphasises the role of Type 31 frigates being built at Rosyth dockyard in his constituency. Requests an update on future air dominance system and Britain’s next-generation Type 83 programme. Highlights the need for a defence growth fund to boost prosperity, jobs, and skills training.

The SNP Scottish Government has failed on devolved matters such as skills and infrastructure spending. The SNP's position on military equipment is considered preposterous, putting Scotland’s security at risk and reducing opportunities for young people in my constituency. I urge the Minister to provide an update on discussions with the Department for Business and Trade regarding the defence growth fund and how it will benefit people in Scotland.

The case for strengthening our armed forces is compelling and essential. The national armaments director's role has grown substantially, becoming the principal architect of our defence industrial strategy. We must accelerate procurement cycles, build in modularity and adaptability, strengthen domestic supply chains, and drive long-term collaboration between government, industry, and academia to ensure operational readiness and sovereign capability. Funding for defence should not come at the expense of international development commitments.

Our armed forces are the best in the world, and they need the necessary kit, arms, and technology to serve our national security. The Government's announcement for a large sustained increase in defence spending is essential, boosting prosperity, jobs, and growth across the UK. Derby plays a significant role in this strategy with Rolls-Royce Submarines building nuclear reactors for the at-sea deterrent, emphasising the importance of submarines in underwriting our security.

There is a need to mobilise British industry as we ramp up for possible conflict. The Scottish Government's stance on military equipment funding and the hostile environment it creates for defence firms are concerning. Scotland already produces critical components such as Royal Navy warships, radars, optronic masts, smart missiles, and helmets vital to fighter bombers.

Hayes emphasised the changing nature of American foreign policy and highlighted the increasing competition between democracies and autocracies. He argued for a significant increase in defence spending, noting that the UK is committed to spending 4.1% of GDP by 2027 and 5% by 2035. Hayes stressed the importance of vigilance against threats and investment in new technologies.

Obese-Jecty briefly interjected, asking to give way, but was not given a chance to speak. No position or statistics were provided in the transcript for this speaker.

Jopp critiqued the strategic defence review process and questioned the readiness of military equipment, citing the example of working tanks. He emphasised the need to reconsider procurement practices and suggested that there should be alternatives beyond nuclear deterrence.

Agreed that the new national armaments director should prioritise giving SMEs a fair share of defence contracts.

Welcomed increased defence spending but criticised the Government for not reversing earlier troop cuts quickly enough. Called for new bonus schemes to recruit more personnel to reach a target of 76,000 troops.

Suggested that with increased defence spending, the Government could accelerate expansion of Army numbers for better deterrence.

Asked about funding proposals from the Liberal Democrats to increase troop numbers.

The threats to our security mean that the Government cannot afford to delay. With President Trump casting doubt on America’s commitment to NATO, the UK must lead in Europe. That means moving much faster to reach the new 5% NATO target than the currently proposed 2035 timeline.

We are currently sitting on £25 billion in frozen Russian assets. Across the G7, that figure rises to $300 billion. I recently visited Estonia, and I cannot emphasise enough how strongly the Estonians urge the UK and His Majesty’s Government to develop plans on how best to support Belgium in unlocking those assets.

Will my hon. Friend join me in urging the Government to award the New Medium Helicopter contract to Leonardo UK in Yeovil, and to reassure us that a “defence dividend” will include supporting jobs, apprenticeships and the resilience of domestic defence firms across the south-west?

Given the threats we face from Russia and the instability in the middle east and elsewhere, it is welcome in principle that NATO states have agreed at this week’s summit to increase spending. Nevertheless, when we consider what the Government’s announcement means for UK defence expenditure, we must be clear that talk of 5% on national security and 3.5% on defence is nothing but a con.

The Government will work closely with the National Audit Office and the Defence Committee to ensure proper transparency. The UK has committed an extra £5 billion this year for defence, aiming to reach 2.5% of GDP in the core defence budget by 2027. The government has a manifesto commitment to get to 3% overall spending in the next Parliament and towards 5% eventually, with clear funding announced. NATO will monitor progress yearly. Defence reform includes shorter acquisition timescales for equipment delivery, direct accountability through the National Armaments Director, and innovation budgets to speed up lethality into warfighters' hands.

Asked about the new medium-lift helicopter contract awarding timeline. The Minister indicated that an announcement will be made in due course but did not specify a timescale.

Asked for clarification on the quantum of money being added to the MOD budget beyond core defence spending, specifically regarding intelligence and Foreign Office items outside Chagos. The Minister stated she would discuss this further but could not give an answer immediately.

Inquired about the timeline for ramping up recruitment efforts in light of tensions between equipment budget and recruitment needs. The Minister acknowledged ongoing efforts but noted that significant changes take time to show results.

I thank the Minister for that positive contribution. Twenty-five years ago, when we sat next to each other in the Public Accounts Committee, passing each other notes and holding the civil service to account, who would have thought that we would be in our respective positions now? I also thank my hon. Friend the Member for South Suffolk (James Cartlidge) for his contribution. In fact, I thank all Members for a very positive debate. We look forward to seeing positive results from all the requests that have been made today, and to working with the Government, while strictly holding them to account for all the promises that they have made.