- Commitment made to defend the industry from environmental,
social, and governance (ESG) investors trying to immorally defund
British defence.
- Defence Secretary highlighted the importance of boosting
exports and backing business as global champions for Britain.
- Importance of delivering programmes on time and on budget
emphasised.
UK Defence firms will be championed as positive ambassadors for
the UK, in the face of investment threats, Defence Secretary
has told industry leaders
today.
Maintaining national security and the continued supply of
cutting-edge equipment to British Armed Forces and allies were
also highlighted in a meeting with key defence sector
organisations held at the Ministry of Defence (MOD) in London.
The Defence Suppliers Forum (DSF) brought together senior
government personnel with more than a dozen of the UK’s key
defence suppliers. These ranged from UK SMEs and trade
associations to some of the world’s largest international defence
and aerospace companies, with experts convened from military
domains covering everything from the ocean’s depths to outer
space.
With global security challenges increasing, the forum, which
convenes twice a year, was an invaluable opportunity to deepen
ties between industry and government. It ensured the short,
medium, and long-term plans of government and industry align
around the collective objectives of equipping the UK’s Armed
Forces and simultaneously deterring international adversaries.
Addressing this influential network, the Defence Secretary made
clear he would always champion British industry, particularly in
the face of concerns around ESG investing, ensuring they have the
financing needed to maintain vital supplies to our Armed Forces
and allies, keeping the country safe and protecting our way of
life.
Defence Secretary, said:
Investment in defence is the morally right thing to do, without
which the atrocious activities of tyrants like Putin would go
unchallenged and undeterred.
A strong UK defence industry is the bedrock of our national
security, continuing the supply of equipment that our service
personnel use to protect our nation, the weapons we need deter
our enemies, and the ability to support our allies’ Armed Forces.
There is no doubt about the critical role that industry plays in
our defence and that’s why I will back the firms that protect our
nation and help us prosper.
The DSF Main is the primary collaborative forum for the Defence
Secretary to engage with a range of senior leaders from across
the UK defence sector on strategic issues of mutual interest. Key
aims of the DSF include:
- Creating a new and closer strategic alliance between the MOD
and industry, delivering the ambitions set out in the recent
Defence Command Paper Refresh.
- Delivering more agile, secure, sustainable, and resilient
supply chains by improving visibility of fragility and maximising
opportunities for all suppliers, including SMEs.
- Forging closer working on defence exports to champion British
manufacturers on the global stage.
BAE Systems Chief Executive and DSF Co-Chair, Charles
Woodburn said:
In today’s heightened global threat environment, it’s important
for the UK’s defence industry and Government to come together to
sustain our sovereign capability to deliver the equipment our
armed forces need. Investment in our defence industry is vital to
ensure our continued ability to support national security and
economic prosperity.
Improving the way the government supports UK exports and growth
opportunities was also high on the agenda. With more than 200,000
British jobs supported through the Defence industry, the sector
is crucial to the Prime Minister’s priority to grow the economy,
while also furthering international opportunities for the sale of
high-quality British technologies and services to our allies.
Kevin Craven, Chief Executive, ADS said:
Our defence industrial base is a vital pillar of our society,
protecting our way of life. Our industry needs to be highly
innovative, agile, and responsive to ongoing requirements.
The UK defence financial and operating environment must be
grounded in a collaborative approach to strategic planning, that
enables the development of the technologies of tomorrow. ADS is a
proud convenor of industry, working tirelessly with the DSF and
Ministry of Defence to secure UK strategic advantage.
The Defence Secretary also outlined the importance of delivery,
stating that while he would be holding the Department to account
to avoid unnecessary programme delays and costs, industry
partners must play their part in meeting agreed timelines and
budgets.
