Teesside MP Leads Calls for Investment in Jobs, Skills, and Regional Growth

13th May : Westminster 

Luke Myer, Member of Parliament for Middlesbrough South and East Cleveland, has called on the Government to increase its support for the defence industry in the North East.

Leading a debate in Parliament, Luke highlighted the region’s historical and ongoing contributions to Britain’s defence and emphasised the need for investment in jobs, skills, and regional growth.

“The North East has never stood on the sidelines when it comes to national defence,” Luke stated. “Our proud industrial capabilities have always served this country well.”

Luke pointed out that the region is home to approximately 2,500 direct defence sector jobs and many more in the supply chain. He referenced major employers like BAE Systems and Rolls-Royce in Washington, and SMEs including Tees Components in his constituency.

He called for a “joined-up local skills landscape” at the regional level – saying “our combined authority and our Mayor [need] to step up and work with education providers” along with manufacturers to “get the best people into the best jobs”.

The MP also called for the Government to provide more support to the industry in the region, including changes to procurement. He stressed that such support is crucial for both national security and the economic prosperity of the region.

In response, Minister for Defence Procurement and Industry, Maria Eagle, said:

“I congratulate Luke Myer on securing the debate and shedding light on the vital defence industry in the north-east, and particularly his part of the region.

“The nation as a whole needs us to boost our defence industries, and this Government are determined to do that. It is clear that the world is becoming much more dangerous and Britain is facing rising threats. At the same time, the Government face the challenge of rebuilding and reinvigorating our armed forces to meet those threats better, after a decade and a half of underfunding and hollowing out.”

References

• North East contributors in Luke’s debate included Luke Akehurst MP (North Durham), Jonathan Brash MP (Hartlepool), Chris McDonald MP (Stockton North), Lola McEvoy MP (Darlington), Alan Strickland MP (Newton Aycliffe & Spennymoor), and Sam Rushworth MP (Bishop Auckland).
• For the full Westminster Hall Debate visit Hansard