Oral Answers to Questions

Debate between Allison Gardner and Darren Jones

Tuesday 8th April 2025 Commons Chamber

[Dr Allison Gardner (Stoke-on-Trent South) (Lab)]

T8. Will the Minister join me in congratulating Goodwin International, which is building a multimillion-pound production unit in Newstead in Stoke-on-Trent South, creating up to 100 jobs in defence manufacturing? Does he agree that increased investment in defence spending will have a tangible impact on my constituents, fuelling jobs and local investment?

[Darren Jones]

Yes, and I congratulate my hon. Friend on championing jobs and businesses in her constituency. As she knows, the Prime Minister and the Chancellor have confirmed that defence spending will increase to 2.5% of GDP by 2027 and that a minimum of 10% of the Ministry of Defence equipment budget will now be spent on novel technologies such as drones and artificial intelligence, which will create highly skilled jobs and drive benefits to the wider economy, including in her constituency of Stoke-on-Trent South.

Oral Answers to Questions

Debate between Allison Gardner and Darren Jones

Tuesday 4th March 2025 Commons Chamber

[Dr Allison Gardner (Stoke-on-Trent South) (Lab)]

Does the Minister agree that investment in the fifty500 midlands growth corridor will provide an excellent opportunity to deliver this Labour Government’s mission for growth and opportunity for all?

[Darren Jones]

I join my hon. Friend in celebrating investment in her region. Our growth mission is one in which each part of the country will benefit, and we look forward to working further with her.