Oral Answers to Questions

Desmond Swayne Excerpts

Monday 3rd February 2020 Commons Chamber

[James Heappey]

I am grateful for my hon. Friend’s offer of assistance. I assure him that all three potential basing options are still being considered. I would welcome the opportunity to meet him and other interested colleagues in the very near future.

[Sir Desmond Swayne (New Forest West) (Con)]

18. What steps he is taking to maintain strategic defence manufacturing capability in the UK.

[The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Defence (James Heappey)]

Our approach to procurement recognises the need to assure the UK’s operational advantage and freedom of action in relation to certain capabilities.

[Sir Desmond Swayne]

What about Cobham?

[James Heappey]

In addition to measures to protect national security, the Government have secured legally binding commitments that there will be significant protection of jobs in the UK, that Cobham’s headquarters will remain in the UK, and that there will be guaranteed spend on research and development. Of course, this is not just a one-way street. I draw my right hon. Friend’s attention to the acquisition by BAE Systems of two very high-tech and interesting companies in America last week.