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The UK Ministry of Defence has announced “Back British”, an industry call to action set to bolster UK jobs and businesses in the defence industry.
The UK’s new “Back British” plan is set to bring a major boost to investment in the UK defence industry through supporting small and medium-sized businesses (SMEs), increasing the job market and promoting national production.
While still in consultation, the proposal aims to ensure that when the UK government buys defence assets from international partners, the contractor is required to invest back into the UK through ways such as manufacturing in the country, using smaller nationals supply chains or investing in UK skills training.
“Where we have to buy from foreign firms a new offset approach means UK SMEs will benefit from offset agreements,” said Minister for Defence Readiness and Industry Luke Pollard.
“By helping open up global supply chains to UK firms of all sizes, a new offset approach will strengthen our Armed Forces while making defence an engine for growth across Britain.”
The plan aims to deliver on the goals established in the 2025 Defence Industrial Strategy, aiming to back the British defence industry while strengthening the overall national economy. Following the appointment of the newly announced National Armaments Director, Rupert Pearce, the UK industrial base is hoping to achieve major growth in the coming years through national strategies such as “Back British”.
“The ‘Back British’ consultation demonstrates our commitment to ensuring defence investment creates opportunities for UK businesses across all regions, and I look forward to working with industry to deliver on this ambition,” Pearce said.
The plan is currently undergoing a 12-week consultation with the industry to ensure the frameworks and suggested strategies will work effectively in maintaining strong international defence relationships, while bolstering UK’s national interests.
“Back British” similarly reflects Australia’s continued ambition to create a strong industrial and manufacturing base in Australia, backing local SMEs and investing back in Australian industries. As a part of the Defence Industry Development Strategy, the seven Sovereign Defence Industrial Priorities established aim to strengthen industry and create a defence industry that benefits Australia’s security and economic interests.
