Sarah Edwards MP: speeches

Speeches

• 19 Mar 2025 · Defence Industries: West Midlands · Hansard source

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  I absolutely agree with the hon. Member. In fact I will go on to talk about just how important it is that all our regions and nations are embedded in this process, and that they all contribute different skills that are of value. There are so many different aspects to defence, and our defence industries that contribute and go well past into other areas of manufacturing. I thank him for raising that point. Last week, the Business and Trade Committee heard from Rolls-Royce, BAE Systems, Leonardo and MBDA on the global combat air programme, which is an alliance between the UK, Italy and Japan, who are designing Tempest fighter jets. That alliance integrates advanced air combat technology, ensuring that our defence capabilities match evolving threats. Defence alliances are a cornerstone of trade diplomacy, driving both national security and industrial growth. They have been cited as having the potential to drive our export growth, while cementing important alliances for our defence. One issue raised with the Business and Trade Committee was the short-term nature of defence funding cycles; even major companies operate on a one-year funding cycle, making it difficult to sustain long-term projects such as Tempest. National security priorities do not fit neatly into parliamentary terms, and our defence sector needs stability. It was suggested that moving to a three or five-year funding model would provide certainty, drive innovation and ensure that the UK remains a global leader in defence. What conversations is the Minister having on the contractual arrangements currently in play for companies and the assessment that he has made of their ability to help the Government to reach their goals for the sector and national security? Export-led growth will be essential to the defence industries that need a wider base than just their own sovereign purchasing power. By exporting technology and products, companies will be able to keep the continuity of build programmes going away from that boom-and-bust cycle. We could use industry to foster diplomatic relations of bilateral importance. The future of the defence industry relies on a workforce equipped with the right skills and adaptable to the evolving demands of our armed forces and the Ministry of Defence.

• 19 Mar 2025 · Defence Industries: West Midlands · Hansard source

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  The Minister has mentioned the examples of the automotive sector and cyber-security, and how many people do not realise that they are working in comparable industries. As parliamentarians, how can we work to showcase the different ways that people are contributing to the defence industry, or could be working in it? How can we promote that? What does the Minister think we can do to make sure people realise that this is a wider, shared endeavour and that their skills are very transferable?

• 19 Mar 2025 · Defence Industries: West Midlands · Hansard source

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  I absolutely agree. It is almost as though my hon. Friend predicted what I will speak about next, because I will soon tell a story about a visit that I made. The fact that the company has been in his constituency for 130 years shows that Britain has this prowess, and we do not want to lose it. Through this strategy, we have to ensure that such businesses are still going and that that innovation is being incorporated into technology. The Business and Trade Committee went to Scotland on Monday. Although ships are manufactured in Scotland, it takes a whole country to build them. The Committee witnessed the incredible shipbuilding work taking place at the BAE Systems site in Govan. The commitment to skills development in Scotland is impressive, with competitive apprenticeship programmes open to all ages, allowing career changes and retraining. The programmes are more competitive than gaining a place at Oxford University, highlighting the value of practical skills and apprenticeships. The narrative that university is the only option to success has, in part, fuelled a shortage in skills. During our visit, I stood onboard HMS Cardiff in its fit-out stage and saw where HMS Birmingham will soon start the next phase of its construction, in a giant hangar that is large enough for two ships to be built side by side. The Type 26 frigates being built in Scotland are world-class and, when used properly, will be crucial for our trade diplomacy strategy, with many countries eager to buy British. A key theme raised as being important to the success of the defence industrial strategy was the continuity of work to preserve an essential skills base. For example, steel may come from Port Talbot in Wales, making up 4% of the cost of a ship, but 25% of the cost is in the combat systems, requiring digital engineering and design expertise found in places such as Hertfordshire. Fostering innovation across the defence and civil sectors such as aerospace is crucial, as demonstrated by the evidence given to the Business and Trade Committee yesterday by Airbus, which said that more than 50% of the supply chain is both defence and civil. Our visit reinforced the importance of a collaborative, nationwide approach to defence. From steel manufacturing to advanced digital systems, every region and nation of the UK contributes to defence and innovation, playing a part in our national security. Will the Minister meet me and defence companies in my constituency to talk about how they can continue to play a part—and, indeed, play a greater part—in the endeavour that the Government have set out? To ensure the long-term security and strength of our defence and industrial sectors, we must build that greater resilience in our supply chains.

