Defence Growth Deal Economic Impact
2026-06-03
TAGS
Response quality
Questions & Answers
Q1
Partial Answer
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Context
The MP is concerned about the potential economic benefits of the defence sector in Northern Ireland.
What assessment he has made of the potential economic impact of the defence growth deal on Northern Ireland?
There is rightly huge pride in the defence sector in Northern Ireland, where aerospace and defence are worth more than £2 billion a year. The defence growth deal will unlock even more opportunities for businesses, workers and apprentices.
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Assessment & feedback
Specific economic impact assessment not provided
Response accuracy
Q2
Partial Answer
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Context
The MP notes the importance of UK defence manufacturing, mentioning local businesses like Tekever and Leonardo in Southampton and Navy shipbuilding at Harland & Wolff in Northern Ireland.
Does the Minister agree that the Northern Ireland defence sector plays a vital role in defending the UK and protecting our allies?
My hon. Friend is right. Not only are businesses thriving and creating good jobs, but they are protecting us and our allies, including protecting Ukraine from Russian aggression.
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Assessment & feedback
Specific role of Northern Ireland's defence sector not elaborated
Response accuracy
Q3
Partial Answer
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Context
The MP highlights that the Northern Ireland defence sector supports well-paid, highly skilled jobs and at least 900 jobs directly.
Does the Minister agree that this new investment will benefit the wider economy, including in my Ashford constituency?
My hon. Friend is absolutely right. This investment is a win-win-win—we protect ourselves, our allies and our economy, and with that we boost opportunities for people to get good, long-lasting and rewarding jobs.
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Assessment & feedback
Specific economic benefits not detailed
Response accuracy
Q4
Partial Answer
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Context
The MP references a techUK report expressing concern about the lack of a defence industrial strategy affecting employment.
Has the Minister seen the report published this week by techUK focusing particularly on tech? The report expressed concern that the absence of the defence industrial strategy has been the single biggest cause of retardation of its members' business, and is particularly affecting employment. What does that say for growth in Northern Ireland?
I have not read the report from techUK, but I look forward to reading it. I think the right hon. Member might mean the defence investment plan, which we are hoping will be published next month before the NATO summit.
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Assessment & feedback
Specific impact of lack of strategy on employment not addressed
Response accuracy
Q5
Partial Answer
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Context
The MP is concerned that the attitude of Sinn Féin may deter vital defence jobs from coming to Northern Ireland.
Northern Ireland has skills, technology and infrastructure to contribute to the defence industry across the United Kingdom, but the Sinn Féin Economy Minister does not want defence jobs. Will the Minister assure us that the attitude of Sinn Féin will not be a deterrent to those vital jobs coming to Northern Ireland?
We are very proud of the investment we are making in the Northern Ireland economy and in an already booming defence sector. I think people from right across Northern Ireland welcome that investment in good jobs.
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Assessment & feedback
Specific impact of Sinn Féin's attitude not addressed
Response accuracy