Welsh Secretary Stephen Kinnock has welcomed new figures showing that the number of jobs in Wales supported by Ministry of Defence spending increased by 1,000 in a single year.
The Labour MP highlighted the figures as evidence that the UK Government’s investment in defence is supporting employment and economic opportunities across Wales while strengthening Britain’s national security.
Writing on X, Kinnock said:
“The UK Government is increasing the number of defence-supporting jobs in Wales.
“1,000 more in just one year alone!
“More job opportunities. Stronger national security. A win-win.”
The figures underline the wider economic importance of defence spending, with investment supporting jobs not only directly within the armed forces but throughout manufacturing, engineering and associated supply chains.
Wales has a significant defence and aerospace sector, with businesses and skilled workers contributing to programmes serving the UK Armed Forces and international markets.
The Government has placed increasing emphasis on using defence expenditure to strengthen Britain’s industrial base, create skilled employment and support economic growth in communities across the country.
Kinnock’s intervention also reflects Labour’s argument that greater investment in Britain’s defence capabilities can deliver an economic as well as a national security dividend.
For Wales, the additional 1,000 jobs will be seen as further evidence of the potential for government procurement and long-term investment to support skilled employment and industrial growth.
Kinnock said the combination of greater employment opportunities and stronger national security represented a “win-win” for Wales and the wider UK.
