Question to the Ministry of Defence:

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, with reference to the Prime Minister's Oral Statement of 25 February 2025 on Defence and Security, Official Report, whether his Department has plans to prioritise awarding contracts to domestic suppliers of defence and security equipment.

Through the Defence Industrial Strategy, we will examine how to prioritise and promote UK based businesses for defence investment without losing the benefits of competition, including in those areas of the defence sector that present the greatest opportunities for UK economic growth and competitive advantage. We will also reform procurement to reduce waste and support industry to seize export opportunities.

The government has been clear that it will use the additional investment in defence announced by the Prime Minister on 25 February 2025 to maximise jobs, growth, skills and innovation in the UK. This investment in defence will protect UK citizens from threats and create a secure and stable environment in which businesses can thrive, supporting the Government’s number one mission to deliver economic growth.