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Defence: Finance

Asked by Mike WoodConservativeTreasuryTabled Answered 22 October 2025UIN 81877

The question

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, what assessment she has made of the incidence of B-Corp status resulting in financial divestment in the defence industry.

Answered by James Murray

HM Treasury is aware that, in particular, SMEs and startups operating in the defence sector face barriers to accessing finance and MOD contracts, which is why the recent Defence Industrial Strategy established a new Defence Office for Small Business Growth to improve access to finance, set up a dedicated SME Commercial Pathway, and set ambitious targets for increasing MOD spending with SMEs.

The recent deal with Norway worth £10bn is testament to the UK’s global competitiveness.

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