Conservative MP Marcus Fysh took to the House of Commons once again today (Thursday) to push the case for inward investment in the aerospace industry in Yeovil and the wider South West.

Mr Fysh led a debate on the UK helicopter industry in Westminster Hall on Tuesday, discussing with fellow MPs how government departments, businesses and partners could work more closely to protect and boost the industry in Yeovil and beyond.

This morning, in the main chamber, he called for a debate on whether more could be done to ensure groups of high-tech businesses, like those in and around Yeovil, benefit from inward investment from companies awarded large contracts by the government.

The Leader of the House of Commons, David Lidington, said Mr Fysh highlighted “some real opportunities for business to benefit from technology”.

He added: “One of the things this country needs to improve is how we turn our inventiveness and technological expertise into commercial, job-creating opportunities.”

Mr Lidington said he would look to take the issue forward in a Backbench Business debate.

After the Business of the House sitting, Mr Fysh said: “I welcomed the Leader of the House’s comments and look forward to discussing further how we can make sure that, when major government contracts are awarded to the likes of Boeing, clusters of high-tech companies in Yeovil and the wider South West benefit from that decision.

“I want to ensure we make the most of the great expertise we have in Yeovil and explore all opportunities for long-term economic growth.”

Mr Fysh has been in close contact with Leonardo, who he hopes will secure a deal to maintain and support part of Boeing’s non-US fleet of 600 Apache helicopters.