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Written Question
Iron and Steel: Procurement
Friday 26th September 2025

Asked by: Baroness Redfern (Conservative - Life peer)

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.

Answered by Lord Coaker - Minister of State (Ministry of Defence)

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.


Written Question
Iron and Steel: Supply Chains
Friday 26th September 2025

Asked by: Baroness Redfern (Conservative - Life peer)

Question to the Ministry of Defence:

To ask His Majesty's Government what steps they are taking to strengthen domestic supply chains for steel following the publication of the Defence Industrial Strategy on 8 September (CP 1388).

Answered by Lord Coaker - Minister of State (Ministry of Defence)

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.


Written Question
Military Bases: Iron and Steel
Wednesday 2nd August 2023

Asked by: Baroness Redfern (Conservative - Life peer)

Question to the Ministry of Defence:

To ask His Majesty's Government what steps they are taking to ensure steel used for alterations and additions to UK armed forces bases is manufactured in the UK.

Answered by Baroness Goldie - Shadow Minister (Defence)

The Ministry of Defence follows the Government policy on the procurement of steel as set out in the Procurement Policy Note: Procuring Steel in Major Projects (ref: PPN11/16), and its steel requirements are published in the Government’s Annual Steel Public Procurement Report.

All projects scheduled for the next 10 years are assessed on a case-by-case basis where there is an anticipated need to use steel as part of their delivery, stating if this can be procured in the UK.


Speech in Lords Chamber - Wed 07 Oct 2020
Fleet Solid Support Ships

"When a ship is built, we immediately look at the hull and structure. Steel is vital to the UK’s manufacturing industry. Does my noble friend the Minister agree that this is also about retaining capability of repairing sophisticated, highly technical ships? What support is being given to recruitment in technical …..."
Baroness Redfern - View Speech

View all Baroness Redfern (Con - Life peer) contributions to the debate on: Fleet Solid Support Ships

Written Question
Armed Forces: Housing
Tuesday 8th October 2019

Asked by: Baroness Redfern (Conservative - Life peer)

Question to the Ministry of Defence:

To ask Her Majesty's Government what assessment they have made of the condition of Ministry of Defence housing stock; and what steps they take to ensure the condition of such stock meets acceptable living standards.

Answered by Baroness Goldie - Shadow Minister (Defence)

The Ministry of Defence has committed to provide Service Family Accommodation (SFA) in the UK that meets or exceeds the Government Decent Homes Standard and we continue to fulfil this obligation. Currently, more than 97% of SFA meets or exceeds this standard. The Defence Infrastructure Organisation continues to work closely with its Industry partner to improve further the condition of SFA provided to Service families.


Speech in Lords Chamber - Mon 17 Dec 2018
Occupied Palestinian Territories

"My Lords, while consumers undoubtedly have the right to know the origin of the goods they buy, does the Minister agree that it sets a dangerous precedent to encourage consumers to determine their purchases on the ethnicity or nationality of the producer?..."
Baroness Redfern - View Speech

View all Baroness Redfern (Con - Life peer) contributions to the debate on: Occupied Palestinian Territories

Speech in Lords Chamber - Mon 03 Apr 2017
Type 31 Frigate

"My Lords, a commitment was made to the Steel Council regarding the effectiveness of government purchasing guidelines. Sections that British Steel produces in Scunthorpe in my area and Teesside play a valuable part in the supply chain. By updating our procurement approach on major projects, we are now creating a …..."
Baroness Redfern - View Speech

View all Baroness Redfern (Con - Life peer) contributions to the debate on: Type 31 Frigate

Speech in Lords Chamber - Mon 09 Jan 2017
Armed Forces Covenant

"My Lords, I am pleased to have the privilege this evening to highlight and champion the Armed Forces covenant, and I thank the right reverend Prelate for initiating this debate. I declare my interest as leader of North Lincolnshire Council, as set out in the register of interests.

This debate …..."

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View all Baroness Redfern (Con - Life peer) contributions to the debate on: Armed Forces Covenant