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South Essex MP welcomes landmark £1.5 billion defence contract extension

South Essex MP welcomes landmark £1.5 billion defence contract extension

Yahoo01-06-2025
A south Essex MP has welcomed a landmark £1.5 billion defence contract.
Bayo Alaba, MP for Southend East and Rochford, praised the long-term contract extension between the Ministry of Defence and QinetiQ.
He said this will help support jobs at the MOD Shoebury site, which is operated by QinetiQ.
Mr Alaba said: "Extending this partnership means certainty for hundreds of local jobs.
"I visited the MOD in Shoeburyness recently and had the pleasure of meeting local people who worked there.
"I was impressed by the work they do, so I'm pleased to see the Labour Government's vote of confidence in them.
"By extension, this is good news for the economy in Shoebury and Southend."
As a former soldier, Mr Alaba said matters of defence hold personal significance for him.
He also expressed hope that the contract will continue to offer opportunities for young people through apprenticeships and graduate schemes.
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