Answer from Hansard

The Secretary of State for Defence (Wes Streeting)

Before I begin my answer, I pay tribute to Major Paul Wilks, who was sadly killed in a road traffic accident in Ukraine last month. I know the whole House will join me in sending heartfelt thoughts and condolences to all his family, friends and colleagues, particularly his wife and children. There has never been a better or more important time to join defence. I am determined to ensure that we give people from all backgrounds opportunities to succeed, while creating the skills and talent that keep our country safe. As part of the defence industrial strategy, we are investing £182 million to improve science, technology, engineering and maths skills for young people and increase capacity in the education system, as well as backing defence technical excellence colleges in England with £50 million, with the ambition and intention to see that expand to Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland. We have got to strengthen our defence industrial skills base to provide opportunities for the next generation; this Government, with this investment, will certainly do that.