300,000 strong UK-based defence industry releases video demonstrating importance to nation's armed forces & economy
The Defence Industries Council (DIC), representing the UK-based defence industry, has today (Monday) released an information video demonstrating the vital role that it plays in providing the high-quality equipment for the UK armed forces as well as high-value employment for over 300,000 people across all regions of the country.
In the run-up to the Defence Green Paper, expected in the near future, the video showcases engineering, manufacturing and services excellence from across the UK-based defence industry spectrum ranging from the UK's largest manufacturer BAE Systems, Britain's second largest defence company, the Italian multi-national group Finmeccanica, the US multinational Northrop Grumman's UK operations and Canada's Vector Aerospace facilities. It highlights the innovative technology in use across UK defence as well as the attractive nature of the industry in Britain for investment from overseas companies.
The industry is seeking clarity from the major political parties on their future plans for defence following the next General Election to determine investment and capability decisions.
The video is available at http://tinyurl.com/defenceengineeringexcellence and will be rolled out across many news, political and defence websites.
Ian Godden, Secretary of the DIC, said:
“The defence industry underpins Britain's leading role on the world stage, employment for over 300,000 people and the capabilities of our magnificent armed forces. As this video showcases our current industry – number one in Europe and second only to the US globally – the future is more uncertain. We now need clarity from the nation's politicians around defence investment if this excellent position is to be maintained into the future.
“This video highlights the benefits of the UK-based defence industry. But the presence of that industry should not be taken for granted because it is by no means guaranteed to continue without the right future investment from both the public and private sector. Government spending on defence has halved as a percentage of gross domestic product over the last twenty years and this is not sustainable. Political parties now need to outline to the country what their foreign policy, defence and security approaches will be to inform decision-making in our world-leading industry.”
 DIC defence campaign video PR 01-02-10.pdf
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