Question to the Ministry of Defence:

To ask His Majesty's Government what actions they are taking to procure UK-made steel for alterations and additions to (1) Royal Air Force bases, (2) Royal Navy bases, and (3) Army installations.

The UK steel sector provides vital support to the UK's defence capabilities, including specialist cast and forged steel components for a range of UK defence programmes such as submarines, surface vessels and artillery barrels. Steel used in our major Defence programmes is generally sourced by our prime contractors from a range of UK and international suppliers. This Government is committed to creating the right conditions in the UK for a competitive and sustainable steel industry.

The National Security Strategy, Strategic Defence Review and Defence Industrial Strategy set out how a strong industrial base is critical for maintaining our national security infrastructure.

The Ministry of Defence is also involved in the development of a Government steel strategy that will set a long-term vision for a revitalised and sustainable industry and outline the actions needed to get there. The strategy will articulate what is needed to secure UK steel supply chains and create a competitive business environment in the UK.