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Defence: Manufacturing Industries

Asked by Vikki SladeLiberal DemocratMinistry of DefenceTabled Answered 4 September 2025UIN 70206

The question

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, what steps he is taking to ensure that SME defence manufacturers are able to access banking services.

Answered by Maria Eagle

The Strategic Defence Review has recommended the development of a Defence Finance and Investment Strategy, to be published in 2026, which will focus on improving Defence’s relationship with the financial services sector. This strategy aims to support SMEs in accessing tailored financial products and services, ensuring they are better positioned to contribute to the growth and resilience of the defence sector. These measures reflect the Government’s determination to support SMEs and strengthen the UK’s world-leading defence industry.

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