Launch panel and reception for ‘Securonomics: The contribution of a Defence Industrial Strategy’

The Council on Geostrategy and Make UK Defence invite you to the official launch of the Council’s latest report, ‘Securonomics: The contribution of a Defence Industrial Strategy’, a crucial exploration of how the UK defence sector can be a key driver of national economic growth.

This report makes the case for increased investment and a robust Defence Industrial Strategy that unlocks the full potential of UK defence firms, removes existing barriers, and fuels long-term economic expansion. As part of the Strategic Advantage Cell, this research contributes to strengthening the UK’s national power and shaping effective defence policy.

Launch Reception Details

Date: Wednesday, 19th March
Time: 15:00 – 17:00
Venue: Broadway House
Limited spaces available – secure your spot now!

Keynote Panel Discussion

The reception will feature an esteemed panel of defence and industry leaders as they discuss the future of the UK’s defence strategy:

• The Rt. Hon. Maria Eagle MP – Minister for Defence Procurement and Industry
• William Freer – Research Fellow (National Security), Council on Geostrategy and report co-author
• Paul Livingston – Chief Executive UK and NATO, Lockheed Martin UK
• Paul Mason – Aneurin Bevan Associate Fellow in Defence and Resilience, Council on Geostrategy and report co-author

This is a must-attend event for policymakers, industry leaders, and defence professionals looking to engage in the conversation about the UK’s defence future.

Tickets

This event has now reached capacity. If you would like to be added to the waiting list, please contact [email protected].

Please note that we reserve the right to withdraw registrations. For more information, please contact [email protected].

Panelists

The Rt. Hon. Maria Eagle MP

Minister for Defence Procurement and Industry

Maria Eagle is the Minister of State for Defence Procurement and Industry, serving since July 2024. A Labour MP for Liverpool Garston (later Garston and Halewood) since 1997, she has held multiple ministerial and shadow cabinet roles. Under Tony Blair, she was a junior minister in the Department for Work and Pensions, Department for Education and Skills, and the Northern Ireland Office. Under Gordon Brown, she served as Minister of State at the Ministry of Justice and the Government Equalities Office. In opposition, she held key shadow cabinet roles, including Shadow Transport Secretary, Shadow Defence Secretary, and Shadow Culture, Media and Sport Secretary. She returned to the frontbench as Shadow Minister for Procurement in 2023 before assuming her current role.

William Freer

Research Fellow (National Security), Council on Geostrategy

William Freer is a Research Fellow in National Security and leads the Strategic Advantage Cell with Gabriel Elefteriu. He is also an Associate Fellow at the Royal Navy Strategic Studies Centre. A War Studies graduate from King’s College London, his academic work focused on British-American grand strategy in the Cold War and post-Cold War era, especially how Britain managed military overstretch, economic stagnation, and national security during the withdrawal from ‘East of Suez’ (1957-1971). He previously worked as a consultant for a firm which specialised in research, advisory work and government procurement, both in Britain and internationally. He holds a BA in War Studies from King’s College London.

Paul Livingston

Chief Executive UK and NATO, Lockheed Martin UK

Paul Livingston was appointed chief executive, Lockheed Martin UK in April 2021. Paul began his career as an engineering apprentice working in civil and military simulation and has since spent more than thirty years in the aerospace sector. Since joining Lockheed Martin, Paul has held a number of roles across the corporation. In 2017 he was appointed vice president and managing director for Lockheed Martin UK – Integrated Systems, having previously been a director for Lockheed Martin Aeronautic. In 2012, Paul was appointed chief operating officer at Lockheed Martin Commercial Flight Training and following that role, became managing director for Ascent Flight Training, which is delivers the UK Military’s Flying Training System.

Paul Mason

Aneurin Bevan Associate Fellow in Defence and Resilience, Council on Geostrategy

Paul Mason is an author and journalist, currently writing Reds: The History of Communism from the Neolithic to Xi’s China. Previously, he was the Economics Editor at BBC Newsnight and later at Channel 4 News, reporting on issues from strikes by the People’s Republic of China’s migrant work force, to the Arab Spring. Paul frequently writes for The New European, Frankfurter Rundschau and Social Europe and is the British champion for the global campaign for a Fossil Fuel Non-Proliferation Treaty.