Unite, the UK’s leading manufacturing union, has called on the
prime minister to provide cast iron guarantees that the
government’s announcement of increased defence spending will lead
to defence procurement decisions prioritising research and
development, engineering and manufacturing here in the UK to help
support skilled jobs and boost the economy.
Unite assistant general secretary Steve Turner said: “The
announcement on defence spending is welcome and should be good
news for the UK’s aerospace and shipbuilding sectors.
“The defence secretary has promised that the increased spending will benefit
UK firms and we will ensure his feet are held to the fire until
he delivers on this commitment.
“The prime minister must provide very clear cast iron guarantees
that UK defence procurement will prioritise spending taxpayers
money here in the UK, protecting UK jobs, skills and technology.
Guarantees that must extend to the supply of key components and
materials such as steel and fibre-optic cabling used in these
projects.
“The UK’s plans for extending the UK’s space capabilities and the
investment earmarked for the development of the future combat air
system, should act as a shot in the arm for the UK’s aerospace
sector, which has suffered an economic battering as a result of
the Covid pandemic.”
“This is a sovereign capability issue and our members have shown
for decades they have the talent, skills and commitment to
supporting our nation’s defence to play their part in meeting
this goal."
