Commons Sense

House of Commons · Ministers' Questions

Defence Procurement

Monday 1 June 2026 · 5 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 2 Not answered 0

Key points

  • Ministerial questions focused on defence procurement and its impact on UK companies.
  • Government committed to increasing funding for drone capabilities and autonomy.
  • Responses included plans for an upcoming defence investment plan with more details.

Topics (select to filter)

Questions & Answers

Q1 Edward Morello Lib Dem West Dorset
Defence
Context

The defence sector in the South-West provides over 40,000 jobs and contributes more than £3 billion to the economy. Local firms face frustration due to delays in the Defence Investment Plan and a slow procurement process.

Question

What steps are being taken to expedite defence procurement? In West Dorset, defence sector companies provide skilled employment and apprenticeships but face repeated delays in the defence investment plan and a slow procurement process. Companies fear relocating to Europe or the US by next year. How will releasing the DIP benefit businesses, especially SMEs?

Answer from Luke Pollard

We have signed 1,200 major defence deals since the general election, and analysis shows they deliver benefit for 8,000 SMEs and micro-SMEs. We will continue to increase direct spend with small businesses by speeding up procurement. The previous system was broken, but we are improving it.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Did not address how the release of DIP specifically benefits South-West defence firms or SMEs

How: We Will Continue To Increase Direct Spend With Small Businesses, Speeding Up Procurement

Was this summary accurate? Tell us

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

Get updates like this by email
Q2 Edward Morello Lib Dem West Dorset
Defence
Context

AUKUS announced new technologies for unmanned drone vehicles. Companies such as Skycutter are developing sovereign capabilities.

Question

Beyond AUKUS, will the Minister look at drone capability and investment plans into companies like Skycutter to ensure they stay here?

Answer from Luke Pollard

The Government are committed to increasing funding for autonomy and drones. We have invested more capabilities and will continue exporting these to allies. The defence investment plan, coming soon, should see more of this.

Answered

Not addressed: null

Was this summary accurate? Tell us

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

Get updates like this by email
Q3 Matt Western Lab Warwick and Leamington
Defence Business & Trade
Context

FalconWorks at Warton is part of the BAE Systems family, leading in unmanned aircraft technology.

Question

Will the Minister commit to continuing work with companies such as FalconWorks that support many jobs in Fylde?

Answer from Luke Pollard

I commend FalconWorks and BAE Systems. The Government have established UK Defence Innovation, with a £400 million annual budget to support innovation in equipment procurement.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Did not commit explicitly to ongoing work with FalconWorks

How: Join The Hon Gentleman In Commending, Set Out That 10% Of Our Equipment Budget

Was this summary accurate? Tell us

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

Get updates like this by email
Q4 Andrew Snowden Con Fylde
Ukraine Defence
Context

The MOD needs to understand the scale of drone production required now and in the future.

Question

Are we understanding the scale and numbers of drones and counter-drones needed, and on a mass scale?

Answer from Luke Pollard

Yes, one pillar of the strategic defence review is learning from Ukraine. We continue investment in high-end drone capabilities, mass effect delivery, and supply chain shortages like motors, magnets, cameras.

Answered

Not addressed: null

Was this summary accurate? Tell us

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

Get updates like this by email
Q5 Derek Twigg Lab Widnes and Halewood
Economy Business & Trade
Context

Delays in the DIP are causing uncertainty for defence SMEs. These companies stand ready to grow, but delays risk losing opportunities overseas.

Question

Has an economic assessment been conducted on the impact of delayed DIP publication? Will commit to publishing one?

Answer from Luke Pollard

We have signed 1,200 contracts since the election. Companies produce jobs and apprenticeships; we spend more with British firms and will continue.

Not addressed: Did not commit to conducting or publishing an economic assessment

How: Not Addressing Delays In Dip, Changing Topic To Contract Signings

Was this summary accurate? Tell us

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

Get updates like this by email