UK Government Minister praises Northern Ireland’s defence sector
A Government Defence Minister has praised Northern Ireland’s role in protecting the security of the United Kingdom after being questioned by an Ulster Unionist peer.
Speaking in the House of Lords earlier today, Lord Rogan recalled Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer’s recent announcement of a £1.6 billion contract for Thales in Belfast to supplyair defence missiles for Ukraine, creating 200 jobs in Northern Ireland.
He said: “The deal also included the prospect of a further £500 million of additional work to be added in collaboration with a Ukrainian industry partner.”
And he asked the Minister of State for Defence, Lord Coaker: “Can you provide the House with an update on progress, including how many new jobs have been delivered and whether the extra £500 million of work for Thales Northern Ireland has been secured?”
Responding, Lord Coaker stressed that the Government has sought to ensure that “the increase in defence expenditure is felt across the nations and regions.”
He said: “Northern Ireland has secured significant sums of the money for Thales as well as other manufacturing including small and medium-sized businesses.
“It's a massive success story for Northern Ireland. Northern Ireland plays a huge role in the defence and security of our nation.”
Lord Coaker added: “There are huge numbers of jobs being placed there and a huge amount of investment taking place as well.”