Defence Sector 2026-04-22
2026-04-22
TAGS
Response quality
Questions & Answers
Q1
Partial Answer
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Context
The UK's defence capabilities are under scr [3D [K scrutiny, with a focus on the role and readiness of the defence sector in W [1D [K Wales.
What assessment has been made of the potential im [2D [K impact of the defence sector in Wales on the UK's defence capabilities?
We are delivering the biggest sustained increase in [2D [K in defence spending since the cold war, investing £270 billion over this Pa [2D [K Parliament. Our £50 million defence growth deal in Wales puts us front and [K centre to lead the way in 21st century autonomous defence technology.
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Assessment & feedback
The assessment of impact on UK's defence capabili [8D [K capabilities was not provided.
Deflection
Response accuracy
Q2
Partial Answer
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Context
The UK's readiness and vulnerability to glo [3D [K global threats, particularly the role of Welsh defence sector in strengthen [10D [K strengthening capabilities.
What steps is she taking to ensure her Department [10D [K Department works with the Ministry of Defence in prioritising British firms [5D [K firms in Wales over foreign suppliers so that we strengthen British capabil [7D [K capabilities and skilled Welsh jobs?
To be quite frank, the hypocrisy is astounding. It [K is—
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Assessment & feedback
The question was not addressed; instead, it was m [1D [K met with a personal attack.
Personal Attack
Response accuracy
Q3
Partial Answer
The Welsh Affairs Committee has a great interest in the future of the defence manufacturing industry in Wales, because the defence sector is such a major driver of Wales’s manufacturing economy and provides many well-paid jobs, including at General Dynamics in Oakdale in my constituency. The sector is also central to maintaining the UK’s national security, so will the Minister indicate how the Government plan to help to grow this vital sector in Wales?
I thank my hon. Friend for the important work that her Committee does. Our Wales defence growth deal will drive innovation and create thousands of high-skilled jobs right across Wales. While the Opposition parties hollowed out and dismantled our armed forced for 14 years, play with Putin or plot to leave NATO, this Government are taking action and investing in defence, ensuring that Wales is leading the way on future defence technology.
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Q4
Partial Answer
Thank you, Mr Speaker. I do not know whether to stand at the Dispatch Box or on it.
For want of a horseshoe nail, the kingdom was lost. The defence of our country today rests on modern nail-makers—the small and medium-sized enterprises supplying small but vital parts for frigates and fighter jets and for our fighting men and women. The endless delay in this Labour Government’s defence investment plan means that companies have no certainty about orders, and good jobs hang in the balance, from Pembrokeshire to Prestatyn. What pressure is the Secretary of State bringing to bear on Cabinet colleagues in the Ministry of Defence and the Treasury to keep Welsh jobs, and indeed this United Kingdom, from being lost?
For want of a horseshoe nail, the kingdom was lost. The defence of our country today rests on modern nail-makers—the small and medium-sized enterprises supplying small but vital parts for frigates and fighter jets and for our fighting men and women. The endless delay in this Labour Government’s defence investment plan means that companies have no certainty about orders, and good jobs hang in the balance, from Pembrokeshire to Prestatyn. What pressure is the Secretary of State bringing to bear on Cabinet colleagues in the Ministry of Defence and the Treasury to keep Welsh jobs, and indeed this United Kingdom, from being lost?
Again, the cheek of the Conservatives! They had 14 years in power, and what did they do? They hollowed out our armed forces and defences and failed to develop any proper plan for our defence industry. This Government are taking action, delivering the biggest sustained increase in spending since the cold war. We are working at pace to finalise our defence investment plan, ensuring that it is robust and supports the development of current and future capabilities. As opposed to the Conservatives in their 14 years in power, we are investing in our defence.
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Assessment & feedback
Response accuracy