Extract from Westminster Hall debate on UK Sovereign Capability - Nov 20

Wayne David (Caerphilly) (Lab):...The defence industry is vital to the British economy, with a planned spend of £180 billion in the almost 10 years leading to 2026-27. That is a huge opportunity for the country’s economy, but one that has been lost because the Government have clearly rejected—despite their recent rhetoric—the idea of developing a sovereign capability for this country. Sadly, as we have heard this afternoon, the Government are increasingly buying kit off the shelf, principally from the United States of America. That is one reason why the Ministry of Defence has a deficit of £14.8 billion according to the National Audit Office. Many MOD contracts are given without competition or openness, according to the single source process, as my right hon. Friend the Member for North Durham (Mr Jones) made clear. The Mechanised infantry vehicle contract was recently given to the Boxer without any competition or openness, and it seems that the AWACS replacement will go the same way...

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