• 19 Mar 2025 · Defence Industries: West Midlands · Hansard source

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  I absolutely agree. We have to back British, we have to buy British, and we have to keep the west midlands in pole position, innovating and ensuring that companies working across civil and defence can get the maximum benefit from the new procurement contracts coming from the MOD. A comprehensive review of the UK supply chain is essential to ensure that SMEs have visibility and fair access to Government contracts. Smaller businesses often struggle to break into large procurement processes dominated by major players, and access to funding is difficult. Again, the annual funding cycles were cited by Flare Bright and Gibson Robotics as problematic for growing SMEs in the evidence we heard yesterday.

• 19 Mar 2025 · Defence Industries: West Midlands · Hansard source

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  That contribution is paramount to the debate; the west midlands is very proud not only of being the third largest region in terms of our contribution to the defence sector, but that our constituents work very hard to contribute to that. It is incredibly important that people see that they are a part of this endeavour, and it is not something that is happening far away from them. They are an essential part, so I thank my hon. Friend for raising that point. To achieve this, we must create clear, skills-based career pathways that allow individuals to upskill or transition into the sector at different stages of their career. One effective way to address that challenge is through closer collaboration between further education centres and the defence industry. These partnerships are critical in identifying skills gaps and shaping education programmes that directly address industry needs. By doing this, we can provide young people with a clear vision for how they can step into the defence industry. Young people too often underestimate the transferability of their skills across industries. Many assume that the expertise they gain in education or early career roles is limited to a single sector, but abilities such as problem solving, teamwork, communication and technical proficiency are in high demand across multiple fields. An engineering student may not realise that their expertise is equally valuable in defence. At the same time, we must ensure that those already in the armed forces and the Ministry of Defence have the opportunity to reskill and upskill—a zig-zag career approach, where individuals move between roles and gain new skills. That would allow personnel to adapt to the changes, ensuring that the MOD retains experienced talent, while keeping pace with technological advancements. In my constituency, we are fortunate to house Defence Medical Services Whittington, which hosts the defence medical academy. That institution is dedicated to advancing the training and research that can provide our military personnel with the best medical care and knowledge required to tackle complex injuries on the battlefield. Linking our industries with our military centres provides opportunities for skills development and transfer. The social value created by defence industries is strategic value. Larger companies in the west midlands are capitalising on key skills. Some companies, such as Rolls-Royce and BAE Systems, are currently creating their own apprenticeship training programmes. How is the Minister working with the Minister for Skills on developing pathways and opportunities that directly respond to the needs of the sector?

