Question to the Ministry of Defence:

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, with reference to page 41 of the National Security Strategy 2025, published in June 2025, CP 1338, what progress he has made on (a) identifying, (b) protecting and (c) cultivating other sovereign capabilities that are foundational to the UK’s (i) industrial base and (ii) long-term competitiveness.

The Defence Industrial Strategy (published on 8 September 2025) outlines a dynamic, defence and innovation-focused industrial base, emphasising the growing importance of ensuring UK sovereignty, operational advantage, and freedom of action. It sets out the Government’s commitment to strengthen the defence sectors that are essential for national security and supply chain resilience, as well as those with the greatest economic growth potential. The detail of these sectors is set out in section 1.3.3 of the Defence Industrial Strategy.

The Defence Investment Plan will set out in more detail how we will support the UK’s long-term economic growth and competitiveness through our investment choices.