Question to the Ministry of Defence:

To ask His Majesty's Government what steps they are taking to promote, encourage and ensure the involvement of UK small and medium sized-enterprises in the supply chain for the global combat air programme.

This Government recognises that Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) make a significant contribution to the defence supply chain and wider UK prosperity. That is why we are taking steps to make it easier for SMEs to access opportunities and to bid for requirements. We are also encouraging our major suppliers to publish their own sub-contract opportunities through the Defence Sourcing Portal, making it easier for SMEs to find and bid in for defence work.

The Ministry of Defence (MOD) will be hosting a SME event to help support the procurement activity of the Global Combat Air Programme (GCAP). This initial event will explore the opportunities GCAP presents, as well as giving SMEs direct contact with prime suppliers and senior MOD stakeholders connected to the programme.