Philip Dunne given role on defence review

South Shropshire MP Philip Dunne has been asked by the Secretary of State for Defence to review how Defence contributes to Britain’s prosperity.

Mr Dunne, who served as Defence Procurement Minister between 2012 and 2016, was asked by Rt Hon Gavin Williamson MP to look into the way the defence industry can create jobs and growth for the UK.

Defence Secretary Gavin Williamson said:

Since strong defence underpins our nation’s prosperity, I have invited Philip Dunne to conduct a review to help demonstrate it is far more than an insurance policy, it’s an investment in jobs at home and exports abroad. He understands this sector extremely well and also brings an important independent perspective.”

Philip Dunne MP said:

“I am pleased to have been asked by the Secretary of State for Defence to undertake this review of the contribution made by Defence to the prosperity of the UK economy. The British public value enormously the role of our Armed Forces in keeping our country safe and being available to support us in times of crisis or need. But we do not explain as fully as we could to taxpayers how significant Defence is to the wider economy.

I hope that my review will help shed light on this issue and support wider recognition of the economic impact of Defence to the United Kingdom, particularly relevant in the as we leave the EU and beyond.”