Defence Industrial Strategy 2025 2026-02-11
2026-02-11
TAGS
Response quality
Questions & Answers
Q1
Partial Answer
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Context
The defence industrial strategy aims to boost the UK's defence capabilities and economy.
What assessment he has made of the potential impact of the defence industrial strategy 2025 on Northern Ireland?
The defence of our country is always the first duty of any Government. Last week I met businesses big and small, the Northern Ireland Chamber of Commerce and Industry and representative bodies, as well as our great universities, to discuss how the defence growth deal for Northern Ireland can pack the biggest punch possible. With £250 million across five deals, including one in Northern Ireland, there is a huge potential here, and I am determined that we will seize it.
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Assessment & feedback
Did not provide a detailed assessment of impact but discussed opportunities and meetings with businesses.
Response accuracy
Q2
Partial Answer
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Context
Apprenticeships in the defence industry offer opportunities for young people.
Will the Minister join me in celebrating apprentices throughout our United Kingdom, and will he explain how we will support the next generation of skilled workers in this vital industry?
I am happy to join my hon. Friend in doing that. Just last week I visited Mallaghan, where four apprentices were being given incredible opportunities as a result of taking up their jobs, and I am sure they would agree with my hon. Friend's assessment.
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Assessment & feedback
Did not provide specific plans to support the next generation of skilled workers but mentioned meeting apprentices.
Response accuracy
Q3
Partial Answer
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Context
The defence industry sector is well-established and can contribute to economic growth.
Does the Minister agree that the defence industrial strategy presents a huge opportunity for businesses in constituencies throughout the country, including Stevenage and most certainly Northern Ireland?
My hon. Friend is right. The strategy is not just about the defence of the realm; there are economic opportunities that come with it. The defence growth deal on which we are working in Northern Ireland will take advantage of that, and will ensure that small businesses in particular can benefit.
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Assessment & feedback
Did not provide specific agreements or commitments for Stevenage but acknowledged the economic opportunities.
Response accuracy
Q4
Partial Answer
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Context
GE Vernova and Rugby college are ramping up their apprenticeship schemes.
Does the Minister agree that the Government must go further to support apprenticeships in the vital defence sector?
My hon. Friend is entirely right. Some of the apprentices whom I met just last week told me that, over four years, they were more than £100,000 better off as a result of taking their apprenticeships. It is good for them, good for businesses and good for the country.
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Assessment & feedback
Did not commit to doing more but highlighted benefits of existing schemes.
Response accuracy
Q5
Partial Answer
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Context
Northern Ireland benefits minimally from defence contracts.
What steps is the Minister taking to ensure that more contracts are awarded to Northern Ireland?
This Government are supporting businesses in Northern Ireland. The work that I am doing with them on the defence growth deal is designed specifically to ensure that this will benefit them and all their supply chains, and I will continue to do that work.
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Assessment & feedback
Did not provide specific steps but highlighted ongoing efforts through the defence growth deal.
Response accuracy
Q6
Partial Answer
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Context
Veterans facing legal challenges post-service.
What assessment has the Minister made of the impact on the military and the defence industry of the Government's decision to allow our veterans who served in Northern Ireland to be dragged vindictively through the courts?
I reject that characterisation. The immunity that was offered by the last Government was false. We do not agree with that in principle, and the veterans we speak to do not want immunity under the law; they want equality before it. It was this Government who gave our armed forces the largest pay rise in over two decades. This Government are backing our armed forces.
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Assessment & feedback
Did not provide an assessment of impact but defended government policy on immunity and legal challenges.
Response accuracy
Q7
Partial Answer
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Context
Northern Ireland firms need more inclusion in UK defence supply chain.
Does the Minister agree that there is a clear need for a stronger role for Northern Ireland firms in the UK defence supply chain?
I absolutely accept that we can do even more to support such companies. The companies I have been meeting in relation to the defence growth deal have said that the opportunity to showcase the talent and expertise that exists in Northern Ireland is really important, and I want to support them in doing that.
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Assessment & feedback
Did not provide a specific commitment but acknowledged potential for more inclusion.
Response accuracy