Oral Answers to Questions

Mark Menzies Excerpts

Monday 20th May 2019 Commons Chamber

[Mark Pawsey (Rugby) (Con)]

13. What steps her Department is taking to support UK defence manufacturing.

[Mark Menzies (Fylde) (Con)]

24. What steps her Department is taking to maintain the capabilities of UK defence manufacturing.

--- Later in debate ---

[Stuart Andrew]

May I first praise my hon. Friend for the work he has done to fight for the factory in his constituency? I could not walk down a corridor without bumping into him and him lobbying hard. That was why I made sure that I met GE. I am pleased to inform him that this morning GE announced to its staff that it has reached an agreement with the Ministry of Defence that will enable the company to continue its work in his constituency. I also pay tribute to my officials, who have worked incredibly hard on this matter to ensure that the machines continue in Rugby.

[Mark Menzies]

Delivery of the Tempest programme, as driven by BAE Systems in Warton, is essential to managing the future military air requirements of the United Kingdom. Can the Minister confirm continued Government support for the combat air strategy, as outlined by the Prime Minister at Farnborough?

[Stuart Andrew]

My hon. Friend secured a debate just last week on this very issue and is obviously fighting very hard for his constituents who work at BAE Systems. The Government continue to deliver the combat air strategy which, as he says, was launched at Farnborough last year. That is a big piece of work, which is looking at the future air combat system technology initiative. The Government will continue to look at all innovative technologies that will need to be available, while we explore a broad range of options to deliver capability.