🛡️ Defence Industries: West Midlands

Westminster Hall

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The UK Parliament discussed the vital role of the defence industry in the West Midlands, highlighting its contribution to national security, economic growth, and innovation in sectors like AI and advanced manufacturing. MPs stressed the need for increased investment in defence, particularly in skills development and support for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), to enhance national resilience and competitiveness. The debate underscored the importance of a long-term funding strategy to sustain major projects and foster innovation, urging the government to prioritize British businesses in procurement processes. The session concluded with a call for a collaborative, nationwide approach to defence, integrating various regions and sectors to bolster the UK’s defence capabilities.

Summary

  • Focus on Defence in the West Midlands: The debate highlighted the significance of the defence industry in the West Midlands, emphasizing its role in national security, economic growth, and innovation. The region is crucial, being the third largest defence hub in the UK.

  • Investment and Strategy: The Government’s recent commitment to increasing defence spending to 2.5% of GDP by 2027 and aiming for 3% in the next Parliament was welcomed. This increase is part of a broader industrial strategy focusing on defence, intended to bolster national security amidst global uncertainties.

  • Role of Major Companies and SMEs: Large companies like Rolls-Royce, BAE Systems, and Babcock, alongside numerous small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), are pivotal to the region’s defence sector. SMEs provide essential jobs and innovation but face challenges in accessing Government contracts and funding.

  • Supply Chain Resilience: The debate stressed the importance of building resilient supply chains by prioritizing UK businesses, particularly SMEs, in procurement processes to enhance national security and economic benefits.

  • Skills Development: There was a strong emphasis on the need for developing skills through apprenticeships, further education, and clear career pathways into the defence sector. Collaboration between education centers and the defence industry was highlighted as crucial for addressing skills gaps and fostering innovation.

  • Innovation and Technology: The discussion covered the need for investment in advanced technologies like AI and cyber capabilities, urging a shift from short-term funding cycles to multi-year budgets to support long-term projects and maintain the UK’s leading position in global defence.

  • Export-Led Growth: Exporting defence technology and products was identified as a way to stabilize build programmes and foster diplomatic relations, contributing to economic growth and national security.

  • Defence Alliances and Trade Diplomacy: The importance of international defence alliances, such as the global combat air programme with Italy and Japan, was recognized as vital for enhancing defence capabilities and trade relations.

  • Support for Local Businesses: Various MPs praised the contributions of local businesses in their constituencies, like Somers Forge and JCB, underscoring their significance in the wider defence supply chain and the need to support them in accessing defence contracts.

  • Government Actions and Future Steps: The Minister acknowledged the need for better defence procurement, more direct spending with SMEs, and the development of the new defence industrial strategy. Efforts are underway to reform defence procurement, support SMEs, and promote the economic and security benefits of the defence sector nationwide.

This summary encapsulates the key points from the parliamentary session, focusing on how defence industries in the West Midlands contribute to the UK’s security and economy, and the Government’s strategies and commitments to enhance the sector’s resilience and growth.

Divisiveness

The parliamentary session on defence industries in the West Midlands displayed minimal disagreement among the participants. The debate was characterized by a high level of agreement and supportive interventions from all Members of Parliament who spoke. The primary focus was on the importance of defence industries, the need for increased investment, and the support for SMEs and skills development. No significant oppositional viewpoints were raised, and the dialogue remained constructive throughout.

Examples supporting the lack of disagreement include:

  • Sarah Edwards (Tamworth, Lab) introduced the debate and emphasized the need for a strong defence strategy, investment in SMEs, and skills development. Other MPs consistently supported these points without any opposition.
  • Alex Ballinger (Halesowen, Lab) asked a question about supporting SMEs through the industrial strategy, to which Sarah Edwards agreed wholeheartedly.
  • Jim Shannon (Strangford, DUP) praised Sarah Edwards and agreed with her comments on increased defence spending and the need for all UK regions to benefit from defence investments.
  • Rachel Taylor (North Warwickshire and Bedworth, Lab) celebrated the local contribution to defence and security, which was fully endorsed by Sarah Edwards.
  • John Slinger (Rugby, Lab) and Jacob Collier (Burton and Uttoxeter, Lab) both contributed positively, focusing on specific local companies and their roles in defence, with Sarah Edwards expressing full agreement.
  • Josh Newbury (Cannock Chase, Lab) highlighted the role of local businesses in defence, which was again supported by Sarah Edwards.
  • Luke Pollard (Minister for the Armed Forces) provided a minister’s perspective, aligning with the sentiments expressed throughout the debate and committing to increased support for SMEs and skills development.

Given this consistent level of agreement and the absence of any notable dissent, the session earns a low rating of 1 for disagreement displayed.