Defence: Minerals
The question
To ask the Secretary of State for Business and Trade, with reference to the Department for Business and Trade's press release entitled UK to secure critical minerals boosting economic resilience and cutting reliance on imports, published on 22 June 2026, what assessment he has made of the extent to which the investment will strengthen the resilience of supply chains supporting the defence sector.
Answered by Chris McDonald
A secure supply of critical minerals is vital for the UK's economic growth and security. The £50 million Critical Minerals Programme will support delivery of the UK Critical Minerals Strategy by scaling domestic production and recycling while accelerating research, innovation and commercialisation. This supports resilience across the Industrial Strategy’s growth-driving sectors, including defence, where critical minerals underpin capabilities from semiconductors and batteries to rare earth permanent magnets. The £50 million also complements ongoing work set out in the strategy to consider options to implement targeted, industry-led resilience measures for the UK defence sector, including potential stockpiling.
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