Barrow and Furness MP, has welcomed a £1.5 billion government investment boost for Barrow and Furness based firm QinetiQ.

The announcement on Friday, May 23, that the Ministry of Defence will extend its Long Term Partnering Agreement with QinetiQ by five years, in a deal worth £1.5 billion has been greeted warmly by the towns MP.

Commenting on the announcement, Michelle Scrogham said: “This is yet another example of the impact of increased defence investment by this Government, with increased investment in our national security also delivering growth and security locally.

“The testing of equipment to the highest possible standards and the trialling of the very latest technologies are of enormous importance in making certain our armed forces are using combat-ready capabilities wherever they are operating.

“This agreement will help to keep our nation secure at home and have the strongest capabilities abroad as we drive innovation to enhance our national security and support skilled jobs across the country and here in Barrow and Furness.

“It’s another example of Labour delivering locally as we demonstrate that defence is an engine for growth across the UK.”

As a member of the Defence Select Committee and a strong advocate for the local defence economy, Michelle Scrogham has championed increased investment in defence, and has campaigned to improve opportunities for small and medium-sized companies within defence contracts. 

The agreement will see QinetiQ continue to provide vital test and evaluation services for the UK armed forces at MOD Eskmeals near Bootle until 2033, ensuring frontline personnel have access to safe, reliable and cutting-edge equipment.

The extension will also allow the company to continue the modernisation of test and evaluation facilities for the Dreadnaught submarine programme currently underway at the Barrow yard supporting the submarines and their crews into service, and through the life of their service. 

The extension secures more than 1,200 highly skilled jobs at 16 sites across the UK, including in Barrow and Furness, and supports a UK-wide supply chain of over 825 businesses, the majority of them small and medium-sized enterprises.

Through the Long Term Partnering Agreement, QinetiQ delivers vital Test, Trials, Training and Evaluation capabilities that ensure armed forces personnel are equipped and prepared for mission success.

QinetiQ and the MOD have committed to improve access for small and medium sized enterprises (SMEs) to use the Long Term Partnering Agreement’s services.