Rachel Reeves tells ministers to ‘buy British’ in four key industries
Rachel Reeves has urged ministers to prioritize British companies for government contracts in key industries. She expressed disappointment over the current trend of awarding contracts to foreign bidders and emphasized the need for departments to act in the national interest. The chancellor's directive comes amid concerns about the UK economy and the potential impact of international conflicts on energy supplies.
- ▪Rachel Reeves has instructed cabinet ministers to award contracts to British companies in shipbuilding, steel-making, energy, and artificial intelligence.
- ▪She expressed her disappointment that many contracts have been awarded to foreign bidders instead of British firms.
- ▪The Treasury and Cabinet Office will monitor contracts and may override departmental decisions if necessary.
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Rachel Reeves on a visit to British Steel’s Scunthorpe site last year. She has pressed every spending department to award contracts to British companies. Photograph: Danny Lawson/PAView image in fullscreenRachel Reeves on a visit to British Steel’s Scunthorpe site last year. She has pressed every spending department to award contracts to British companies. Photograph: Danny Lawson/PARachel ReevesRachel Reeves tells ministers to ‘buy British’ in four key industriesExclusive: Chancellor pushes for procurement of ships, steel, energy and AI to prioritise Britishness as well as costKiran Stacey Policy editorMon 25 May 2026 14.14 EDTLast modified on Mon 25 May 2026 14.15 EDTSharePrefer the Guardian on GoogleRachel Reeves has instructed cabinet colleagues to award government contracts in four…
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