• 19 Mar 2025 · Defence Industries: West Midlands · Hansard source

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  I absolutely agree, particularly with my hon. Friend’s shout out to his constituency and, of course, Staffordshire, which plays an important role. As hon. Members have said, we have a concentration of hard-working companies, and there is a benefit to their dual-use aspects. That is something we should push as a nation to ensure we get the most for all our regions. RAND Europe, commissioned by the MOD in 2021, found that “SMEs and mid-tier suppliers report difficulties accessing and engaging with both top tier suppliers and the MOD”. Barriers included a lack of corporate functions and challenges in marketing their businesses to prime contractors. UK defence supply chains also struggled to attract non-traditional suppliers due to slow, inflexible and bureaucratic processes. It concluded that the MOD’s approach to contracting is seen as “inflexible” and disadvantageous to lower-tier suppliers, which “discourages innovation.” Examples of how the MOD could support smaller suppliers and foster innovation were cited as being, in part, possible due to the defence and security accelerator programme, or DASA, because it creates a contract for revenue, which is vital so that firms can demonstrate to other investors that they are viable—grants cannot be treated in the same way. Can the Minister reflect on how the DASA programme could be expanded to align more closely with the challenges that SMEs face in developing products and solving problems? The DASA programme has an element of mentoring, which those who have used it have cited as very valuable. The US also uses a model in which technical liaison officers scout for companies and then support them through the complex military procurement and due diligence processes. Has the Minister considered a similar scheme in defence industrial policy, and has he spoken with his colleagues in the Department for Business and Trade on how to align those goals for maximum impact? Yesterday, the Business and Trade Committee heard that procurement towards capability might better suit the fast-paced environment that military technology now inhabits. Ukraine has shown that innovation is happening in weeks, not years, so the procurement need —rather than defined items—may in some circumstances foster better results. The strategic defence review will also be an important part of informing those decisions. It is a vital first step, taken by this Government, to ensure that we have the right force capability fit for the future and that, when we spend money, we spend it well. It has been suggested that one large innovation hub could be created, establishing facilities for testing programmes that could then enable smaller companies to continue developing, leading to small-scale buying programmes that could later be scaled into larger ones. That sets a clear pathway that could be stewarded by an individual liaison. Those are some of the things the Committee has heard that we think could support the Government’s ideals. The west midlands is showcasing the incredible potential of the UK’s defence industry as a driver of security, economic growth, innovation and skills development. Investing in reskilling and upskilling is crucial for those currently serving in the armed forces and the MOD, as well as for future-proofing our defence workforce. Building resilience in our supply chains by prioritising UK businesses, especially SMEs, in procurement decisions is essential. I thank the Members present for showcasing the work of their constituents, and of the companies in their constituencies, to support the defence industries. By making funding more accessible and breaking down barriers to entry, we can harness British innovation and ensure that our defence industry remains competitive globally. The Government have taken decisive action by focusing on an industrial strategy that prioritises defence. Amid global uncertainty, we must provide calm and focus on developing security systems that prepare our nation for any eventuality. Including our regions in the strategy unlocks opportunities and high-skilled jobs that benefit local communities everywhere, including those in my Tamworth constituency. We have talent, expertise and ambition, and now we must make the right choices to unlock that potential.

• 18 Mar 2025 · Energy Consumer Support · Hansard source

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  6. What discussions he has had with energy suppliers on support for consumers.

• 18 Mar 2025 · Energy Consumer Support · Hansard source

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  In my constituency, a local hospitality business’s energy provider, E.ON, has behaved appallingly by back-billing and incorrectly billing, leaving that business nearly bankrupt. While I welcome the new expanded remit of the Energy Ombudsman, we need to ensure that it has the capacity and powers that it needs to protect businesses. Would the Minister meet me to discuss this case, and what are the Government doing to ensure that our local businesses are not driven to bankruptcy by the outrageous behaviour of energy suppliers?

