During Prime Minister’s Questions on January 21, Sir Ed Davey, leader of the Liberal Democrats, challenged the Prime Minister over the future of Leonardo’s helicopter factory in Yeovil. He called for swift government investment in the defence firm, questioning why the government has not proceeded with purchasing “great British helicopters made in the West Country.”
Leonardo, which employs around 3,000 people at its Yeovil factory, recently warned it might have to shut down after waiting 14 years for a government contract. The company is currently the sole bidder for a £1 billion Ministry of Defence contract to supply medium-sized helicopters.
Sir Ed stressed the importance of bolstering UK defence capabilities, saying, “The government is moving far too slowly in investing in our defence industries. It hasn’t even released the promised defence investment plan from last autumn. This delay risks critical industries like helicopter manufacturing in Yeovil.”
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Against the backdrop of rising global tensions—highlighted by Vladimir Putin’s actions in Europe and Donald Trump’s challenges to NATO—Davey argued that rapid rearmament is essential. He pressed the Prime Minister: “So why won’t the PM just get on with buying great British helicopters made in the West Country?”
In response, the Prime Minister emphasized that defence spending is increasing to levels not seen since the previous Labour government, attributing budget constraints to decisions made during fiscal planning. He criticized Davey for voting against the budget, saying, “He wants more money faster, but did he support the budget to make that possible? No, he voted against it.”
Sir Adam Dance, MP for Yeovil, has previously highlighted the factory’s precarious position, warning Parliament that without a government contract by March, over 3,000 jobs could be lost. This would also impact 12,000 supply chain jobs and jeopardize the £320 million Leonardo contributes to the local economy. He stressed the wider national security impact: “Losing our ability to produce helicopters entirely in the UK would come at a dangerous time amid global instability.”
The tense discussion also saw Sir Ed accuse then-US President Donald Trump of “acting like a crime boss” and urged Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer to oppose Trump’s threat to buy Greenland. Trump’s aggressive posturing has included threats of tariffs on both the UK and Denmark.