Strategic Defence Review

I am proud to support our government’s Strategic Defence Review — a bold and forward-looking plan to ensure Britain’s armed forces are ready for the challenges of a more dangerous world, while potentially delivering real economic benefits here in Coventry and across the West Midlands.

Coventry has long been a centre of innovation and manufacturing excellence. Recently, we have seen the expansion of defence firms in our city, with NP Aerospace opening a new 80,000 square foot facility in April. New facilities like this are not just about defence — they are about growth, opportunity, and securing Coventry’s place at the heart of Britain’s manufacturing future. Labour’s defence strategy will be key to the supporting more developments like this – creating more high-quality, skilled jobs and revitalising local economies.

Nationally, Labour’s plan includes the creation of six new defence factories, part of a major investment in rebuilding our sovereign industrial capacity. These sites will support the production of critical equipment and munitions, helping to ensure the UK is never again caught unprepared. This initiative is expected to create thousands of skilled jobs across the country — and the West Midlands, with its proud engineering heritage, is well placed to benefit.

Labour’s review is also delivering on our manifesto pledge to improve the lives of those currently serving. This includes the biggest pay rise for our armed forces in 20 years, as well as an additional £1.5 billion to repair and upgrade military housing — ensuring our service personnel and their families have decent, warm, and safe homes. This is about restoring dignity and respect to those who protect our country.

This Saturday, I’ll be visiting the Coventry Armed Forces and Veterans Breakfast Club to hear directly from serving personnel and veterans about their experiences and priorities. Their voices are vital in shaping a defence policy that truly works for those on the front line and beyond.

That’s why I’m especially proud of Labour’s VALOUR programme — Veterans’ Access to Lifelong Opportunity, Unity and Respect. VALOUR will provide tailored support for veterans, including better access to mental health services, employment opportunities, and housing. It’s a clear signal that under Labour, no one who has served our country will be left behind.

Labour’s Defence Review is about more than military hardware — it’s about people, communities, and national resilience. It strengthens our security, supports our economy, and honours the service of our armed forces. I will continue to champion Coventry’s role in this national mission — ensuring our city leads the way in building a safer, fairer, and more prosperous Britain.

Yours sincerely,