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Defence Industries: North-East
13 May 2025
Lead MP
Luke Myer
Middlesbrough South and East Cleveland
Lab
Responding Minister
Maria Eagle
Tags
DefenceTaxationEmployment
Word Count: 4529
Other Contributors: 6
At a Glance
Luke Myer raised concerns about defence industries: north-east in Westminster Hall. A government minister responded.
Key Requests to Government:
The lead MP asks for increased national spending on defence to be rolled out with some of that imbalance addressed and the north-east restored to its historical role as one of the flagship regions for defence manufacturing in the UK.
How the Debate Unfolded
MPs spoke in turn to share their views and ask questions. Here's what each person said:
Lead Contributor
The north-east has a strong history of supporting national defence, but it currently has fewer defence jobs directly supported by Ministry of Defence spending compared to other regions. There are only 1,600 direct MOD jobs in the region, amounting to £380 million in spending. The imbalance represents a missed opportunity given the region’s defence heritage and passionate workforce.
Alan Strickland
Lab
Newton Aycliffe and Spennymoor
He commended my hon. Friend's debate and noted that more work going to SMEs would benefit national security by fostering innovation and readiness for future warfare.
Chris McDonald
Lab
Stockton North
My hon. Friend highlighted the challenges SMEs face in securing procurement contracts. He thanked the Minister for visiting Teesside to meet small businesses and suggested engaging more with those further down the supply chain.
Jim Shannon
DUP
Strangford
The hon. Gentleman agrees on the need for apprenticeships in defence contracts across the United Kingdom to build future skills and ensure that we have the necessary abilities.
Lola McEvoy
Lab
Darlington
We have fantastic SMEs in Darlington that often lack the resources to compete for large contracts. My hon. Friend agreed on the need for clarity from the Minister regarding work with the Cabinet Office to strengthen public procurement.
Luke Akehurst
Lab
North Durham
Emphasised the imbalance of MOD spending with only £380 million allocated to the north-east, compared to £7 billion in regions like the north-west. He believes this represents a missed opportunity for regional uplift and inequality reduction.
Jonathan Brash
Lab
Hartlepool
Agreed that the increased cash injection into defence could transform areas such as his, highlighting the need to support SMEs in accessing funds and creating a proper skills pipeline through collaboration with education providers.
Government Response
Maria Eagle
The Minister for Defence Procurement and Industry
Government Response
Acknowledges the contributions of MPs from the north-east in promoting defence industry growth. Emphasises the Government's commitment to national security, increasing defence spending to 2.5% of GDP by April 2027, and reforming procurement practices to accelerate contract times and support small firms. Highlights initiatives like the SME hub and UK Defence Innovation with a £400 million budget for innovative technologies.
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Assessment & feedback
Summary accuracy
About Westminster Hall Debates
Westminster Hall debates are a chance for MPs to raise important issues affecting their constituents and get a response from a government minister. Unlike Prime Minister's Questions, these debates are more in-depth and collaborative. The MP who secured the debate speaks first, other MPs can contribute, and a minister responds with the government's position.