Ludlow MP Philip Dunne appointed to defence post

Mr Dunne, who spent four years as a minister at the Ministry of Defence, will use his expertise in business and working with the defence industry to help improve the competitiveness of the UK defence sector.

Earlier this year, at the request of Defence Secretary Gavin Williamson, Mr Dunne published an independent review into how the defence sector could develop and contribute to greater economic growth across the country.

Mr Dunne said: “I am delighted to join the Defence Growth Partnership as deputy chair. I look forward to using experience gained while a defence minister, and to working again with some familiar faces across the defence sector, both in government and industry.

"Defence is already a significant contributor to our economic growth, but I am convinced there is more we can do. I look forward to doing whatever I can to help bring this about.”

Strengthen

Business and Industry Minister, Richard Harrington MP, Co-Chair of the DGP who invited Mr Dunne to take up this appointment, said: “The Defence Growth Partnership is supporting our modern industrial strategy by fostering innovation, boosting skills and increasing productivity across the sector.

“Philip’s expertise will further strengthen the group in its mission to grow the UK defence sector and increase its competitiveness to deliver economic benefits across the country.”

Allan Cook CBE, industry co-chair of the DGP also welcomed the appointment saying: "Philip’s knowledge and experience in this sector is appreciated throughout the defence industry. The DGP welcomes this appointment and we are looking forward to working with Philip to enhance further the capabilities of the DGP.

"As we have seen from Philip’s recent review on ‘Growing the Contribution of Defence to UK Prosperity’ there are many areas where defence is a key contributor throughout the industrial landscape. We have to act together to strengthen our offering further to meet the competitive challenges we face.”