Commons Sense

House of Commons · Ministers' Questions

Defence Jobs: Wales

Monday 16 March 2026 · 3 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

  • The Department has committed to increasing direct spend with small businesses by 50% by 2028 and removing barriers for them to engage with the defence supply chain.
  • The Minister has committed to meeting with the MP and his constituents regarding General Dynamics and the role of supply chain businesses in south Wales valleys.
  • Safety investigations into Exercise Titan Storm have been initiated, and further announcements regarding the Ajax project will be made in due course.

Topics (select to filter)

Questions & Answers

Q1 Gerald Jones Lab Merthyr Tydfil and Aberdare
Defence Wales
Context

A £50 million Welsh defence growth deal was announced to support the next generation of autonomous technology in Wales.

Question

What steps is the Minister taking to increase the number of defence jobs in Wales, given that Wales has a history in defence manufacturing and current businesses like General Dynamics are ready for new roles?

Answer from Luke Pollard

To ensure continued support, the Department has committed to increasing direct spend with small businesses by 50% by 2028 and removing barriers for them to engage with the defence supply chain. Investment is also being made in skills training.

Partly answered

Not addressed: The assurance requested about supply chain businesses was not directly addressed.

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Q2 Gerald Jones Lab Merthyr Tydfil and Aberdare
Defence Wales
Context

Skilled workers and businesses in Merthyr Tydfil are ready to continue their role in enhancing the nation's defences.

Question

The MP welcomes the benefits of two Labour Governments working together for Wales. He mentions General Dynamics and asks for an assurance that supply chain businesses across south Wales valleys will play a key role, ensuring investment in defence gives a necessary boost to confidence in areas like his constituency.

Answer from Luke Pollard

The Department has committed to increasing direct spend with small businesses by 50% by 2028, removing barriers for them to engage and investing in skills training. The Minister looks forward to meeting the MP and his constituents regarding General Dynamics.

Partly answered

Not addressed: The assurance requested about supply chain businesses was not directly addressed.

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Q3 James MacCleary Lib Dem Lewes
Defence Employment
Context

Around 400 workers in Merthyr Tydfil are connected to the Ajax factory, and there have been hospitalisations of workers and risks to troops.

Question

The MP raises concerns about the future of the Ajax project affecting jobs in Merthyr Tydfil. He asks for a final decision on the programme and what can be said to workers waiting for clarity about their futures.

Answer from Luke Pollard

Safety investigations into Exercise Titan Storm have been initiated. The reports are being analysed, and further announcements will be made in due course. A dialogue is ongoing with General Dynamics and local MPs.

Partly answered

Not addressed: A final decision date was not provided as requested.

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