Defence Skills 2026-03-16
2026-03-16
TAGS
Response quality
Questions & Answers
Q1
Partial Answer
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Context
The MP is concerned about the need for increased defence skills in her constituency and across the country.
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.
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.
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Assessment & feedback
Did not specify whether Carlisle would be one of the locations or provide specific support for local people taking up jobs there.
We Are Making Good Progress
Response accuracy
Q2
Partial Answer
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Context
The MP notes the legacy of munitions factories in her constituency and its relevance to current defence planning.
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.
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.
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Assessment & feedback
Did not confirm if Carlisle would be one of the locations or provide specific job support details.
We Are Making Good Progress
Response accuracy
Q3
Partial Answer
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Context
The MP is concerned about the future of defence jobs in his constituency, particularly regarding the transition to new aircraft.
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?
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.
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Assessment & feedback
Did not address why F-35s were ordered instead of Typhoons or commit to ordering 25 Typhoons in the future.
Multibillion-Pound Deal With Türkiye
15% Increase In Defence Spending
Response accuracy