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Written question asked by Luke Akehurst (Labour) on Monday, 15 June 2026, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Wednesday, 17 June 2026. It was answered by Chris Ward (Labour) on Tuesday, 23 June 2026 on behalf of the Cabinet Office.

Buses: Procurement

Question

To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office, if he will make it his policy to include UK bus manufacturing as a national security exemption in the Procurement Act.

Answer

This Government believes that it matters where things are made and who makes them. Public procurement must promote our modern Industrial Strategy, bolster domestic capacity, and protect national security in line with our international trade obligations.

The Government has published new guidance on using national security exemptions within the Procurement Act 2023 for four initial pathfinder sectors: steel, shipbuilding, artificial intelligence, and energy infrastructure. While bus manufacturing is not included in this initial national security guidance, we continue to work across departments to ensure procurement policy bolsters resilience and capability in this strategically important industry.

On the 26th March, the Government announced we will create a new definition of social value that will underpin all government procurement. It will, for the first time, put the views, aspirations and needs of local communities at the heart of procurement decisions. Therefore, if a bidder can demonstrate they will deliver real community impact, through delivering local jobs, skills and apprenticeships, then the new social value definition will recognise and reward that.

Secondary information

Type
Written question
Reference
9768
Session
2026-27
Related items
Public Sector: Procurement
Tuesday, 30 June 2026
Written questions
House of Commons
Grouped for answer
Yes
Subjects
Buses National security Manufacturing industries Procurement
Legislation
Procurement Act 2023
Link
View this Written question on www.parliament.uk