Defence industry is bedrock of Britain's national security, says Shapps

The defence industry is fundamental to the UK's national security, Grant Shapps has insisted.

The Defence Secretary said investment in defence was the morally right thing to do, countering the likes of Vladimir Putin and his invasion of Ukraine.

He was speaking at the Defence Suppliers Forum (DSF), which brings together senior Government figures and UK’s defence suppliers.

Mr Shapps told the industry leaders that they would be championed as positive ambassadors for the UK and would be protected from investment threats.

The MOD explained how this was a commitment to defend the industry from environmental, social and governance investors who were trying to immorally defund British defence.

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Mr Shapps highlighted the importance of maintaining national security and continuing to provide the UK military with cutting-edge equipment.

He also pointed out the importance of boosting defence exports and backing business as global champions for the UK.

Mr Shapps did emphasise the importance of delivering UK defence assets on time and on budget.

But he made it clear he would always champion British industry and reassured the firms that they would have the financing they need to supply the UK and its allies.

"Investment in defence is the morally right thing to do, without which the atrocious activities of tyrants like Putin would go unchallenged and undeterred," he said.

"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 is an opportunity for the Defence Secretary to engage with senior industry leaders on mutual strategic interests.

These include creating a closer alliance between industry and the MOD, ensuring more agile and reliable supply chains and working to export more British-made defence assets.

Charles Woodburn, the chief executive of BAE Systems and the co-chair of the DSF, said investment in UK defence was vital.

"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," he added.