Question to the Ministry of Defence:

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, what discussions he has had with cabinet colleagues on increasing the number of jobs for young people in the defence industry in Newcastle-under-Lyme constituency.

The Ministry of Defence does not hold employment data at constituency level. However, in Financial Year 2025-26 the MOD spent £1.82 billion directly with business and industry in the West Midlands, up from £1.76 billion in FY2024-25 when adjusted for inflation, supporting 7,900 jobs.

The MOD is working alongside other Government Departments to ensure the defence sector has the skilled workforce it requires across the UK, including creating opportunities for young people to pursue fulfilling and rewarding careers.

As part of the Defence Industrial Strategy, we committed £182 million to a Defence Industry Skills package targeting individuals at every stage of the defence career pipeline.

Last month, the Defence Secretary and the Rt Hon Alan Milburn signed a pledge with 13 industry leaders to expand routes into apprenticeships, increase work experience opportunities and strengthen careers engagement for young people, including those not in education, employment or training.