The initiative aims to examine weaknesses in defence manufacturing and procurement, while identifying ways to better support domestic industry.
The newly established All-Party Parliamentary Group will bring together MPs and peers from across the political spectrum. It will assess structural challenges within the sector and explore opportunities for reform.
Mr Stone, who will chair the group, said it is intended to deliver tangible results rather than political debate.
“I don’t want this to be another talking shop, I want this to take a rigorous look at the shortfalls and what the government must do to retain sovereign start-ups and sovereign scale-ups,” he said.
He added that international comparisons would form part of the group’s work.
“We need UK-led projects to receive the right signals to grow both our economy and our security,” he said.
The group will be supported by manufacturing body Make UK, which will act as its secretariat. Representing more than 900 companies, the organisation will coordinate roundtable discussions throughout the year involving businesses, policymakers and sector specialists.
An annual report will also be produced outlining findings and recommendations to government.
Kelly Madison, UK Membership Director at Make UK Defence, said the APPG would strengthen links between industry and parliament.
“We’re delighted to be working with Will Stone MP to establish the UK Defence Supply Chain APPG, which will become an essential forum for parliamentarians and defence companies of all shapes and sizes to push for genuine reform in our sector,” she said.
She added that improvements to the defence supply chain could boost national resilience while delivering wider economic benefits.
The launch builds on Mr Stone’s broader focus on defence and advanced manufacturing. This includes efforts to promote Swindon as a centre for uncrewed systems and defence innovation.
Although APPGs do not have formal legislative powers, they can influence debate and policy by bringing industry concerns directly to parliament.
For Swindon, the creation of the group strengthens the town’s links to the defence sector and aligns local industrial ambitions with national discussions on security and growth.
