← Back to House of Commons Debates
Defence Industrial Strategy 2025-09-08
08 September 2025
Lead MP
Luke Pollard
Debate Type
General Debate
Tags
UkraineDefenceEconomyTaxationNorthern Ireland
Other Contributors: 39
At a Glance
Luke Pollard raised concerns about defence industrial strategy 2025-09-08 in the House of Commons. A government minister responded. Other MPs also contributed.
How the Debate Unfolded
MPs spoke in turn to share their views and ask questions. Here's what each person said:
Lead Contributor
Opened the debate
The Minister of State, Ministry of Defence announced the publication of the defence industrial strategy. He emphasised £773 million investment to strengthen UK security and grow its economy, focusing on backing British-based industry, creating jobs, and driving innovation. The strategy includes making it easier for British businesses to do business with the MOD, launching an office of small business growth to support SMEs in accessing MOD contracts, sharing a five-year acquisition pipeline, prioritising defence exports, sustaining sovereign capabilities by introducing an offset policy, supporting over 460,000 jobs and apprenticeships across the UK, investing £250 million in defence growth deals for regions like Plymouth and South Yorkshire, and announcing the biggest ever investment of £182 million in defence skills to promote careers in the sector. The strategy also aims to improve procurement processes, reduce delays, and enhance innovation with a £400 million ringfenced fund.
James Cartlidge
Con
South Suffolk
The shadow Secretary of State for Defence criticised the Government's delay in publishing the strategy despite previous promises. He welcomed measures to boost skills and defence exports but expressed concerns about the lack of ambition to fire up the defence industrial base at the required scale and pace. Cartlidge highlighted that thousands of jobs are at stake due to delayed procurement decisions since the election, emphasising the need for actual capability contracts.
Mike Thornton
Lab
Havant
Expressed concerns about the delay and lack of meaningful increase in defence spending. Cited the reclassification of intelligence budget to inflate MOD expenditure claims from 2.2% to 2.6% of GDP by 2027. Mentioned Labour's plan to boost rapid procurement for drones and counter-drone tech.
Luke Pollard
Lab
St Austell and Newquay
Responded to criticisms, stating that the current government is committed to boosting defence spending and directing it towards British companies. Defended recent procurements and highlighted investments in drones and autonomous systems. Emphasised the cross-party support against Putin's invasion of Ukraine.
Slough
Welcomed the strategy but raised concerns about offsetting practices leading to increased costs and complex contract problems. Asked how the government will ensure benefits for British workers and avoid additional costs.
Epsom and Ewell
Acknowledged the new strategy but questioned its implementation, particularly in terms of supporting UK businesses internationally and securing access to EU Security Action for Europe fund. Requested updates on SME support and timelines for Type 26 fleet expansion.
Glasgow West
Asked about the possibility of integrating BAE Systems' training academy model into defence academies, specifically in Glasgow after discussions with the Scottish Government.
The Minister provided detailed information on the defence industrial strategy, emphasising support for UK-based firms and innovative technologies. He discussed the replacement of AS-90 with Archer and the future use of German Remote Controlled Howitzer 155 systems. The Minister also mentioned investing in FE colleges, schools, and university partnerships to provide necessary skills. Additionally, he highlighted the importance of partnerships with allied nations for technology development.
Andrew Murrison
Con
South West Wiltshire
Asked about the in-service date of the German Remote Controlled Howitzer 155 system and the amount of UK componentry it will contain, along with potential job creation opportunities.
Alex Baker
Lab
Aldershot
Welcomed the defence industrial strategy and highlighted Aldershot's role in innovation and advanced technologies. Asked for an assessment on how regions like Aldershot can further deliver for the Government with additional support.
Stuart Anderson
Con
South Shropshire
Congratulated the Minister and enquired about consideration of fast-moving disruptive technology in the defence industrial strategy.
