Big news for Britain’s defence industry and for our community. Labour has delivered the largest UK fighter jet export order in a generation.
At the end of October, the Prime Minister announced an £8 billion agreement with our NATO ally Türkiye for the supply of 20 Typhoon fighter jets. This landmark deal is more than a contract – it’s a statement of confidence in British engineering and innovation on the global stage.
The Typhoon is one of the most advanced multi-role combat aircraft in the world, and this order will support 20,000 highly skilled jobs across the UK, from design and manufacturing to maintenance and supply chains. Crucially, Stalybridge and Hyde will play a key role. Hyde Group, based right here in our constituency, is one of the most critical suppliers for the Typhoon programme. Their expertise in precision engineering ensures that our area is at the heart of this success story.
This achievement builds on Labour’s commitment to make the UK an engine for growth again. By backing British industry, British jobs, and British innovation, we are proving that our country can compete and win in the global marketplace. It also follows three major trade deals delivered during my time as Secretary of State for Business and Trade, reinforcing the Government’s determination to deliver prosperity through international partnerships.
But this is about more than today’s success – it’s about tomorrow’s opportunities. Labour is ensuring we have the skills and capabilities for the future, investing in training and technology so that Britain remains a world leader in defence and advanced manufacturing.
This is what a government focused on growth looks like: creating jobs, driving exports, and strengthening our alliances and making sure communities like ours share in that success.