Ministry of Defence spending with UK industry tops £25bn for first time

The Ministry of Defence has spent more than £25bn within the UK defence industry for the first time, official figures have revealed.

Statistics from 2022/2023 showed increases in almost all areas across the UK.

Yorkshire and the Humber saw the highest increase of all areas, with overall expenditure doubling, while Wales saw a 25% rise.

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The numbers also showed notable increases in spending in Northern Ireland compared with the previous year's figures, while Scotland led the way in terms of investment - with over £2bn spent annually.

The MOD said an average of £370 was being spent within the UK defence industry for each person living in the UK, highlighting the level of spending that helps keep the nation safe.

Defence Secretary Grant Shapps said: "As threats increase across the globe, it’s crucial that investment in our Armed Forces matches that picture.

"That's why we're spending more than £50bn annually on helping equip our military with cutting-edge capabilities, so they can continue to protect our freedoms around the clock.

"These statistics demonstrate how all parts of the UK are playing their part in that crucial work, delivering through our fantastic defence industry and boosting local prosperity."

The latest employment figures showed 209,000 UK jobs are supported by the MOD's spending within UK industry.

It is also the UK's third consecutive year of increased spending, with South East England receiving the highest MOD expenditure, followed by the South West.