Chi Onwurah
Lab
Newcastle upon Tyne Central and West
Welcomed support for Ukraine, regional economies, and UK security. Questioned why Newcastle did not receive a growth deal despite high-value advanced manufacturing industries.
Steve Barclay
Con
North East Cambridgeshire
Asked about the timeline of the Dreadnought programme after delays due to fires, challenges with COVID-19 and other programmes.
Callum Anderson
Lab
Buckingham and Bletchley
Welcomed the industrial strategy and asked for details on export opportunities arising from this strategy to strengthen economic and defence relationships with allies.
Torbay
Asked about assurance that Torbay’s high-tech cluster would be considered in developing the strategy to support national defence.
Derby North
Inquired about how smaller suppliers can secure necessary skills through the defence industrial strategy, especially mentioning Rolls-Royce's partnership with Derby University for nuclear reactor training.
Luke Pollard
Con
He thanked the hon. Member for championing his constituency and acknowledged the opportunity at RAF Wyton in terms of military purpose and industrial opportunities.
Luke Charters
Lab
York Outer
He questioned whether the strategy needs to keep innovating due to international developments like the Chinese bond market being open to Russian defence companies, emphasising support for SMEs in accessing capital.
Dave Doogan
SNP
Angus and Perthshire Glens
He criticised Scotland's perceived short-changing in defence expenditure compared to other regions, questioning if Scotland will get its per capita share of the £250 million growth deal.
Baggy Shanker
Lab/Co-op
Derby South
Asked what steps the Minister would take to support SMEs in delivering this industrial strategy, highlighting their potential role in transforming warfighting capabilities and supporting allies.
Harriett Baldwin
Con
West Worcestershire
She asked for the timing of the defence industrial strategy to be linked with the DSEI conference. She also raised a specific issue regarding UK not buying something developed in her constituency.
Anna Gelderd
Lab
South East Cornwall
Welcomed Plymouth being named as one of the sites for defence growth deals and asked how positive impacts would be felt throughout the region, especially local housing and transport improvements.
Honiton and Sidmouth
Asked about continuous orders to keep supply chains active and enquired about the next order for Supacat’s Jackal 3 high mobility transporter.
Richard Baker
Lab
Glenrothes and Mid Fife
Asked if fabrication yards in Scotland, including Methil, would benefit from opportunities offered by this strategy, highlighting its importance for local jobs.
Jim Allister
TUV
North Antrim
Welcomed the indication that Northern Ireland will participate but sought assurances against interference from a devolved Economy Minister in Sinn Féin.
Graeme Downie
Lab
Dunfermline and Dollar
Thanked the Minister for infrastructure investment at Rosyth dockyard. He asked to meet the Minister regarding delivery of skills opportunities in Scotland’s defence sector.
James Heappey
Con
South Dorset
Emphasised the importance of defence jobs in Scotland, highlighting opportunities in Rosyth including submarine recycling work and the build of Type 31 frigates. Called for a partnership between UK Government and Scottish Government to focus on growth.
Julian Lewis
Con
New Forest East
Asked about the necessity of national autonomy in procurement process due to potential all-out war threats from Russia. Inquired if future acquisitions could proceed irrespective of allies' status.
Confirmed intention to build six new munitions factories, including energetics factory due to shortage and concerns about supply resilience. Mentioned onshoring capabilities as part of defence industrial strategy.
Chris McDonald
Lab
Stockton North
Welcomed the Government's recognition of British defence industry with a foundation of domestic orders that enables companies to compete internationally. Asked about support for SMEs through UK Defence Innovation and possibilities for future skills academy in Teesside.
Ian Sollom
LD
St Neots and Mid Cambridgeshire
Asked how the new skills framework will integrate with existing ones, requesting flexibility to develop courses at 'wartime pace' as referenced by strategic defence review.
West Dunbartonshire
Welcomed reforms and investment opportunities from the strategy, seeking a meeting with Minister to explore further defence employment and investment in West Dunbartonshire.
