Responding to the Strategic Defence Review, Alex Veitch, Director of Policy at the BCC, said: 

“The UK’s defence industry is vital for providing for our collective security in an uncertain world.  But it is also an increasingly important plank of our wider trade and industrial strategies. 

“Business will be hugely relieved to see the Government has given unequivocal backing to the Strategic Defence Review’s recommendations, and the major role UK firms can have in implementing them. 

“Having clear procurement plans for many years ahead on submarines, hardware, munitions, cyber-security and the Royal Navy, safeguards tens of thousands of jobs and creates many new ones. 

“We want to work closely with Government on the delivery of this clear-headed analysis of our future defence and security needs, particularly in procurement, and opportunities with our EU partners.  

“The UK’s cutting-edge SMEs should be at the heart of any new opportunities for expansion, such as drones and AI, to keep us all secure and our economy growing.” 

More details on the Review can be found here.