Oral Answers to Questions

Andrew Bridgen Excerpts

Monday 10th January 2022 Commons Chamber

[Rob Roberts (Delyn) (Ind)]

9. What steps his Department is taking to support defence jobs throughout the UK.

[Andrew Bridgen (North West Leicestershire) (Con)]

13. What steps his Department is taking to support defence jobs throughout the UK.

--- Later in debate ---

[Mr Wallace]

My hon. Friend makes an important point. Whoever wins this competition, it is important that they contribute to the prosperity and job opportunities for UK citizens wherever they may be. I am not interested in “here today, gone tomorrow” suppliers for this. We want to enhance British industry and make sure that these helicopters are properly made and put together in this country. Once the competition is complete, we hope to have the medium-lift helicopters in service from the middle of this decade.

[Andrew Bridgen]

I was pleased to read last week of a new five-year, £460 million logistics contract that has been issued which should deliver the MOD £54 million of efficiency savings a year. Will the Secretary of State outline what the new logistics information system will mean for jobs in the UK, and specifically, jobs in the east midlands?

[Mr Wallace]

My hon. Friend highlights an important part of the capability in which we need to invest. Our logistics information system contract will support vital services for another five years and ensure that the UK can rapidly deploy military personnel and equipment globally. He will be pleased to hear that the contract will sustain 675 jobs across the UK supply chain and benefit the whole country, including through jobs at companies with a presence in the east midlands, such as IBM in Nottingham.