Strategic investment in the Midlands' defence sector could create
up to 38,000 high-value jobs and add almost £3 billion to the
regional economy over the next decade, according to a new
prospectus launched in Parliament.
The prospectus, The Midlands: Powering UK
Defence Growth, was unveiled at a Midlands All-Party
Parliamentary Group (APPG) event in Westminster, hosted by
Midlands Mayors and and sponsored by Babcock
International.
Chancellor and industry minister were among those who joined
leading business figures and MPs from across the region to hear
how the Midlands can play a leading role in delivering the UK's
future defence capability.
With the Government increasing defence spending and placing
greater emphasis on strengthening UK manufacturing and supply
chains, the prospectus sets out the case for a Midlands Defence
Growth Deal to help turn this rising national defence investment
into jobs, innovation and industrial growth.
, Mayor of the West
Midlands, said: "Our message to Government is clear: invest in
our world-class technical know-how and manufacturing
capabilities, and we'll help keep our country and our way of life
safe.
"There are big gains to be made with billions flowing into a
sector I'm backing to fire up our economy, and which will deliver
thousands of the high-quality jobs and apprenticeships that I
promised local people in my Growth Plan. It's a triple win: for
our communities, our economy and our national security.
, Mayor of the East Midlands,
said: "The Midlands already has the skills, businesses and
manufacturing expertise the country depends on - and we have an
even bigger role to play in supporting the UK's defence in the
years ahead.
Our Defence and Security Blueprint shows what can happen when
government, industry and our regions work together. This
prospectus is about taking that further, so rising defence
investment creates real opportunities for Midlands businesses,
skilled jobs for local people and stronger supply chains here in
the UK.
A Midlands Defence Growth Deal would help our manufacturers,
engineers and innovators do even more - supporting national
security, while ensuring communities across our region feel the
benefit.
The prospectus argues that the Midlands is uniquely placed to
support the UK's defence ambitions thanks to its concentration of
advanced manufacturing, engineering and technology businesses. It
estimates that strategic investment could generate up to £2.9
billion in additional direct GVA by 2035, while Ministry of
Defence spending with Midlands small and medium-sized businesses
is projected to reach £250 million a year within five years.
It identifies five nationally significant areas of defence
capability where the region already has internationally
recognised strengths:
- Advanced manufacturing and supply chains;
- Land systems and protected mobility;
- Military aerospace;
- Nuclear and propulsion;
- Cyber, digital and secure communications.
The proposed Midlands Defence Growth Deal would bring together
government, industry and regional partners to expand production
capacity, accelerate innovation, strengthen sovereign supply
chains and develop the skilled workforce needed to meet growing
demand.
The launch builds on the Midlands Defence and Security Blueprint
and the work of the Midlands Defence and Security Industry
Council, which are helping manufacturers, engineers and
technology businesses secure new opportunities while supporting
national security and creating high-quality jobs across the
region.
Notes to editors
About the West Midlands Combined Authority
Led by the Mayor of the West Midlands, the WMCA brings together
18 local councils to oversee the transfer of powers and funding
from Whitehall to the West Midlands.
The WMCA is putting these new powers from government back where
they belong, in local hands, bringing the region together to
build a healthier, happier, better connected and more prosperous
West Midlands.
Billions of pounds are being invested by the WMCA to improve the
region's transport network, transform its derelict industrial
land into new homes and workplaces, support existing businesses
and help grow the innovative, green industries of the future.
At the heart of this vision is a strong economy that is both
green and inclusive, one that supports the region's ambition to
be net zero carbon by 2041 and offers everyone the opportunity of
a good quality, affordable home and the skills needed for a
worthwhile job.
