19 November 2020
Philip Dunne welcomes Prime Minister’s statement on investment in defence

Philip Dunne welcomes the Prime Minister’s statement and the multi-year nature of the settlement in particular, he urges the PM to ensure that this investment boosts jobs and growth in the UK defence sector.

Philip Dunne (Ludlow) (Con) [V]

I very warmly welcome this material increase in the defence budget and, in particular, the multi-year nature of the settlement. A significant challenge in defence budgeting is the stop-start nature of political decision making on multi-year projects, so this statement will help to modernise the equipment plan and get it back on track, which is welcome. Does the Prime Minister agree that the United Kingdom can now fully take into account the UK prosperity impact of defence procurement, and will he do what he can to ensure that state aid issues and the opportunity cost of making in the UK are fully recognised by the Treasury?

The Prime Minister

My right hon. Friend makes a really important point. This is a big moment for us, because we can ensure that that these colossal investments do drive jobs and growth in this country, and that is what they are going to do. That is why I am so thrilled about the announcements for shipbuilding in particular, but this is not just about shipbuilding; it means new jobs in new technology in all kinds of ways across the whole country.

Hansard