Richard Quigley MP has called on the Government to ensure the Isle of Wight benefits from a renewed national focus on British industry, following the Chancellor Rachel Reeves MP’s announcement that government contracts in key sectors should be awarded directly to UK-based companies.
The Chancellor confirmed that four critical industries will be prioritised under the new ‘Buy British’ approach: shipbuilding, steel, energy and artificial intelligence. Officials in the Treasury and Cabinet Office will now monitor billions of pounds’ worth of contracts across these sectors and, if necessary, override decisions taken by departmental ministers to ensure the policy is delivered.
Welcoming the announcement, Richard highlighted the significant opportunity this presents for the Isle of Wight’s maritime sector.
He said that awarding government contracts to local firms could be “transformational” for the Island’s economy, particularly if companies such as Wight Shipyard and Diverse Marine are able to compete for Ministry of Defence and Border Force contracts.
Richard Quigley MP said:
“I have spoken directly with the Chancellor and explained that it’s not just sensible to buy British built boats, but it would be transformational for the Island and secure boat building at companies such as Wight shipyard and diverse marine for years to come”
“This renewed emphasis on buying British demonstrates that the Government is serious about backing our domestic industries and supporting skilled jobs.
“The Isle of Wight has a proud shipbuilding heritage and a highly capable workforce. I will continue making the strongest possible case that our island businesses are not only ready to deliver these contracts, but are exceptionally well placed to do so.”
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He added that securing a share of national procurement programmes would help strengthen local supply chains, create high-quality jobs, and deliver long-term economic growth for the Island
Whatever, buy British unless we can get it cheaper elsewhere.
Buy British. Lol
Majority of products are made in China.
Sod all British boat building industries left thanks to Thatcher, and Reeves is deliberately decimating any that might be still going
There won’t be nothing left soon.
Didn’t we buy ”British” with the floating bridge that turned out to be a pile of shit.
Yep total pile of shit costing us millions…
Yet another re hash of a 1960’s labour party initiative, then as today british products are inferior in quality, cost to manufacture are high and they take too long to deliver, I recall at the time all the emergency services were ordered to buy buy british made vehicles which were appalling and only reliable until it was driven off the forecourt, that government strategy died a very quick death.
He supports prosecuting veterans who fought for this country too!
He supports prosecuting brave veterans that fought for this country too!
Rachel is the biggest threat this country has seen in years thick as shit arrogant.. remember she won’t tolerate it.. fuckoff..
I think we all welcome it as long as they are built on time on price and reliable and not obsolete
Did they not just close the RLNI boat building firm in Cowes and make people unemployed. He doing a great job then supporting our “ship building” on the island.
Yep 70 plus going..