Welcoming a New Era of Defence Manufacturing
It is with great honour that I stand before you today alongside esteemed figures such as the German ambassador and Shaun Davies, the dedicated local Member of Parliament, who tirelessly champions Telford on both national and international platforms. We gather here to inaugurate the new UK Gun Hall, and I extend my heartfelt gratitude to Armin, Rebecca, and the entire Rheinmetall team for orchestrating such a remarkable event and for their long-term investment in our nation, which bolsters jobs and communities alike.
The presence of various leaders and representatives from government, industry, and military underscores the significance of this new facility. It is essential to acknowledge the importance of what we are commemorating today. As someone deeply appreciative of our nation’s industrial heritage, I recognise that we are in close proximity to the birthplace of British industry—an area synonymous with engineering and manufacturing excellence.
Thus, it is particularly fitting that we come together to celebrate the revitalisation of that unique industrial strength. This occasion represents a vote of confidence in our country and a clear statement of our commitment to reindustrialising Britain, whilst simultaneously creating well-paid, sustainable jobs throughout the nation. Furthermore, it demonstrates our dedication to enhancing the capabilities of our armed forces.
Beyond Manufacturing: A Commitment to Readiness and Resilience
What we are inaugurating today transcends the concept of a mere manufacturing plant; we are opening the doors to a vision that embodies readiness and resilience. For the first time in decades, artillery gun barrels will be produced right here in Britain, utilising British steel sourced from Forgemasters. This initiative will generate one hundred jobs on-site, with hundreds more anticipated throughout the supply chain across the country.
The Gun Hall will also play a crucial role in supporting the next generation of equipment for the British Army, enabling us to achieve the firepower necessary for operational readiness by 2030. Additionally, this facility stands as a testament to the strengthening defence industrial relationship between the United Kingdom and Germany, marking a new chapter of collaboration.
This development heralds a promising future for Telford, the West Midlands, and our nation as we confront emerging threats and challenges on the global stage. As noted by the Chief of the General Staff, we are continually uncovering new insights into the evolving conflict in Ukraine. While technological advancements are reshaping the battlefield, traditional weaponry remains an integral component of modern warfare.
Building Domestic Manufacturing Capacity
However, the production of essential armaments cannot simply be conjured at will, especially in times of conflict. It is imperative that Britain possesses the capability to manufacture critical defence components domestically and in sufficient quantities. We must have the infrastructure to scale production and replenish stockpiles as threats escalate. Robust supply chains are essential to support our armed forces, ensuring resilience in times of prolonged conflict.
Despite the rise of drones, artificial intelligence, and autonomous technologies, out-innovating potential adversaries is not enough. We must also outproduce them, as the advantage increasingly lies with those who can manufacture quickly and efficiently. Rheinmetall’s operations here in Telford will significantly contribute to achieving this goal.
Transforming Defence Investment into Opportunities
This facility embodies our ambition to convert defence investment into meaningful jobs, skills, and growth across the country. The current threat landscape necessitates the most substantial increase in defence investment since the end of the Cold War. I fully recognise that such investment entails trade-offs in other areas of government spending and impacts taxpayers. Thus, lasting public support for defence investment hinges on demonstrating how it not only strengthens national security but also enhances the quality of life for citizens, ensuring a Britain worth defending.
It is crucial to extend opportunities to every corner of our nation. Currently, nearly seventy per cent of defence investment occurs outside London and the South East, and we will soon outline how communities across the UK will benefit from the defence dividend. In the West Midlands, the defence sector contributes £1.8 billion to the economy and directly supports around 8,000 jobs, with Rheinmetall leading the charge.
Creating Skilled Jobs and Driving Innovation
Moreover, defence investment can play a vital role in addressing the pressing issue of youth unemployment, with over a million young people currently out of work or education. While increased spending is essential, the focus must be on what each pound invested in defence accomplishes for Britain. Does it fortify our industrial base? Does it push the boundaries of innovation? Does it generate skilled employment opportunities, particularly for our youth?
In the next decade, this facility will unequivocally affirm positive answers to all these questions, injecting over £400 million into the UK economy. This is what I mean when I assert that the Ministry of Defence can also function as a ministry for growth and opportunity, not merely increasing expenditure but investing more judiciously to support the people, places, and businesses that bolster our national security and drive renewal across the nation.
Strengthening International Alliances Through Defence
As nations within the NATO alliance grapple with similar challenges posed by escalating threats and constrained finances, it is crucial to ensure that healthy competition does not devolve into counterproductive rivalry and protectionism. This factory serves as a reminder that a robust domestic industry and deeper allied integration can coexist and reinforce one another.
Our interests in the UK and Germany align across numerous fronts, particularly concerning defence and security. As the two largest economies in Europe and the foremost investors in defence, it is only logical for us to collaborate towards a common goal. Our partnership is significant not as an end in itself, but because it enables our countries to achieve collective objectives.
The true measure of success lies not merely in where each component of our equipment is manufactured but in whether our united industrial base can provide our armed forces with the resources they require, precisely when they need them. An alliance capable of mobilising its armies must also be able to mobilise its industries.
Investing in Future Preparedness and Capability
This principle is embodied in the Trinity House agreement, which enhances defence cooperation between our two nations. By uniting our efforts, we can develop domestic manufacturing capabilities that allow us to deliver swiftly and reinforce NATO, which serves our mutual interests.
In this new age of insecurity, we are committed to spending more and doing so with greater efficacy. We are enhancing our preparations by providing improved training and equipping our armed forces with better resources. Moreover, we are dedicated to increasing our production capabilities. We stand here in a region rich in industrial heritage, honouring the past by investing in a promising future. The threats we face are tangible and increasingly proximate, and we must rise to meet them together.
Thank you all for your presence and for the tremendous effort that has gone into establishing this remarkable facility. Your dedication is truly appreciated.