• 5 Mar 2025 · Department for Business and Trade · Hansard source

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  As a member of the Business and Trade Committee, I am pleased to share the Committee’s priorities for this Parliament, and the way in which the evidence that we have gathered has shaped our work plan. I recently hosted a roundtable in Tamworth with local businesses and, given our close relationship with West Midlands combined authority, I also invited our mayor, Richard Parker, to discuss his plans for skills development across the region. One of the main themes that emerged from our discussion was the difficulty that businesses experienced in finding the right workers. With the transition to a greener, more digital economy, businesses need a skilled workforce. The Minister’s recent announcement about making apprenticeships shorter, more agile and tailored to business needs responded directly to what we have heard across the country. In Tamworth, I spoke to representatives of Kier Group and Simpson Strong-Tie to explore how we could encourage young people, especially women, to consider the construction sector. With clearer pathways, we can ensure that the skills needed to support economic growth and deliver the housing and infrastructure that our country needs are in place. A great example of regional success is Cornerstone Partnership, a social housing developer in Tamworth. With support from the combined authority, it has been able to access finance through loans, demonstrating how devolved powers can direct resources effectively. However, challenges remain for smaller businesses that struggle to access finance from institutions such as the British Business Bank or face barriers when exporting. I should like to hear a little more from the Minister about how businesses will be enabled to access the additional £415 million for the bank. I also spoke to PI-KEM, a small company in my constituency that started with five employees and now exports globally from its base in Tamworth. In just over a decade, it has increased its workforce to more than 30 employees. Despite that success, it faces long waits for suitable industrial units. Many businesses whose representatives I have spoken to are in a similar situation, unable to find mid-range industrial space to grow into. Small and medium-sized enterprises are the backbone of our economy, constituting 99.8% of all private sector businesses, but they are under immense pressure, especially with rising costs and energy challenges. The energy crisis has hit businesses hard, especially in sectors such as hospitality. I hear time and again that energy bills are forcing businesses to close. The good news is that, as of December 2024, the Energy Ombudsman can represent businesses with up to 50 employees, expanding its reach beyond just microbusinesses. I am currently working with the ombudsman on behalf of one of the microbusinesses in my constituency, which has faced unfair back-billing practices by its energy supplier. Our high streets have been affected by business closures, but in Tamworth we have embraced our heritage as a driver of regeneration. Our unique selling point is our history and heritage, and we are using it to bring businesses back to the town. For instance, our grade I listed St. Editha’s church and Tamworth castle can be key drivers of growth. Local businesses have collaborated on events such as the Athelstan 1100 festival, which brought the community together and attracted visitors. With the Government’s £270 million funding for the Arts Everywhere programme, towns such as Tamworth can continue to showcase their heritage, support local businesses and regenerate town centres. There is much more to discuss, but let me end by saying that whether it is a question of improving access to finance, supporting digital transformation or helping businesses to export, with the right support we can achieve sustained growth, but we must remain agile in the face of an unpredictable global context.

• 4 Mar 2025 · Market Towns: Cultural Heritage · Hansard source

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  That point is incredibly important. I serve the Tamworth constituency, which has a historic market town and 1,000 years of history; it is known for its castle. It is really important that heritage is used for regeneration. Does my hon. Friend agree that the Government’s £4.85 million heritage revival fund will help towns such as Tamworth and those that he mentioned to focus on how assets can be maximised by the community, and to focus on heritage as a regenerative tool?

• 27 Feb 2025 · Non-league Football Clubs · Hansard source

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  I congratulate my hon. Friend on securing such an important debate, celebrating the immense value of football and our local clubs. I commend the mention of women and girls; I used to play football myself for a team. I want to talk about Tamworth FC. My local chairman contacted me about the 3UP campaign, which is pushing for an extra promotional place from the national league to the English football league. That would provide more ambition for clubs, provide inspiration for fans and, crucially, ensure that money flows from the top right through the game to our lower non-league clubs. Does my hon. Friend agree that we need to support initiatives like that, to ensure that clubs and local economies benefit?

• 13 Feb 2025 · Regional Airports · Hansard source

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  14. What discussions she is having with airlines to encourage the operation of flights from airports outside London and the south-east.

• 13 Feb 2025 · Regional Airports · Hansard source

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  In my constituency, the largest sectoral employer is logistics. Tamworth sits within the “golden triangle” for distribution, centred around the European rail link. Within this hub is East Midlands airport, which handles approximately 440,000 tonnes of freight each year, second only to Heathrow. What steps will the Minister take to fuel economic growth across the west midlands, reviewing capacity at our regional airports, including Birmingham?

• 13 Feb 2025 · Business of the House · Hansard source

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  Tamworth town centre is being obliterated by roadworks that started on Monday. Staffordshire county council has not properly consulted or informed schools, businesses, residents or the borough council. A hotel has lost £700 of business in 24 hours; traffic is at a standstill; and roadworks are going through the night—my community is rightly up in arms. Can we have a statement on how the Government are holding councils to account to ensure that they are not undermining the Government’s growth agenda around core administration and planning, particularly around roadworks?

