Parliamentary Debate on West Midlands Defence Industry

Sarah with Luke Pollard MP, Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for the Armed Forces

Yesterday, Sarah Edwards MP led a debate on the defence industry in the West Midlands.

In Tamworth and across the West Midlands, the defence industry provides security, supports thousands of jobs, and fuels innovation in areas such as cyber, AI, and advanced manufacturing. 

Sarah said:

“Our Armed Forces are only as strong as our defence sector.   

“The West Midlands is showcasing the incredible potential of the UK’s defence industry as a driver of security, economic growth, innovation, and skills development.  

“Investing in reskilling and upskilling is crucial for those currently serving in the Armed Forces and MOD, as well as for future-proofing our defence workforce.” 

Luke Pollard MP, Minister for the Armed Forces, thanked Sarah for bringing the debate:

“I congratulate The Member for Tamworth for bringing this debate and for speaking so passionately about not only why we need to defend our national security, (but) learn the lessons from Ukraine. 

“But how we can spend that increased defence spending that was announced by the Prime Minister to create more British jobs, more opportunities for our young people to develop skills that will last them a lifetime and support the growth mission that is this government's number one mission” 

MPs from across the West Midlands and the UK contributed, including Alex Ballinger MP (Halesowen), Rachel Taylor MP (North Warwickshire), Jacob Collier MP (Burton and Uttoxeter), Josh Newbury MP (Cannock Chase), John Slinger MP (Rugby) and Jim Shannon MP (Strangford).