Defence Industries: West Midlands

John Slinger Excerpts

Wednesday 19th March 2025 Westminster Hall

[Sarah Edwards]

That contribution is paramount to the debate; the west midlands is very proud not only of being the third largest region in terms of our contribution to the defence sector, but that our constituents work very hard to contribute to that. It is incredibly important that people see that they are a part of this endeavour, and it is not something that is happening far away from them. They are an essential part, so I thank my hon. Friend for raising that point.

To achieve this, we must create clear, skills-based career pathways that allow individuals to upskill or transition into the sector at different stages of their career. One effective way to address that challenge is through closer collaboration between further education centres and the defence industry. These partnerships are critical in identifying skills gaps and shaping education programmes that directly address industry needs. By doing this, we can provide young people with a clear vision for how they can step into the defence industry. Young people too often underestimate the transferability of their skills across industries. Many assume that the expertise they gain in education or early career roles is limited to a single sector, but abilities such as problem solving, teamwork, communication and technical proficiency are in high demand across multiple fields. An engineering student may not realise that their expertise is equally valuable in defence.

At the same time, we must ensure that those already in the armed forces and the Ministry of Defence have the opportunity to reskill and upskill—a zig-zag career approach, where individuals move between roles and gain new skills. That would allow personnel to adapt to the changes, ensuring that the MOD retains experienced talent, while keeping pace with technological advancements. In my constituency, we are fortunate to house Defence Medical Services Whittington, which hosts the defence medical academy. That institution is dedicated to advancing the training and research that can provide our military personnel with the best medical care and knowledge required to tackle complex injuries on the battlefield.

Linking our industries with our military centres provides opportunities for skills development and transfer. The social value created by defence industries is strategic value. Larger companies in the west midlands are capitalising on key skills. Some companies, such as Rolls-Royce and BAE Systems, are currently creating their own apprenticeship training programmes. How is the Minister working with the Minister for Skills on developing pathways and opportunities that directly respond to the needs of the sector?

[John Slinger (Rugby) (Lab)]

I thank my hon. Friend for securing this important debate. I attended a roundtable in my constituency held by the Manufacturing Technology Centre and chaired by the Minister for Defence Procurement and Industry, my right hon. Friend the Member for Liverpool Garston (Maria Eagle), and the Minister for Nature, my hon. Friend the Member for Coventry East (Mary Creagh), who is one of my neighbouring MPs, to discuss with local businesses their involvement in the defence supply chain. I am very interested in what my hon. Friend is saying about large companies investing in skills development.

GE Vernova is a 130-year-old company based in Rugby that specialises in electric propulsion systems for naval vessels. It has supplied propulsion systems for the Royal Navy’s Type 23 frigates, and it developed and delivered the world’s first fully electric warships. Indeed, 92% of the Royal Navy’s fleet is powered by its electric propulsion systems. This is vital, because it is creating new jobs in Rugby and across the country. Does my hon. Friend welcome the Government’s commitment to spreading the economic benefits of the defence sector across the entire country?

[Sarah Edwards]

I absolutely agree. It is almost as though my hon. Friend predicted what I will speak about next, because I will soon tell a story about a visit that I made. The fact that the company has been in his constituency for 130 years shows that Britain has this prowess, and we do not want to lose it. Through this strategy, we have to ensure that such businesses are still going and that that innovation is being incorporated into technology.

The Business and Trade Committee went to Scotland on Monday. Although ships are manufactured in Scotland, it takes a whole country to build them. The Committee witnessed the incredible shipbuilding work taking place at the BAE Systems site in Govan. The commitment to skills development in Scotland is impressive, with competitive apprenticeship programmes open to all ages, allowing career changes and retraining. The programmes are more competitive than gaining a place at Oxford University, highlighting the value of practical skills and apprenticeships. The narrative that university is the only option to success has, in part, fuelled a shortage in skills.

During our visit, I stood onboard HMS Cardiff in its fit-out stage and saw where HMS Birmingham will soon start the next phase of its construction, in a giant hangar that is large enough for two ships to be built side by side. The Type 26 frigates being built in Scotland are world-class and, when used properly, will be crucial for our trade diplomacy strategy, with many countries eager to buy British.

A key theme raised as being important to the success of the defence industrial strategy was the continuity of work to preserve an essential skills base. For example, steel may come from Port Talbot in Wales, making up 4% of the cost of a ship, but 25% of the cost is in the combat systems, requiring digital engineering and design expertise found in places such as Hertfordshire. Fostering innovation across the defence and civil sectors such as aerospace is crucial, as demonstrated by the evidence given to the Business and Trade Committee yesterday by Airbus, which said that more than 50% of the supply chain is both defence and civil.

Our visit reinforced the importance of a collaborative, nationwide approach to defence. From steel manufacturing to advanced digital systems, every region and nation of the UK contributes to defence and innovation, playing a part in our national security. Will the Minister meet me and defence companies in my constituency to talk about how they can continue to play a part—and, indeed, play a greater part—in the endeavour that the Government have set out? To ensure the long-term security and strength of our defence and industrial sectors, we must build that greater resilience in our supply chains.