Commons Sense

House of Commons · Ministers' Questions

Defence Growth Deal: Economic Impact

Wednesday 3 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 0 Partly answered 5 Not answered 0

Key points

  • The defence sector in Northern Ireland is valued at more than 2 billion a year.
  • The defence growth deal is expected to create new opportunities for businesses, workers, and apprentices in Northern Ireland.
  • The Minister stated that the defence sector in Northern Ireland plays a crucial role in defending the UK and its allies.

Topics (select to filter)

Questions & Answers

Q1 Sojan Joseph Lab Ashford
Defence Economy Northern Ireland
Context

The MP is concerned about the potential economic benefits of the defence sector in Northern Ireland.

Question

What assessment he has made of the potential economic impact of the defence growth deal on Northern Ireland?

Answer from Matthew Patrick

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.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Specific economic impact assessment not provided

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Q2 Darren Paffey Lab Southampton Itchen
Ukraine Defence Northern Ireland
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.

Question

Does the Minister agree that the Northern Ireland defence sector plays a vital role in defending the UK and protecting our allies?

Answer from Matthew Patrick

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.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Specific role of Northern Ireland's defence sector not elaborated

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Q3 Sojan Joseph Lab Ashford
Defence Economy Northern Ireland
Context

The MP highlights that the Northern Ireland defence sector supports well-paid, highly skilled jobs and at least 900 jobs directly.

Question

Does the Minister agree that this new investment will benefit the wider economy, including in my Ashford constituency?

Answer from Matthew Patrick

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.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Specific economic benefits not detailed

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Q4 Andrew Murrison Con South West Wiltshire
Defence Economy Employment Northern Ireland
Context

The MP references a techUK report expressing concern about the lack of a defence industrial strategy affecting employment.

Question

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?

Answer from Matthew Patrick

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.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Specific impact of lack of strategy on employment not addressed

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Q5 Sammy Wilson DUP East Antrim
Defence Northern Ireland
Context

The MP is concerned that the attitude of Sinn Féin may deter vital defence jobs from coming to Northern Ireland.

Question

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?

Answer from Matthew Patrick

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.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Specific impact of Sinn Féin's attitude not addressed

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