Defence Secretary John Healey has announced plans to ensure that military spending benefits both national security and British industry. Speaking at the GMB union's annual congress, Healey outlined the 'Back British Offset policy for defence investment', which aims to keep more defence spending within the UK.
Under the new measures, defence contracts awarded to overseas companies will require jobs to be created in the UK. Healey also plans to use national security exemptions under the new Procurement Act to mandate that certain capabilities are built in Britain, giving preference to British companies over American and European competitors.
Healey stated, 'Every pound that we spend on defence needs to work twice, first for national security, second for British industry, and British jobs.' He called for an end to the 'toothless' approach of the past, introducing stronger incentives, requirements, and penalties for suppliers to meet their commitments to Britain.
The Defence Secretary emphasised his 'unashamedly pro-Britain' approach, aiming to deliver more unionised jobs, apprenticeships, and innovation from every defence contract. He referenced former Labour foreign secretary Ernest Bevin, saying he wants 'a bloody Union Jack on top of every warship, on top of every drone, on top of every missile'.
The announcement comes amid ongoing discussions over the long-awaited Defence Investment Plan, which will set the direction of the armed forces for the next decade.
