North Devon MP hosts major South West defence meeting at Westminster

The vital role the South West and its industry plays in UK defence has been discussed at a high level meeting in Parliament chaired by North Devon MP Ian Roome.

The roundtable meeting brought together defence minister Luke Pollard, plus industry leaders, education bodies and defence sector representatives.

Delegates discussed how the region contributes and what might be done to make it even stronger.

In recent years, the South West has continued to grow specialist defence industries strengths in areas like such as maritime engineering, advanced manufacturing, autonomous systems, cyber, space, aviation and defence innovation.

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The meeting looked at how the UK can strengthen its defence industry base and better harness the South West’s strategic strengths, as well as the importance of ensuring regional businesses and organisations are fully recognised in national defence planning.

Mr Roome, who is also a member of the Defence Select Committee, said: “It was extraordinary to have so many key voices in the same room to discuss the South West’s vital role in UK defence.

“Our region has major defence assets and real expertise across sectors like maritime engineering, rotary aviation, space and cyber, supporting more than 42,000 jobs across the South West. It’s essential those strengths are properly recognised and places like North Devon are part of that conversation.

“The meeting was a valuable opportunity to make the case for a stronger, better connected defence sector for the South West - and we covered a wide range of issues, many of which I see through my work on the Defence Select Committee.

“It also reinforced the need for the delayed Defence Investment Plan to be published as soon as possible, so industry has the confidence to invest.”

The 10-year plan will set out the funding and resources needed to purchase equipment and ensure UK forces are ready for war, but it has been delayed repeatedly.

Mr Roome added: “In North Devon, we need to back training and apprenticeships so local people can benefit from growth in this sector.

“I will keep working to ensure North Devon and the wider South West have a strong voice in shaping Britain’s defence future.”

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