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Will Stone

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Will Stone
MP
Official portrait, 2024
Member of Parliament
for Swindon North
Incumbent
Assumed office
4 July 2024
Preceded byJustin Tomlinson
Majority4,103 (9.3%)
Personal details
Born1980 or 1981 (age 44–45)[1]
Swindon, Wiltshire, England
PartyLabour
Websitehttps://willstone.org.uk

Will Stone (born 1980 or 1981)[1] is a British Labour Party politician who has been the Member of Parliament for Swindon North since 2024.[2]

Early life

[edit]

Will Stone was born in Swindon, and grew up in Pinehurst. He attended the Headlands School, now Swindon Academy. and was an Army rifleman in the 1st Battalion, The Rifles.[3][4]

Election

[edit]

Stone was elected as a councillor on Swindon Borough Council for the ward of Rodbourne Cheney in 2022.[5] As a councillor, Stone called for more support for veterans.[6]

He won in the Swindon North constituency as a member of the Labour Party at the 2024 general election, defeating the Conservative Party incumbent Justin Tomlinson by a margin of 4,103 votes (9.3%).[2] Since his election as MP, he has raised vocal support for veterans, supporting the community through working alongside veterans charities like Head Up[7] and urging the government to provide veterans with more opportunities.[8]

Drone manufacturing

[edit]

In early 2025, Stone was appointed as a 'business champion' of defence and green technology by the Labour Party.[9] In this role, Stone has noted that one of his missions for Swindon North is to return the town to a place of high quality employment. To do this, he is leading efforts to utilise the Panattoni site for manufacturing in sectors like Defence and Drone production,[10] in line with the Government's increase to defence spending of 2.5% from April 2027 and foster economic growth in Swindon.[11] Overarching reasons for this move are to utilise the extra investment in defence whilst also supporting the UK's wider mission of scaling up defence capability. Many of the drone manufacturers he has engaged with have been involved in the defence of Ukraine and note their desire to support the UK and Ukraine's defence infrastructure.[12] He is quoted as stating that the arrival of TEKEVER and other drone companies to the area 'opened the door for Swindon to become a hub for global exports, not just MOD contracts, and "We want Swindon to become a manufacturing and testing hub for global exporters and play its part in supporting the UK’s sovereign defence capability".[13]

He has successfully brought Five major companies to Swindon, which note Will Stone's direct involvement being a root cause for their moves. Key voices in these companies noting Will's involvement include Jon Parker (the founder and chief executive officer of Flyby and a former RAF fighter pilot and fellow of the Royal Aeronautical Society), Mike Armstrong (Managing director of STARK in the UK) and Karl Brew (TEKEKVER's Head of Defence Unit)[14]

The first investment in Swindon drone production was announced on 17 July 2025, with the German Defence company STARK announcing a 40,000 square foot factory in Swindon, outlining an initial 100 high-skilled jobs in the town, and marking the company's first expansion outside of Germany.[15]

Will Stone commented "I’m proud to be working alongside STARK to bring defence manufacturing back to Swindon".[16]

Beyond STARK, Stone has been engaging with small businesses involved in the drone industry. On 22 August 2025, Stone welcomed anti-drone personal defence SME Munin Dynamics "to the town, and was quoted for saying, "Having another defence company set up in Swindon highlights that we are transitioning into becoming a drone manufacturing hub supporting the nation's security".[12]

On 11 September 2025, Stone announced on social media that the British modular drone company FLYBY (which had been involved in delivering NHS medications to the Isle of Wight) would be bringing 300 jobs to Swindon as part of their expansion plans. Their CEO thanked Stone for his "vision and energy" stating it's "what our industry and our nation has been seeking" [17] and noted that Stone's direct involvement had played a key part in their decision to set up in the town. FLYBY's new vertical take-off and landing (VTOL), pioneered in collaboration with the RAF, prompted the expansion and Mr Stone noted the investment "bolsters our nation’s defence and provides high-skilled jobs to the people of our town."

