Jack Lopresti has established a group to examine the country's defence manufacturing capabilities.

The MP for Filton and Bradley Stoke has created the All Party Parliamentary Group (APPG) for Sovereign Defence Manufacturing Capability.

Mr Lopresti was elected to chair the Group at the inaugural Annual General Meeting on January 15.

At a meeting of the Group in the House of Commons, on Wednesday, Mr Lopresti said: “As the Government embarks on its Integrated Review of Security, Defence, Development and Foreign Policy, it is important that we examine the strategic value of a Sovereign Defence Manufacturing Capability.”

“The amount invested in maintaining a strong defence capability reflects the importance that HM Government attaches to it. I’m very proud to represent a constituency that plays such a leading role in the UK’s world-class defence industry. Major employers within this industry have a significant presence in the area I represent, including Airbus, Rolls-Royce, GKN, BAE Systems, MBDA and Boeing.

"With 8,000 MOD civil servants based locally at DE & S Abbey Wood, I have seen for myself the great work that they do in ensuring that our armed forces get the equipment they need.”

The initial meeting took evidence from Howard Wheeldon, a noted commentator on the defence sector. Subsequent meetings will hear from academics, representatives from industry, as well as others.

A report will form the basis for a submission from the APPG into the Integrated Review of Security, Defence, Development and Foreign Policy.