Government pledges warfighting readiness and local jobs growth
2 June 2025 – Westminster
Luke Myer MP today welcomed the Strategic Defence Review from the Government, praising the shift towards “warfighting readiness” for the UK Armed Forces. He said this move, coming at a time of growing threats, is a vital step to protect the nation. Luke noted the Prime Minister’s remarks that “the most effective way to deter” hostile powers is to be ready, and welcomed the focus on stronger alliances and advanced capabilities.
Luke highlighted the review’s commitment to new submarine and munitions programmes, saying these will bring new jobs and benefits for the constituency. The plan includes building up to 12 new nuclear-powered attack submarines under the AUKUS partnership, a programme that defence officials say will support around 30,000 skilled jobs nationwide.
Locally, Luke pointed out that manufacturers in the Tees Valley are already actively involved in defence supply chains, with components, engineering and fabrication work underway for naval platforms, aerospace, and advanced weapons systems. He said the area is well-placed to benefit from the new investments being announced today and that this is an opportunity to build a pipeline of future jobs in defence technology and heavy engineering.
“Our area is ready to step up,” he said, noting that extra naval orders and munitions factories will provide steady work for engineers and apprentices across the North East. The Government’s pledge of six new munitions factories in the UK will boost British-made weapons and create over a thousand jobs, potentially benefiting local suppliers.
Sir Keir Starmer said:
“First, we are moving to war-fighting readiness as the central purpose of our armed forces. When we are being directly threatened by states with advanced military forces, the most effective way to deter them is to be ready, and frankly, to show them that we’re ready to deliver peace through strength.”
Luke Myer MP said:
“This is a national security strategy with real meaning for our area. We already have firms here in Teesside contributing to the UK’s defence, in fabrication, engineering, and supply chains, and this review sets out a path to do much more. It’s a chance to create high-quality jobs and apprenticeships, to keep advanced manufacturing alive in our communities, and to show that Teesside plays a vital role in keeping the country safe.”
References
- Luke has previously spoken out in favour of defence manufacturing jobs and support for SMEs in the sector:
February 2025: https://www.thenorthernecho.co.uk/news/24924197.luke-myer-backs-smes-debate-led-alan-strickland/
- The Strategic Defence Review 2024 (Full Document) UK Government: The Strategic Defence Review – GOV.UK
- The Forthcoming Strategic Defence Review 2025: FAQ
- The Strategic Defence Review outlines:
- A shift to warfighting readiness as the central purpose of UK Armed Forces.
- £15bn investment in a sovereign nuclear warhead programme.
- Construction of at least six new munitions factories in the UK, creating 1,000+ jobs.
- Up to 12 new attack submarines as part of the AUKUS programme.
- Over £6bn in munitions investment, and 7,000 new long-range weapons.
- A new Digital Targeting Web, CyberEM Command, and defence innovation plans.