Sam Rushworth MP Welcomes Minister for the Armed Forces Luke Pollard to Cook Defence
Systems in Stanhope
A MAJOR investment worth up to £125 million was announced by Armed Forces Minister, Luke
Pollard, on a visit to Cook Defence Systems in Stanhope on Monday 18 th .
This significant contract will help secure further orders and sustain over 100 skilled jobs at the
Stanhope site. Cook Defence Systems is a world-leading manufacturer of tracks for armoured
vehicles and is playing a vital role in supplying equipment to the Ukrainian Army.
This investment forms part of the government’s wider Plan for Change, aimed at boosting defence
spending, supporting British industry, and creating high-quality jobs across the country.
Luke Pollard MP said:
“It was great to see the Stanhope site and meet the team, who are clearly committed to and
invested in the important work they do. This contract not only strengthens our Army’s warfighting
capability, but helps sustain hundreds of skilled jobs in the North East.
This is a significant contract that shows the government’s commitment to supporting SMEs in
our area. By investing in equipment and skills, and spending more in Britain, we can use defence as
an engine for growth in our rural areas.”
Sam Rushworth MP, who accompanied the minister in Stanhope added: “It was fantastic to meet
the dedicated team at Cook Defence Systems and see the vital work they are doing right here in
Weardale. I’m proud to see the contribution our area is making to support our national defence, and
know that tank tacks manufactured here are saving lives on the front line in Ukraine.
“I fed into the Strategic Defence Review to emphasise how increased defence spending must
benefit left-behind regions, creating economic opportunity and supporting good jobs in places like
Weardale. This new contract is a strong sign of commitment to that principle, and I’m delighted to
see such investment coming to our area.”
