Question to the Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy:

To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy, what steps the Government is taking to ensure that the aerospace sector remains globally competitive.

The UK has the second largest aerospace industry, with strengths in some of the most technologically advanced parts of aircraft – wings, engines and advanced systems. The sector has annual turnover of around £30 billion, and exports some £25 billion. Through the Aerospace Growth Partnership, Government is supporting action by industry to make sure the UK remains competitive, including a joint Industry/Government commitment of £3.9 billion for Research and Development activities through to 2026.