Utility companies, including electricity, gas, and water networks, will be expected to create British jobs and apprenticeships as they invest for the future. The government has stated that if companies do not follow this lead, legislation will be introduced when parliamentary time allows to ensure compliance.
New measures will also ensure major government spending is rooted in the national interest. The National Shipbuilding Office will be given oversight of all future civil ship procurement, aiming to support the UK shipbuilding industry through a clearer demand pipeline.
Furthermore, a new research vessel for the Centre for Environment, Fisheries and Aquaculture Science (Cefas) will be built in the UK. This build will be open only to UK shipyards, with the Ministry of Defence applying a national security exemption to the contract under the Procurement Act 2023. The vessel will replace the RV Cefas Endeavour and will be used for monitoring UK seas, including fish stocks and pollution levels.
A new Insourcing Unit will also be established within the Office for the Prime Minister and Cabinet. This unit will coordinate departmental insourcing activity, aiming to bring critical service contracts back in-house and reduce spending on consultancy and professional services.