• 13 Feb 2025 · Ukraine · Hansard source

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  I thank the Minister for her statement and the additional support that the Government have announced. It is essential that the UK supports Ukraine, and that the annual £3 billion pledge continues. Does she agree that working alongside our allies is even more essential in these turbulent times to bring about an end to the war?

• 10 Feb 2025 · Armed Forces Recruitment · Hansard source

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  In my constituency we are proud to host the Defence Medical Services at Whittington. We are looking forward to a fresh date being set for a visit from my hon. Friend the Minister for Veterans and People so that he can see its brilliant work for himself. What steps is the Minister taking to build on the success of such centres of excellence in any new recruitment programmes?

• 10 Feb 2025 · Armed Forces Recruitment · Hansard source

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  24. What steps he is taking to help increase recruitment to the armed forces.

• 5 Feb 2025 · Tackling Violence Against Women and Girls · Hansard source

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  13. What steps she is taking with Cabinet colleagues to help tackle violence against women and girls.

• 5 Feb 2025 · Tackling Violence Against Women and Girls · Hansard source

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  Many women fear violence and assault on nights out, even more so when alcohol is involved and it is dark. In my constituency, the Tamworth street angels do vital work to ensure that people feel safe in the town centre during the evenings, and they offer support when women need it most. Does the Minister agree that we should support such organisations, and will she join me in congratulating the Tamworth street angels on their recent King’s award for voluntary service?

• 22 Jan 2025 · Engagements · Hansard source

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  Q12. Tamworth castle, which boasts 1,000 years of history, was recently added to the “Heritage at Risk” register following my campaign about its future. Despite needing repairs, it provides a unique and valuable learning environment, welcoming both the public and schools to learn about Tamworth’s rich history. Will the Prime Minister visit Tamworth to see how an 11th-century castle is providing 21st-century learning opportunities while promoting local heritage?

• 19 Dec 2024 · Topical Questions · Hansard source

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  Merry Christmas to you, Mr Speaker, and to your team and to colleagues across the House. My constituents have long felt the impacts of flooding, and many residents have been isolated in rural areas after a storm. I have recently produced a flooding report. Will the Minister meet me to discuss it, so that I can support the work of the Department?

• 19 Dec 2024 · Hospice Funding · Hansard source

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  St Giles Hospice in my constituency has funding challenges like any other. One thing that staff mentioned to me was the sustainability of when they are contracted to do things. Is the Department considering the timing and not just the funding, to enable better planning and better staff planning?

• 19 Dec 2024 · Business of the House · Hansard source

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  I wish to raise the case of my constituent Mitch Middleton, who has refractory primary central nervous system lymphoma in his brain. Following radiotherapy, the cancer has returned and the NHS has given him six to 12 months to live. The treatment that he needs is called chimeric antigen receptor T-cell therapy, and it is available on the NHS, but not for his circumstances, although haematologists know that it can be used to treat his cancer. The price tag is about £475,000—too expensive. He is having to fundraise to fly abroad and have the treatment. Will the Leader of the House find time for a debate on licensing and access to treatment for cancer, as there are more people who, sadly, cannot access the care and treatment that they need?

• 27 Nov 2024 · Finance Bill · Hansard source

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  Does the hon. Member think it was fiscally responsible for the SNP Finance Secretary to have used all of the £460 million from offshore wind? He has spoken a lot about this Government, but does he think that that was appropriate?

• 27 Nov 2024 · City and Growth Deals · Hansard source

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  As a member of the Business and Trade Committee, I am pleased that Belfast has seen a successful economic redevelopment, partly driven by embracing its heritage, which will now be further supported by the Belfast region city deal. Does the Secretary of State agree that we must continue to support heritage as a regenerative tool in Northern Ireland and the wider UK with deals like this?