Nothing To Worry About! Defence Secretary Silences Concerns Over Royal Navy Power

The Defence Secretary has quelled concerns that the UK is struggling in the Naval sphere, instead calling for people to take pride in the Armed Forces.

Speaking at an event focusing on “refreshing” industrial policy, Gavin Williamson said:

“We’ve got 13 ships out right now around the globe making sure Britain’s presence is felt and making sure Britain is safe, and we’re going to continue to deploy ships.

“We should feel a great sense of pride...the launch of HMS Queen Elizabeth she’s going to be carrying on her sea trials off the east coast of the United States next year...”

Gavin Williamson also urged the defence industry to take pride in their role supplying kit and technology to the military.

“I think, frankly I am a bit disappointed by a lot of companies, because actually they seem to hide the fact that they supply our Armed Forces and actually we should take a great deal of pride, there is no better customer.”

The defence industry plays an integral role in the nation’s military capabilities and advancements, but it also creates a vast number of jobs within the UK.

In total 121,000 jobs rely on the defence sector, their output vital for personnel in operations over the world.

Looking forward the Defence Secretary also pledged to make communications between the MoD and industry easier, with one aim in particular:

“What we need to do on the battlefield, whether it’s land, sea or air, is about having cutting edge technology, the very very best technology for our armed forces.

“The defence industry is trying to make sure we get the innovators, it’s not just the big businesses that are able to provide us the right kit and the right support; it’s getting some of the smaller businesses to provide it to us as well.”

While at the event Gavin Williamson took the time to look at some of the innovative kit that’s already being integrated into today’s military.

One such piece of kit contributing to the £18.7 billion spend by the MoD on UK military supplies is Virtual Reality. The technology has already been proving its worth by providing training for the new Queen Elizabeth class carriers.