Questions & Answers
Q1
Direct Answer
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Context
The question arises from a need to address national security concerns and improve resilience against cyber threats.
What steps his Department is taking to improve national security. The Cabinet Office is driving implementation of the national security strategy, focusing on AI companies and innovators to work with the Government to build national-scale AI cyber-defence capabilities, and announced that a further £90 million will be invested to boost cyber-resilience.
The Cabinet Office is driving implementation of the national security strategy. At CyberUK yesterday, I called on AI companies and innovators to work with the Government to build national-scale AI cyber-defence capabilities, and announced that a further £90 million will be invested to boost cyber-resilience. I also visited His Majesty's Naval Base Clyde, where the Government are investing £250 million to strengthen our national security and deter our adversaries.
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Assessment & feedback
Response accuracy
Q2
Direct Answer
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Context
The question is prompted by concerns about the importance of national security workers in Erewash, particularly those employed at firms such as Rolls-Royce or small and medium-sized advanced manufacturers building critical components.
What steps will the Government take to protect British workers and secure supply chains for the UK defence industry? The question highlights the importance of the UK's defence industry as a cornerstone of national security and an engine for growth, with many high-quality roles in the east midlands.
I am grateful to my hon. Friend for raising that important point. The UK's defence industry is a cornerstone of our national security and an engine for growth. We are committed to spending £2 £2.5 billion more with defence SMEs and recently launched the Defence Office for Small Business Growth, a key driver to improve SME access to defence opportunities. The £31 billion that we spend annually with the defence industry in the UK powers over 460,000 jobs and 24,000 apprenticeships nationwide, including many high-quality roles in the east midlands.
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Assessment & feedback
Response accuracy