I recently met with the Defence Secretary, The Rt Hon Grant Shapps, to discuss matters concerning Westmorland and Lonsdale, as well as defence-related issues.
These issues hold significant interest for me, particularly because of my dual roles as an Army Reservist and a professional within the defence industry.
During our conversation, we covered various topics, including the importance of Reserve Service, the strategic significance of regions like Westmorland and Lonsdale, and the UK's response to ongoing conflicts.
Of course, one key issue we discussed was defence spending. Recent data indicates that approximately £370 is allocated to the UK defence industry for each UK resident. Moreover, recent job figures reveal that around 209,000 jobs are supported by MOD expenditure within the defence industry.
The Secretary of State emphasised the importance of aligning military investments with evolving threats. With three consecutive years of increased defence spending, the Conservative Party remains committed to enhancing national security and promoting growth within the defence sector.
Moving forward, it is crucial to continue investing in a well-equipped military to effectively tackle modern challenges.
The Conservative government is dedicated to providing cutting-edge capabilities to safeguard our freedoms.
Our government has consistently supported the UK’s nuclear deterrence, which is fundamental to our national security. It also provides significant employment and skills opportunities across the country.
To that end, I also celebrated the recent partnership between BAE Systems and ASC Pty Ltd, worth billions of pounds, significantly boosting the UK's defence industry.
I am delighted to see the prosperity of our neighbouring community in Barrow, and I am steadfast in my commitment to enhancing infrastructure along the A590 economic corridor and improving transport links to also benefit the constituents in Westmorland and Lonsdale.
