Speaking at the The Labour Party Conference in Liverpool today, Rt Hon Rachel Reeves, Chancellor of the Exchequer, announced that the Government will legislate for a new economic security power when parliamentary time allows.

Details remain to be confirmed, but this could well mean that in strategic areas, the Government will support procurement processes that ensure British businesses are prioritised to deliver equipment where national security is at stake. This would clearly safeguard British jobs and strengthen domestic manufacturing.

Tristan Crawford, CEO of AERALIS, said: “It’s hugely encouraging to see our government recognise the positive effect of selecting UK-based businesses and programmes that have the unique ability to engage the whole of the UK supply chain, from full design and development to the skilled workforce who build and support the equipment upon which the defence of the UK relies. We therefore wholly welcome the Chancellor’s announcement that the Government will legislate for a new economic security power when parliamentary time allows. As the only fully British-Designed and Built replacement for the Hawk Advanced Jet Trainer, clearly AERALIS provides an ideal programme for showcasing both the defence and economic benefits such legislation will bring.”

AERALIS’ proposition is simple. It draws on existing world-leading UK manufacturing through its AERTEAM™, a core consortium of proven, UK-based aerospace & defence companies, supported by over forty SMEs, who between them have decades of experience building and operating military aircraft. AERALIS components will be designed, manufactured and integrated across the UK, culminating in final assembly and delivery to the UK and export markets around the world from Prestwick in Western Scotland.

Image: ©House of Commons