VerbatimParliament, as it happens

Defence: Small Businesses

Asked by Stuart AndersonConservativeMinistry of DefenceTabled Answered 8 September 2026UIN 21675

The question

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, with reference to page 11 of his Department’s Defence Industrial Strategy, published on 8 September 2025, what progress his Department has made on the commitment to increase spending with SMEs by £2.5 billion by May 2028.

Answered by Ministry of Defence

The Ministry of Defence remains committed to increasing Defence spending with SMEs by an additional £2.5 billion by summer 2028. To support delivery of this commitment, the Defence Office for Small Business Growth was established in January 2026, providing dedicated support to SMEs, simplifying engagement with Defence, and addressing barriers to entry. The SME Action Plan published in July 2026 also sets out a clear growth trajectory from 2026/27 onwards in SME spend.

Verbatim has judged this answer against the question that was actually asked — answered, partly answered, or evaded. Sign in to see the verdict →

Open this question in Verbatim →

Every written question, searchable

155,000 questions tabled since the election, with the answer each department gave — and the ones still unanswered, with the clock running. Free to search.

Search written questions →Read on Verbatim