UK Chancellor Rachel Reeves writes to cabinet ministers urging them to prioritise “buy British” procurement when awarding government contracts in four critical sectors: shipbuilding, steel, energy, and artificial intelligence (AI). According to reporting from both outlets, Reeves addresses ministers responsible for spending departments and expresses disappointment that the approach is not already being followed. The communications describe her as pushing for direct contracting with British companies where possible, alongside attention to costs. The letters are described as instructing ministers to consider awarding relevant government work domestically rather than sending procurement overseas. While both sources focus on the same four industries and the chancellor’s instruction to cabinet-level spending leaders, they characterise the move as part of Reeves’ broader drive to shape government procurement around national sourcing priorities in addition to value for money. The reporting frames the letter as an explicit directive from Reeves to cabinet colleagues, rather than a general policy statement, and links it to her concerns about procurement practices and where contracts are awarded.