Oral Answers to Questions

Debate between Anna McMorrin and Andrew Rosindell

Wednesday 22nd April 2026 Commons Chamber

[Andrew Rosindell (Romford) (Reform)]

2. What assessment she has made of the potential impact of the defence sector in Wales on the UK’s defence capabilities.

[The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Wales (Anna McMorrin)]

We are delivering the biggest sustained increase in defence spending since the cold war, investing £270 billion over this Parliament. Our £50 million defence growth deal in Wales puts us front and centre to lead the way in 21st century autonomous defence technology. Alongside supporting our thriving defence sector, that will deliver thousands of skilled, well-paid jobs and help keep our country safe.

[Andrew Rosindell]

The Minister will be aware of the excellent potential of the defence sector in Wales. However, she will also be aware that the United Kingdom, under this Government, is woefully unprepared and uniquely vulnerable to global and geopolitical threats. What steps is she taking to ensure that her Department works with the Ministry of Defence in prioritising British firms in Wales over foreign suppliers so that we strengthen British capabilities and skilled Welsh jobs, rather than offshoring our security and our jobs to strategic competitors or, even worse, to our enemies?

[Anna McMorrin]

To be quite frank, the hypocrisy is astounding. It is—