Midlands has 'big plans' for defence jobs of the future

PLANS for more investment to be pumped into the Black Country's defence and advanced manufacturing sector have been backed.

- GURDIP THANDI

West Midlands Mayor Richard Parker met with Luke Pollard, minister for defence readiness and industry, to discuss how the region can play a bigger role in delivering the UK's security ambitions and create skilled jobs.

In Parliament earlier this week, defence secretary John Healey said the Ministry of Defence had invested £1.7bn directly into the West Midlands in the past year - the highest level in a decade. He added the region has “huge potential for the future of defence engineering and invention”.

And Tipton and Wednesbury MP Antonia Bance highlighted opportunities available locally, such as Babcock International’s Walsall site, which manufactures and converts armoured vehicles.