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Robin Swann welcomes £271m defence boost for NI but warns of need for joined-up strategy

  • Writer: Love Ballymena
    Love Ballymena
  • 4 hours ago
  • 2 min read
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South Antrim MP Robin Swann has welcomed the UK Government’s £271 million annual defence investment in Northern Ireland, while urging closer coordination between the Northern Ireland Executive and Westminster to ensure maximum economic and strategic benefit.


The Ulster Unionist MP described the announcement as “a positive step for Northern Ireland’s economy” and a recognition of the region’s “innovative aerospace and manufacturing industries.”



Mr Swann said:


“This investment is a positive step for Northern Ireland’s economy and a recognition of our innovative aerospace and manufacturing industries. The 900 jobs directly supported by this funding is to be warmly welcomed.”


The £271 million investment will support 900 jobs across Northern Ireland’s growing defence and aerospace sectors, as part of the UK Government’s wider Defence Industrial Strategy.


South Antrim MP Robin Swann with UK Secretary of Defence, John Healey MP

South Antrim MP Robin Swann with UK Secretary of Defence, John Healey MP


Mr Swann also highlighted the importance of supporting smaller local businesses through the newly created Northern Ireland SME Hub, which aims to connect small and medium enterprises with opportunities in the defence supply chain.



“This announcement follows the very welcome progress made on supporting defence-sector small and medium enterprises through the delivery of a new Northern Ireland SME Hub, something I called for earlier this year. This will provide local firms access to new opportunities within the defence supply chain,” he said.


However, Mr Swann warned that the benefits of this significant investment could be undermined without “joined-up working” between Stormont and London.


“I took the opportunity to raise this issue with Northern Ireland Office Minister Matthew Patrick in the House of Commons last week. The Minister agreed to ensure that any blockages between the Executive’s Investment Strategy and the Defence Industrial Strategy would be addressed. It is vital that this commitment is followed through,” he added.



Mr Swann emphasised that both the Northern Ireland Executive and the Ministry of Defence must work closely to ensure Northern Ireland plays “a full role in national defence” and that no strategic or economic opportunities are missed due to policy misalignment.


“Following this investment, we now need joined up working between the Northern Ireland Office, the Northern Ireland Executive and the Ministry of Defence to ensure that Northern Ireland can play a full role in national defence,” he concluded.



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