AUKUS Strategic Partnership

Michelle Scrogham (Barrow and Furness) (Lab) and Chris McDonald (Stockton North) (Lab) asked the Minister for the Armed Forces, Luke Pollard, about the Government's assessment of the progress on the AUKUS strategic partnership. In response, the Minister stated that the UK is fully committed to the AUKUS partnership. He noted that on 26 September, the Secretary of State hosted the first AUKUS Defence Ministers' meeting outside the US, during which he provided direction and guidance to accelerate the opportunities presented by this landmark partnership. Addressing Ms Scrogham's follow-up, the Minister acknowledged the pride in Barrow and Furness for building the Astute and Dreadnought submarines and being part of the AUKUS programme. He agreed that a cross-departmental approach is needed to support the delivery of the AUKUS deal in Barrow and Furness, and expressed his willingness to meet with Ms Scrogham to discuss this further. Responding to Mr. McDonald, the Minister highlighted the recent AUKUS Defence Ministers' communiqué, which outlined a £7 billion investment in industrial capacity. He agreed that the strength of the industrial base will be crucial in any prolonged war, and stated that the Government is working with industry to deliver a new defence industrial strategy to strengthen resilience and innovation, including in Mr. McDonald's constituency of Billingham. The Minister offered to meet with Mr. McDonald to discuss how to make the most of these opportunities. Mark Pritchard (The Wrekin) (Con) asked the Minister about the UK's bilateral discussions with South Korea, Japan, New Zealand, and Canada regarding their potential involvement in the so-called "pillar 2" of AUKUS. The Minister responded that there are opportunities to work with many international partners on pillar 2, and that these conversations have been taking place at both official and political levels within the Ministry of Defence. Finally, Bradley Thomas (Bromsgrove) (Con) raised the issue of the resilience of the computer chip supply chain that supports the UK military. The Minister acknowledged the fragility of the international supply chain in this area and stated that the Government is working to onshore and "friendly-shore" production to reduce exposure to threats.