First reactions: increases in defence spending

An All-Party Parliamentary Manufacturing Group meeting to consider the implications of increases in defence spending for UK manufacturing.

Events have moved quickly in recent weeks, following President Zelensky’s visit to the White House and the subsequent meeting of European leaders in London. Following these talks, the Government has announced that it will increase defence spending to 2.5% of GDP by April 2027 and 3% of GDP in the next Parliament. The Government has also announced a £1.6billion deal to supply air defence missiles to Ukraine, a £2billion increase in export finance lending capacity, and a new defence innovation body. This dramatic shift in policy will doubtless create opportunities, but how can manufacturing businesses best captialise on this change and deliver at pace? This ‘first reactions’ roundtable will explore this question.

Speakers

• Bill Esterson MP (Chair)
• Mike Reader MP
• Ben Carpenter-Merritt, Group Director UK External Affairs, Babcock International
• Brandon Minichiello, Rolls Royce
• Simon Cook, Mid Kent College
• John Pearce, Made in Britain

For more information and to attend this online event, please contact robert.allen@policyconnect.org.uk