Welsh Conservatives are today calling on the Welsh Government to back Wales's defence industry and publish a dedicated Welsh defence industrial strategy.
Wales’ combined aerospace and defence sector employs around 16,000 people, has a turnover of £3.7bn and contributes around £1.5bn in GVA.
Welsh Conservatives are leading a debate about how Wales can benefit from increased UK defence spending.
The debate comes after Andy Burnham failed to mention defence spending in his conference speech despite pressure to explain how the UK Government can increase defence spending.
Darren Millar MS, Leader of the Welsh Conservatives, said:
“Wales has a proud history of playing its part in the defence of the United Kingdom and has great potential to expand the defence sector and contribute further to the UK’s defence needs.
“With the need to increase defence spending, we have a major opportunity to secure more investment, more jobs, more apprenticeships and opportunities for young people in Wales.
“We need a Welsh defence industrial strategy to ensure Welsh businesses as well as universities and colleges are well-placed to benefit from increased investment.
“Instead of talking down the defence sector, the Welsh Government should be working with the UK Government to maximise the economic benefits for Wales.”
