Mr Tanmanjeet Singh Dhesi

Mr Tanmanjeet Singh Dhesi

Labour — Slough

Speaking in the House of Commons on 2 February 2026

Debate

Support for Defence SMEs

Contribution

UK defence SMEs remain essential to safeguarding our national security, and while drones remain an essential part of modern warfare, so are helicopters. Yet The Times has reported that our sovereign capability to produce military helicopters could now be under threat because of Government indecision as to whether we actually need helicopters. Apparently, the Treasury has deemed that they may not be essential to operations going forward. Can the Secretary of State confirm whether it is the Ministry of Defence or the Treasury that decides on defence procurement priorities? Also, can he clarify when the decision to award the medium-lift helicopter contract will finally be made?

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