'Urgent need' to tackle skills shortage could help Ukraine peace talks, claims Cambridgeshire MP
Lib Dem Ian Sollom addressed the Prime Minister on the issue
A Cambridgeshire MP believes tackling a skills shortage in the defence manufacturing sector can help secure peace in Ukraine.
Ian Sollom - of the Liberal Democrats - raised the point to Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer to upskill more people in this sector.
The Government said it will increase defence spending to 2.5% of GDP from April 2027, with the aim of reaching 3% by the next Parliament.
"It's early days; the rhetoric is warm but we do need to see more on the details at this point," Mr Sollom said.
Last week, the MP for St Neots and Mid Cambridgeshire asked Sir Keir during Prime Minister's Questions if the Government can bring forward "an urgent plan" to address a skills shortage in the defence sector in reference to the conflict between Ukraine and Russia.
In response, Sir Keir said an increase to defence and security spending "does provide an opportunity for jobs across the country, and that means good jobs, well paid jobs, skilled jobs, and we are working on that."
Figures from manufacturing body Make UK show 36% of vacancies in the industry are not being filled because applicants either don't have the relevant skills, qualifications or experience.
'Urgent need' to upskill people
Mr Sollom said there is an "urgent need" to train more people in defence manufacturing, with a skills plan needed for the defence sector in general.
He hopes by doing so, this can help the UK in its position to not rely on other countries to support Ukraine.
"The more capacity we have, driven by a boost in skills, the more we can provide support to Ukraine which will ultimately secure the peace," he added.
"Building up our homegrown capacity, I'm sure we'll manage without it but it's a missed opportunity to train people but also build up our own strength and reduce our dependency on others."
Sir Keir is due to host a virtual meeting this weekend with around 20 allied countries working towards a peace deal for Ukraine.
There have been reports that US President Donald Trump suggested the pause on sharing military intelligence with Ukraine could be lifted ahead of talks between the two countries this week.
It comes as tensions between Washington and Kyiv and Ukraine were high as the US suspended military aid to Volodymyr Zelenskyy's country.