On the 15 September 2025, Stone announced alongside the Defence Secretary John Healey, that TEKEVER would be establishing themselves in the Spectrum building in Swindon to produce AR5 drone and AR3 model drones and bring 400 jobs to the town. The move to Swindon was facilitated by Stone, who supported the company in finding a facility, and co-ordinated the talks between Swindon Borough Council and TEKEVER. Stone commented "This announcement supports my ongoing commitment to establishing a drone cluster of excellence in Swindon".[18]

Alongside the growth in the Drone Cluster, supply chain companies like Westwire are also expanding due to the rise in local business. Will Stone opened Westwire's expansion in Swindon, growing the company by 80 jobs in the town. [19] Alongside this there are reports that Will Stone has secured investment by the MoD into Swindon on the Panattoni site, as part of the sites redevelopment after the closure of the Honda factory under the previous administration.[20]

On the 3rd of March 2026 Neros UK also announced their plan to establish their Headquarters in Swindon, Neros produce UAS and are aiming to bolster UK sovereign capability with Neros’ flagship system, Archer, is described by the company as having become the NATO standard for strike UAVs in its class. It uses a China free supply chain for all critical components with Will Stone noting "With five companies confirmed and more in the pipeline, it is undeniable that Swindon is now a major player in drone manufacturing".[21]

Road safety

[edit]

In February 2025, Stone introduced a Ten Minute Rule Bill to amend the Road Traffic Act 1988, which would make death caused by an unlicensed driver a careless driving offence under Section 3.[22][23] Stone was motivated to introduce the bill in response to the death of 14-year-old teenager from Swindon, who was killed by an unlicensed driver in 2022.[24][25] After the bill did not progress past its second reading due to debate time being used on the Terminally Ill (Adults) End of Life Bill, Stone put forward two amendments to the Police and Crime Bill, which would (1) make the maximum penalty for a driver convicted of driving without a licence who has never held one six months in prison or an unlimited fine or both. (2) make it possible to send someone who does not stop after an accident to prison for up to a year or to give them an unlimited fine.[26] Following this the government confirmed it was considering addressing this issue in the Road Safety strategy.[27]

The Government announced their Road Safety Strategy on 7 January 2026[28], announcing that Mr Stone's amendments to the Police and Crime Bill, addressing both a lack of license and insurance would be included in the Strategy's consultation[29]

Positions

[edit]

On 20 May 2025, Stone spoke out in favour of transgender rights in the United Kingdom saying "We should be doing our utmost to protect the trans community and ensure they have the same rights as everyone else and that they can live in dignity".[30]

Stone has campaigned for local health service improvement, securing over £400,000 for repairs at Swindon's Great Western Hospital[31] and £508,090 for Prospect Hospice between 2024-25.[32][33]

Stone has also urged for improvements by Thames Water for their repeated failings in Swindon, accusing them of "failing spectacularly" and urging they claw back the £2.5mn of bonuses paid to senior executives in April and scrap plans to pay the same package again in December and instead reinvest the money into water infrastructure.[34]

Stone has also supported the farming community through demanding the government bring forward a one-stop shop for farmers to access support, removing the myriad of funding streams and competing options for the farming community.[35]

During the 2025 Freedom Flotilla, Stone supported Swindon North resident Mohammed Ali, and alongside Home Office ministers secured his release from an Israeli jail.[36]

Personal life

[edit]

Stone is a black belt in both Judo and Brazilian jiu-jitsu.[1][37] He has committed to joining the Army Reserves[38]

Stone is a fan of the Warhammer series of tabletop games and played at a tournament in Nottingham on 2 September 2025.[39]