Caroline Johnson
Con
Sleaford and North Hykeham
Questioned whether some unions, organisations and businesses were given preferential access to the strategic defence review's results. Criticised lack of transparency in release of information about strategy.
Llinos Medi
PC
Ynys Môn
Asked for clarification on how new apprenticeship clearing system will operate in Wales, given that skills are devolved. Emphasised the importance of RAF Valley's engineering skills and opportunities for expansion.
John Cooper
Con
Dumfries and Galloway
Welcomed changing procurement face but asked for assurance on bringing forward metrics to measure outputs, not just inputs, as recommended by Business and Trade Committee.
Will Forster
LD
Woking
Asked when negotiations on UK joining €150 billion Security Action for Europe would conclude, seeking certainty for SMEs in the defence sector.
Robin Swann
UUP
South Antrim
Welcomed dedicated procurement hub in Northern Ireland and suggested Aldergrove base as potential location for an uncrewed systems centre. Requested meeting to discuss further.
Al Pinkerton
LD
Surrey Heath
Expressed excitement about emphasis on skills development under the new strategy, proposing Surrey Heath constituency as a site for one of the academies due to existing military presence and history.
Jim Shannon
DUP
Strangford
Welcomed the defence industrial strategy, highlighting its importance in creating jobs including 200 new positions at Thales. Asked Minister to reaffirm role of Northern Ireland in UK's defence industry and sector.
We have today announced a defence growth deal for Northern Ireland, which builds on the incredible skills that we already see in defence companies in Northern Ireland. This Government were very proud to announce the £1.6 billion contract for the lightweight multirole missile, which will be built in Northern Ireland. It will be used to shoot down Russian drones attacking our allies in Ukraine, which is precisely how we can make defence an engine of growth as well as support our security objectives. The workers in Northern Ireland should be very proud of the work they are doing; I certainly am.
Government Response
The Minister outlined a comprehensive defence industrial strategy with £773 million investment aimed at strengthening UK security and growing its economy. He detailed plans to support British businesses, create jobs, enhance procurement efficiency, improve skills development, boost exports, and sustain sovereign capabilities through an offset policy. Defended the government's approach to procurement delays, highlighting increased spending and commitments to SMEs. Announced doubling of funding for drones in the Strategic Defence Review and consultations on offset policy. Provided detailed responses to all MPs including timelines for technology replacements, investment in FE colleges and university partnerships, regional growth deal assessments, considerations of fast-moving technology, support for Newcastle upon Tyne's defence industry, timeline reassurances on Dreadnought programme, export opportunities with allies, assurances for Torbay’s high-tech cluster, and skill development for smaller suppliers. Defended the strategy's innovation and SME support, emphasising a single one-stop shop for SMEs. Addressed specific issues raised by hon. Members such as Supacat’s Jackal 3 orders and Methil fabrication yards opportunities. Confirmed intention to build six new munitions factories, onshoring capabilities, encouraging businesses to take advantage of funding opportunities, committing to more flexible skills frameworks, exploring site options with local councils, confirming ongoing discussions for SAFE negotiation and reiterating support for defence industry in Northern Ireland. We have today announced a defence growth deal for Northern Ireland, which builds on the incredible skills that we already see in defence companies in Northern Ireland. This Government were very proud to announce the £1.6 billion contract for the lightweight multirole missile, which will be built in Northern Ireland. It will be used to shoot down Russian drones attacking our allies in Ukraine, which is precisely how we can make defence an engine of growth as well as support our security objectives.
Shadow Response
James Cartlidge
Shadow Response
The shadow Secretary of State criticised the delay in publishing the strategy and expressed concerns about the pace at which major procurements were being resolved. He welcomed some measures but stressed the need for more ambitious actions to address current security threats.
▸
Assessment & feedback
Summary accuracy
About House of Commons Debates
House of Commons debates take place in the main chamber of the House of Commons. These debates cover a wide range of topics including government policy, legislation, and current affairs. MPs from all parties can participate, question ministers, and hold the government accountable for its decisions.