Ministers to seek British-based investment ‘first of all’ in jet replacement

The RAF’s Red Arrows over The Mall in central London to mark the 80th anniversary of VE Day on May 5 (Alberto Pezzali/PA) - (PA Wire)

British-based firms are first in line for investment as the Government replaces ageing aircraft, the Defence Secretary has indicated, as ministers faced questions about the Red Arrows fleet.

John Healey told the Commons that replacement planes for the RAF’s aerobatic display team were “long overdue”, two weeks after the jets flew over London’s Buckingham Palace to mark the 80th anniversary of VE (Victory in Europe) Day.