References

[edit]
  1. ^ a b c Barltrop, Paul; Boobyer, Leigh (29 October 2024). "MP to grapple in jiu-jitsu match for charity". BBC News. Archived from the original on 14 April 2025. Retrieved 27 November 2024.
  2. ^ a b "Swindon North | General Election 2024 | Sky News". election.news.sky.com. Retrieved 5 July 2024.
  3. ^ "Ex-soldier's calls for more help for Wiltshire veterans". BBC News. 27 September 2022.
  4. ^ Merrick, Jane (13 June 2024). "Inside Swindon North, target seat where Starmer hasn't won over voters". inews.co.uk. Retrieved 5 July 2024.
  5. ^ Thomas, Aled (31 January 2023). "Labour candidate for North Swindon at the next election says what he'd do if elected". Swindon Advertiser. Archived from the original on 4 November 2024. Retrieved 5 July 2024.
  6. ^ "Ex-soldier's calls for more help for Wiltshire veterans". BBC News. 27 September 2022. Archived from the original on 14 April 2025. Retrieved 14 April 2025.
  7. ^ "New forces charity 'build positive mindsets' for veterans and personnel". Swindon Advertiser. 25 October 2025. Retrieved 13 November 2025.
  8. ^ Labour Party (9 October 2025). Watch: John Healey meets with veterans in Swindon. Retrieved 13 November 2025 – via YouTube.
  9. ^ Thomas, Aled (20 February 2025). "Swindon North MP takes on 'business champion' role". Swindon Advertiser. Archived from the original on 14 April 2025. Retrieved 14 April 2025.
  10. ^ "Arms trade could 'transform Swindon' as defence spending set to rocket". Swindon Advertiser. 28 April 2025. Retrieved 2 July 2025.
  11. ^ "Prime Minister sets out biggest sustained increase in defence spending since the Cold War, protecting British people in new era for national security". GOV.UK. Retrieved 2 July 2025.
  12. ^ a b "Former paratrooper sets up military drone firm in town to help Ukraine". Swindon Advertiser. 22 August 2025. Retrieved 28 August 2025.
  13. ^ "Client Challenge". www.ft.com. Retrieved 16 February 2026.
  14. ^ "Largest drone factory in UK opening in Swindon". Swindon Advertiser. 15 September 2025. Retrieved 3 March 2026.
  15. ^ "Drone manufacturer Stark to begin production in Swindon". BBC News. 16 July 2025. Retrieved 18 July 2025.
  16. ^ Aled Thomas (17 July 2025). "Drone firm Stark creates 100 jobs with new Swindon factory". Swindon Advertiser. Retrieved 13 September 2025.
  17. ^ "British company making 'unique' attack drone setting up shop in Swindon". Swindon Advertiser. 12 September 2025. Retrieved 12 September 2025.
  18. ^ "Largest drone factory in UK opening in Swindon". Swindon Advertiser. 15 September 2025. Retrieved 17 September 2025.
  19. ^ "Westwire expands UK defence manufacturing footprint with new Swindon facility". Resilience Media. 6 February 2026. Retrieved 16 February 2026.
  20. ^ Swindon 24 (16 February 2026). "Ministry of Defence set to take huge unit at former Honda site". Swindon 24 | Swindon News. Retrieved 16 February 2026.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: numeric names: authors list (link)
  21. ^ "Fifth military drone manufacturer to open UK factory in Swindon". Swindon Advertiser. 3 March 2026. Retrieved 3 March 2026.
  22. ^ "Harry Parker: MP seeks to close 'loophole' after schoolboy killed". BBC News. 4 February 2025. Retrieved 14 April 2025.
  23. ^ Akass, Amanda (4 February 2025). "Tougher laws on unlicensed drivers to be considered after Sky News report". Sky News.
  24. ^ Boobyer, Leigh (18 November 2024). "Grieving parents 'failed' as driving charges dropped". BBC News. Archived from the original on 14 April 2025. Retrieved 14 April 2025.
  25. ^ "Harry Parker hit by car outside school was 'charming young man'". BBC News. 29 November 2022. Archived from the original on 14 April 2025. Retrieved 14 April 2025.
  26. ^ "Latest on 'Harry Parker' road safety bill after teens death". Swindon Advertiser. 2 June 2025. Retrieved 2 July 2025.
  27. ^ "Government to consider law inspired by death of Harry Parker". Swindon Advertiser. 3 August 2025. Retrieved 13 November 2025.
  28. ^ "Road safety strategy". GOV.UK. Retrieved 12 January 2026.
  29. ^ "MP issues update on road safety change after teen's death". Swindon Advertiser. 11 January 2026. Retrieved 12 January 2026.
  30. ^ "Swindon MP speaks out in trans debate as Tory leader accused of transphobia". Swindon Advertiser. 20 May 2025. Retrieved 9 September 2025.
  31. ^ "Safety repairs and maintenance set for Swindon's main hospital after £400k boost". Swindon Advertiser. 8 June 2025. Retrieved 2 July 2025.
  32. ^ "Hospices receive multi-million pound boost to improve facilities". GOV.UK. Retrieved 2 July 2025.
  33. ^ "£75 million boost for hospices to transform end-of-life care". GOV.UK. Retrieved 28 August 2025.
  34. ^ "Thames Water failing people 'spectacularly' says Swindon MP". BBC News. 7 August 2025. Retrieved 13 November 2025.
  35. ^ "AI farmer plan pondered by Swindon MP". Swindon Advertiser. 4 October 2025. Retrieved 13 November 2025.
  36. ^ "Swindon man detained by Israel near Gaza will be released". Swindon Advertiser. 10 October 2025. Retrieved 13 November 2025.
  37. ^ "Swindon Labour MP Will Stone defeated in charity jiu-jitsu fight". BBC News. 2 November 2024. Archived from the original on 14 April 2025. Retrieved 14 April 2025.
  38. ^ "Being an ex Rifleman I believe in leading from the front. That is why I have chosen to join the Army Reserves! I will always step forward and play my part in supporting our great nations security… | Will Stone MP". www.linkedin.com. Retrieved 12 January 2026.
  39. ^ Stone, Will (2 September 2025). "Will Stone MP on Bluesky".
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