Question to the Ministry of Defence:

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, pursuant to the Answer of 7 July 2020 to Question 67568 on AWACS: Procurement, what steps his Department is taking to support British suppliers to be selected for (a) future training, (b) infrastructure and (c) support arrangements.

The Ministry of Defence seeks to provide the capability required by our Armed Forces while also ensuring that it delivers value for the taxpayer and contributes towards prosperity in the United Kingdom. Specifically, for the RAF E-7 Wedgetail programme, we are working closely with the prime contractor, Boeing Defence UK, to maximise sub-contracting opportunities for UK companies as part of the supplier selection process for training, infrastructure, and support, in furtherance of the Government's social value agenda.