Rachel Reeves tells ministers to buy British' in four key industries

The chancellor has directed cabinet ministers overseeing spending departments to award government contracts to British companies wherever possible. The instruction targets four critical industries: shipbuilding, steel-making, energy, and artificial intelligence. Treasury and Cabinet Office officials will monitor billions of pounds in contracts and may override departmental decisions if they do not align with the wider national interest. The directive is framed as a way to support business growth, skilled jobs, and apprenticeships in Britain. The move also reflects internal political pressure within the governing party and broader uncertainty about future leadership. Concerns remain about potential economic damage from the Iran war, especially due to reliance on imported energy supplies.

"We should all want to see more businesses grow and prosper and create good, skilled jobs and apprenticeships here in Britain. Every secretary of state can and must lead this agenda within their departments if we are to deliver the change the public expect."

"Therefore, it is disappointing that we are still seeing too many government contract awards where this is not happening. We have instructed officials to take further steps to ensure your departments act in the wider national interest rather than solely focusing on narrow operational priorities."

"Officials in the Treasury and Cabinet Office say they will now monitor billions of pounds' worth of contracts in shipbuilding, steel-making, energy and artificial intelligence and if necessary, override decisions taken by departmental ministers."

"Rachel Reeves has instructed cabinet colleagues to award government contracts in four critical industries directly to British companies, making clear her irritation that ministers have been sending too much government business abroad."

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