Commons Sense

House of Commons · Ministers' Questions

Defence Jobs

Monday 28 March 2022 · 9 questions

Summarised by AI from the official record, so it can contain mistakes.

Read the full transcript on Parliament.uk

At a glance

Answered 2 Partly answered 7 Not answered 0

Key points

  • MOD investment supports over 200,000 jobs across the UK.
  • High-value defence jobs perform critical roles for the armed forces.
  • The Minister supports focusing on securing UK defence supply chains.

Topics (select to filter)

Questions & Answers

Q1 Miriam Cates
Defence Economy Employment
Context

The MP is concerned about the impact of MOD investment on employment across the UK.

Question

I am concerned about the steps my Department can take to support defence jobs across the UK. What specific actions are being taken?

Answer from Jeremy Quin

Recent estimates show MOD investment supporting over 200,000 jobs across the UK. Continued investment in defence and changes as part of the defence and security industrial strategy will contribute to further economic growth and prosperity, including jobs, across the Union.

Partly answered

Not addressed: The answer does not specify any specific steps being taken beyond general statements about job creation through MOD investment and the defence strategy.

How: General Statements

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Q2 Virginia Crosbie
Defence Employment
Context

BAE Systems at RAF Valley in the MP's constituency is hoping to hear about a long-term contract providing security for hundreds of workers.

Question

I want to know if my hon. Friend agrees that this forthcoming contract, which would provide security for hundreds of workers, is great news for Anglesey and our UK security during challenging times?

Answer from Jeremy Quin

I cannot comment on specific contracts, but I can confirm that those are indeed high-value jobs performing an important role for our armed forces. My hon. Friend has been assiduous in pushing the case for defence jobs in her constituency, and I hope to be making an announcement shortly.

Partly answered

Not addressed: The answer avoids commenting on the specific contract but acknowledges its importance.

How: Cannot Comment On Contracts

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Q3 Jacob Young
Defence
Context

The MP is concerned about the need to focus on defence supply chains due to the situation in Ukraine, particularly in areas like Redcar and Cleveland.

Question

Does the Minister agree that we need to be very focused on our defence supply chains, buying British where possible, especially supporting the economies of areas such as Redcar and Cleveland?

Answer from Jeremy Quin

My hon. Friend is absolutely right. We were already focused on securing our critical defence supply chains, but DSIS has provided renewed impetus. Specifically on steel, as he mentions his home patch, it is for the prime contractors to place orders but they are all flagged well in advance with UK industry.

Answered
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Q4 David Duguid Con
Defence
Context

The MP invites the Minister to see Score, a major supplier of valves for naval vessels in his constituency.

Question

May I invite him to see for himself the fantastic facilities, technology and expertise at Score, which is the single largest employer in my constituency of Banff and Buchan?

Answer from Jeremy Quin

Our increase in naval procurement benefits jobs throughout the UK. I am delighted to hear of the Score Group's apprenticeship scheme to build talent for the future and I am keen to visit.

Answered
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Q5 Miriam Cates
Defence
Context

The MP is interested in the opportunities for greater collaboration between Sheffield Forgemasters and other steel producers, such as Stocksbridge's Speciality Steel.

Question

Given MOD's stake in Sheffield Forgemasters, what consideration has he given to integrating and collaborating with other steel producers like Stocksbridge's Speciality Steel in my constituency?

Answer from Jeremy Quin

I am aware of the company in my hon. Friend's constituency. We took an unusual decision to acquire Sheffield Forgemasters to secure its unique capability. Ultimately, it is for companies to manage commercial decisions for their future.

Partly answered

Not addressed: The answer does not provide specific details on integration efforts beyond mentioning the MOD's acquisition of Sheffield Forgemasters.

How: Unusual Decision

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Q6 Mohammad Yasin Lab Bedford
Energy Parliamentary Procedure
Context

The Aircraft Research Association in Bedford is at risk of closure due to increased electricity costs and needs a Government exemption scheme.

Question

Will the Minister urgently meet me and the ARA to discuss how we can protect our national security, given Ofgem's statement that only the Government can introduce an exemption scheme?

Answer from Jeremy Quin

I am willing to meet the hon. Gentleman if that is helpful. I warn him that we are aware of the situation and of the capabilities that we need.

Partly answered

Not addressed: The answer does not commit to a meeting but expresses willingness.

How: Willingness

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Q7 Matt Western Lab Warwick and Leamington
Ukraine Defence
Context

The MP is interested in the message that the performance of Bayraktar TB2 in Ukraine sends to UK strategy and procurement.

Question

What sort of message does the performance of the Bayraktar TB2 in Ukraine send to UK strategy and procurement?

Answer from Jeremy Quin

Happily, we were ahead of the game. It is part of the discussion that we had as part of the integrated review. There are active processes in place to test UAVs—unmanned aerial vehicles—and counter-UAV technologies.

Partly answered

Not addressed: The answer does not specify a clear message but refers to ongoing discussions and testing.

How: Discussions

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Q8 Barry Sheerman Lab
Defence
Context

The MP is concerned about the future of manufacturers that supply the defence sector, like David Brown Santasalo and Reliance Precision.

Question

What does the Minister think Mr Putin will be thinking if he sees our plans to reduce armed forces to 72,000 and no extra funding in last week's mini-budget?

Answer from Jeremy Quin

I do not know whether Mr Putin is watching us today; I would like to say some robust things if he is. Last time I visited David Brown Santasalo, it was hard at work on components for the Type 26.

Partly answered

Not addressed: The answer does not provide a specific response about Putin's view but talks about a visit to David Brown Santasalo.

How: Not Commenting On Putin

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Q9 Chris Evans Labour (Co-op) Caerphilly
Defence Employment Business & Trade
Context

The UK shipbuilding sector employs 42,600 people and the questioner criticises the government's failure to protect this vital industry by not implementing a 'British by default' policy for naval ships.

Question

UK shipbuilding accounts for 42,600 jobs. Can you give me one good reason why we cannot guarantee that all future naval ships procured by this Government will be built in Britain using British steel?

Answer from Jeremy Quin

Yes, I can give the hon. Gentleman many more than one good reason for why we have the strategy that we do. Let us look at Type 31, which is a fantastic British export success to Poland and Indonesia; it was built with the support of an international consortium and we got the best in the world. It is now based firmly in the UK with a lot of it in the UK supply chain, giving the best opportunity for UK jobs and for UK shipbuilders to thrive internationally and competitively.

Partly answered

Not addressed: The specific ask about mandating British steel and labour was not addressed; instead, the Minister highlighted an export success story without addressing why a 'British by default' policy is not in place.

How: Changed Subject

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