UK ambassadors to have growth ‘KPIs’, foreign secretary tells trade summit March 21, 2025 The UK’s ambassadors will have “KPIs that contribute to our economic growth” as diplomats shift to a more economic mindset, the foreign secretary has said. David Lammy told an audience of businesses that he wants the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) to become the “international delivery arm of the government’s missions, the first of [...]
Defence: Building submarines is ‘blueprint’ for UK growth, Starmer says March 20, 2025 Building new submarines in Barrow-in-Furness is a “blueprint” for how increasing defence spending can boost prosperity across the UK, the Prime Minister has said. Sir Keir Starmer made the comments ahead of a visit to the town at the heart of Britain’s submarine-building industry. Sir Keir is expected to lay the keel for the next [...]
Qinetiq share price slump shows defence firms aren’t immune from turbulence March 17, 2025 Defence stocks are some of the hottest in Europe right now as government’s ramp-up military spending in response to developments in Ukraine. Donald Trump’s push for European nations to take more responsibility for security has driven up shares in the likes of BAE Systems, Thales and Leonardo. In the UK, Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer [...]
BAE Systems boss in line for huge pay day at FTSE 100 giant March 3, 2025 The chief executive of FTSE 100 defence giant BAE Systems is in line for a huge pay day if shareholders approve proposed changes to the group’s remuneration policy. Charles Woodburn could be handed a bonus worth 500 per cent of his base salary, which currently sits at £1.27m, if he is still in post in [...]
FTSE 100 giants Rolls-Royce and BAE Systems surge following Ukraine defence summit March 3, 2025 UK and European defence shares rose to near-record highs on Monday morning lead by names such as Rolls-Royce and BAE Systems, after the defence summit in London, at which European leaders emphasised support for Ukraine and pledged to raise defence spending. The STOXX 600 rose 0.4 per cent boost, following ten consecutive weeks of gains [...]
UK defence stocks surge after Keir Starmer spending pledge February 25, 2025 Stocks in UK weapons manufacturers are having another strong week after Prime Minister Keir Starmer pledged to increase British defence spending to its highest in decades. Starmer announced the “biggest sustained increase in defence spending since the end of the Cold War”, with the UK set to increase arms spending from 2.3 per cent to [...]
BAE Systems forecasts more than £30bn in sales in 2025 February 19, 2025 BAE Systems has forecast more than £30bn in sales in 2025 as governments across the globe face pressure to hike military spending. The London-listed defence giant said it expects sales to increase by seven to nine per cent on an annual total of £28.3bn in 2024. Underlying pre-tax earnings are also expected to rise eight [...]
UK defence stocks soar ahead of European summit on Ukraine February 17, 2025 Shares in UK weapons manufacturers have soared today as leaders from across the continent convene for an emergency meeting in Paris to discuss the war in Ukraine. “We’re facing a generational challenge when it comes to national security,” said Prime Minister Keir Starmer before heading to the meeting, adding that he was “ready and willing” [...]
Pension industry backs Reeves’ £160bn investment drive January 28, 2025 The pensions industry has said it is willing to back the Chancellor Rachel Reeves’ plans to unlock up to £160bn in corporate surpluses if retirees are given “appropriate protection” by the government. Reeves and the Prime Minister Keir Starmer are set to meet with business leaders in the City of London today to outline pension [...]
BAE Systems wins £285m Royal Navy deal as shares continue recovery January 28, 2025 Defence giant BAE Systems has won a Royal Navy contract worth almost £300m which will support more than 200 UK jobs. The London-listed group has been hired to maintain and modernise combat management systems (CMS) on Royal Navy vessels. They include Type 23 frigates, Type 45 destroyers, Queen Elizabeth Class aircraft carriers and Type 26 [...]