Back in September, Labour announced its new ‘Defence Office for Small Business Growth’ to “back British industry” and, as defence minister Luke Pollard insisted, to “fulfil another manifesto commitment by publishing our plan to strengthen our security”. It won’t even have an actual office…
Pollard managed a heroic attempt at spinning the fact that the defence ‘office’ will operate without so much as a front door:
“The Defence Office for Small Business Growth will reflect modern ways of working and will not be restricted by a physical location. Using a networked approach, support will be offered across the country and effective digital tools will enable small businesses to connect with the Office regardless of location. This approach removes a significant barrier to entry for smaller businesses.”
Shadow Defence Secretary James Cartlidge said:
“It is extraordinary that Labour have announced a Defence Office for Small Business Growth that doesn’t have an office. How are Defence companies meant to visit this organisation and engage with the MOD? Last week, the Defence Select Committee slammed the Government’s ‘glacial’ approach to defence readiness, this exposes Labour’s lack of seriousness about standing up to the threats we face.”
Labour also hasn’t bothered to cost how much this ‘office’ will actually require to run. It’s meant to launch in January as an internal body in the MoD. Quite how they manage that without a base might be an uphill battle…
