Commons Sense

House of Commons · Ministers' Questions

Defence Skills

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 2 Not answered 0

Key points

  • Ministerial funding includes five defence growth deals worth 250 million and a 182 million skills package.
  • Government plans include allocating 50 million for five DTECS and 80 million in strategic priorities grants.
  • Julie Minns's constituency of Carlisle is under consideration for one of the new munitions factory locations.

Topics (select to filter)

Questions & Answers

Q1 Julie Minns Lab Carlisle
Defence
Context

The MP is concerned about the need for increased defence skills in her constituency and across the country.

Question

What plans does he have to increase defence skills? I am concerned about the need for more skilled workers in this area, especially given the legacy of munitions factories during World War I in my constituency. He will be aware that Carlisle was home to Europe's largest munitions factory during WWI and is now a centre for MOD Longtown.

Answer from Luke Pollard

We are investing in skills with five defence growth deals worth £250 million; a £182 million skills package; £50 million allocated for five DTECS—defence technical excellence colleges—across England, one in Wales and two in Scotland; and £80 million in strategic priorities grants available to universities. I thank my hon. Friend for her lobbying in favour of Carlisle as a location and confirm we are making good progress on our commitment to allocate resources for six energetics and munitions factories.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Did not specify whether Carlisle would be one of the locations or provide specific support for local people taking up jobs there.

How: We Are Making Good Progress

Was this summary accurate? Tell us

How accurate was this summary? (1 = poor, 5 = spot on)

Get updates like this by email
Q2 Julie Minns Lab Carlisle
Defence
Context

The MP notes the legacy of munitions factories in her constituency and its relevance to current defence planning.

Question

When will my constituency of Carlisle be one of the locations for the six new munitions factories, and what support will the Government provide to ensure local people can take up jobs there? My constituency was home to Europe's largest munitions factory during World War I, a legacy that lives on in MOD Longtown.

Answer from Luke Pollard

I thank my hon. Friend for her lobbying in favour of Carlisle as a location. Having visited Longtown, I have seen her constituents' dedication and passion in supporting defence, as well as the opportunities there. We are making good progress on our commitment to allocate resources for six energetics and munitions factories.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Did not confirm if Carlisle would be one of the locations or provide specific job support details.

How: We Are Making Good Progress

Was this summary accurate? Tell us

How accurate was this summary? (1 = poor, 5 = spot on)

Get updates like this by email
Q3 Andrew Snowden Con Fylde
Defence
Context

The MP is concerned about the future of defence jobs in his constituency, particularly regarding the transition to new aircraft.

Question

Why are American F-35s being ordered instead of British Typhoons? I am delighted to hear the Secretary of State talk about British jobs and industry but confused by the order for American F-35s. Given that 100 aircraft are needed to maintain workforce at Warton for Tempest, will we see an order of 25 Typhoons in the future?

Answer from Luke Pollard

We have secured a multibillion-pound deal with Türkiye to build Typhoons in his constituency. There has been a 15% increase in defence spending in the north-west of England since the Labour Government took office. The F-35 and Typhoon contribute many jobs to the north-west, including near his constituency.

Not addressed: Did not address why F-35s were ordered instead of Typhoons or commit to ordering 25 Typhoons in the future.

How: Multibillion-Pound Deal With Türkiye, 15% Increase In Defence Spending

Was this summary accurate? Tell us

How accurate was this summary? (1 = poor, 5 = spot on)

Get updates like this by email