Question to the Ministry of Defence:

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, what plans he has to increase the use of British businesses in Defence procurement contracts.

We are examining our future approach to industry through the Defence and Security Industrial Strategy review. Alongside this, we are working with industry in the UK through the Defence Prosperity Programme. Together with other Government Departments, the Ministry of Defence will be implementing the recently launched Social Value in procurement model to assess Defence supplier's social impact. This looks to promote new jobs and skills, encourage economic growth and prosperity, tackle climate change and level up the UK - maximising value for money for the taxpayer while also building a more resilient and diverse supplier base.