During today’s Prime Minister’s Questions (PMQs), Sir Ed Davey, leader of the Liberal Democrats, confronted the Prime Minister in a robust exchange regarding the future of Leonardo’s helicopter manufacturing plant in Yeovil. Davey urged immediate government action to secure a contract for the West Country-based defence firm, which has been waiting 14 years for a significant government order.
Leonardo, the owner of the Yeovil factory that employs 3,000 people, is currently the sole bidder for a £1 billion Ministry of Defence contract to supply medium-sized helicopters. However, the firm has warned it may be forced to close the factory if the contract is not awarded by March, a move that would jeopardize thousands of jobs and critical domestic defence manufacturing capabilities.
Sir Ed stated, “We all agree that strengthening the UK’s defence capabilities is essential. But the government is moving too slowly on investing in defence industries. The delayed publication of the promised defence investment plan is putting key manufacturers like Leonardo’s Yeovil plant at serious risk.”
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Highlighting the urgency, he added, “With Putin’s war in Europe and threats to NATO, we must rearm swiftly. So why won’t the Prime Minister commit to buying great British helicopters made right here in the West Country?”
In response, the Prime Minister defended the government’s defence spending, emphasizing the increase as the largest since the last Labour government. He criticized Davey for opposing the budget that allocated these funds, stating, “He wants more money and faster spending, but did he support the budget? No, he voted against it.”
Members of Parliament from the Yeovil area, including MP Sir Adam Dance, have echoed the warnings about the factory’s survival. Dance noted that without the contract by March, over 3,000 jobs at the factory and another 12,000 in the regional supply chain could be lost, along with £320 million contributed annually to the local economy. He stressed that losing the ability to manufacture helicopters domestically would be a strategic setback amid global instability.
The tense debate began when Sir Ed accused former US President Donald Trump of “acting like a crime boss” and called for a firmer stance against Trump’s contentious bid to purchase Greenland, amid threats of tariffs on the UK and Denmark.
The exchange underscored the critical crossroads facing UK defence manufacturing and the political pressures surrounding investment in domestic capabilities during uncertain geopolitical times.