Oral Answers to Questions

Debate between Luke Pollard and Henry Tufnell

Monday 6th July 2026 Commons Chamber

[Luke Pollard]

We are increasing defence spending—that is what the Labour party is doing in government. Look at what Reform has been doing: one of its politicians was accepting bribes from Russia. I do not accept what the hon. Lady is saying. We are increasing defence spending.

[Henry Tufnell (Mid and South Pembrokeshire) (Lab)]

Will the Secretary of State set out how the defence investment plan and the record investment of nearly £300 billion over the next four years will help to strengthen local supply chains in my constituency and create good, unionised, well-paid jobs as well as to stimulate economic growth?

[Luke Pollard]

My hon. Friend’s constituency is going to receive not just support via the £50 million Wales defence growth deal or the deep space advanced radar capability programmes at Cawdor barracks, but help for small and medium-sized enterprises in places like Castlemartin in his constituency. It is a good deal for Wales.

Oral Answers to Questions

Debate between Luke Pollard and Henry Tufnell

Monday 2nd February 2026 Commons Chamber

[Henry Tufnell (Mid and South Pembrokeshire) (Lab)]

3. What assessment he has made of the potential impact of increases in defence spending on Mid and South Pembrokeshire constituency.

[The Minister for Defence Readiness and Industry (Luke Pollard)]

Pembrokeshire is at the heart of Britain’s defence future, and I am excited about the opportunity for local people. To help deliver that, I am proud that this Labour Government are working with the Labour Government in Wales on progressing the defence growth deal for Wales, which will help prove that defence is an engine for growth right across Wales.

[Henry Tufnell]

I welcome the Government’s increased investment in the defence sector in Pembrokeshire; it represents a real opportunity for businesses and the local community, with good, well-paid jobs and strong local supply chains all strengthening our national security. Can the Minister set out what engagement he has had with the local supply chain, as well as any discussions regarding the new munitions and energetics factory in Milford Haven?

[Luke Pollard]

Since I met my hon. Friend, we have been discussing how we can not only roll out faster the new munitions factories that the Government have committed to deliver but support growth in skills, and our £182 million for skills in the defence industrial strategy includes skills funding for Wales. The defence growth deal provides the opportunity to uplift skills for defence right across Wales, and I am happy to continue our conversations on how that can benefit my hon. Friend’s constituents in Pembrokeshire.

Oral Answers to Questions

Debate between Luke Pollard and Henry Tufnell

Monday 3rd November 2025 Commons Chamber

[Henry Tufnell (Mid and South Pembrokeshire) (Lab)]

My constituency has a proud military history, and the defence sector continues to thrive at sites like Castlemartin and Cawdor barracks. Does the Minister agree that the defence growth fund should be used to bring direct benefits to communities like mine, as well as to strengthen our national security?

[Luke Pollard]

There is a real opportunity in Pembrokeshire and across Wales as we implement the defence growth deal for Wales to create more good, well-paid and unionised jobs that provide great opportunities. My hon. Friend is a real champion for the opportunities in his constituency, and I am happy to meet him to work out how we can advance opportunities to create more decent jobs across Wales, particularly in Pembrokeshire.