Commons Sense

House of Commons · Ministers' Questions

Strategic Defence Review

Monday 18 November 2024 · 4 questions

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

Read the full transcript on Parliament.uk

At a glance

Answered 0 Partly answered 3 Not answered 0

Key points

  • Government defence spending is increasing by nearly 3 billion next year.
  • The strategic defence review will produce final recommendations in the spring.
  • Meetings were held with small and medium-sized companies focusing on the strategic defence review within days of taking office.

Topics (select to filter)

Questions & Answers

Q1 Gregory Stafford Con Farnham and Bordon
Defence
Context

The Secretary of State previously refused to provide a timetable for meeting 2.5% GDP on defence spending.

Question

Given the increasing threats, will the Government commit to reaching 2.5% of GDP on defence by the end of this Parliament?

Answer from John Healey

Defence spending is increasing by nearly £3 billion next year, with a commitment to set a clear path towards 2.5% of GDP in the spring.

Partly answered

Not addressed: specific timetable for reaching 2.5%

How: Commitment To Set A Clear Path

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Q2 Graham Stringer Lab Blackley and Middleton South
Defence
Context

The Typhoon factory at Warton is currently idle, with no production ongoing.

Question

When will the Government take a decision to procure more Typhoons given 25,000 jobs are at risk?

Answer from John Healey

The strategic defence review will produce final recommendations in the spring. The Secretary visited Warton and discusses exports to Turkey and Saudi Arabia.

Not addressed: decision on procuring more Typhoons

How: Discussing Exports

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Q3 Graham Stuart Con Beverley and Holderness
Economy
Context

The Government inherited a £22 billion in-year deficit, with extra defence expenditure announced.

Question

Will the Secretary of State confirm there will be additional funding for in-year pressures?

Answer from John Healey

The Chancellor set out steps to address the £22 billion in-year deficit. On 2.5% GDP, a path will be set in spring as per Chief Secretary's statement.

Partly answered

Not addressed: additional funding for in-year pressures

How: Steps To Address In-Year Deficit, Commitment On 2.5%

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Q4 Alex Baker Lab Aldershot
Defence Business & Trade
Context

Small and medium-sized enterprises in Aldershot contribute to the UK defence sector.

Question

What steps are being taken to ensure SME submissions receive equal consideration compared with prime contractors?

Answer from John Healey

Within days of taking office, meetings were held with small and medium-sized companies focusing on the strategic defence review.

Partly answered

Not addressed: specific steps for equal weighting

How: Focus On Smes In Defence Sector

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