Intention to move away from ‘competition by default’ is a step in
the right direction but more detail is needed, says defence
workers’ union
GMB, the union for defence shipbuilding workers, has
cautiously welcomed the Integrated Review’s statement that the
Government ‘will move away from the 2012 policy of ‘competition
by default’ and prioritise UK industrial capability where
required for national security and operational
reasons.'
However, the union warned that the existing critical
projects are delayed and there is still no guarantee that
critical contracts will go to UK yards and the UK supply chain.
[1]
GMB has long campaigned for contracts to be retained
in the UK. The union is currently fighting to secure the £1.5
billion Fleet Solid Support order for the UK.
But the international competition was initially
cancelled in November 2019 and it has not been relaunched. The
Ministry of Defence has refused to confirm what share of that
contract’s value will be guaranteed for the UK under its new
policy.
Ross Murdoch, GMB National Officer and
Maritime Chair of the Confederation of Shipbuilding and
Engineering Unions, said:
“We have long campaigned for a strategy for retaining
essential defence manufacturing in the UK, and if it is sincere
then today’s announcement could represent a significant victory
on behalf of shipbuilding workers. However, there is a lack of
detail and close scrutiny will be needed.
“While it is welcome that Ministers have finally
recognised that their ‘competition by default’ policy was fatally
flawed, it should not have taken thousands of job losses while
lucrative contracts flowed overseas to get to this
point.
“Ministers must now prove that they are serious about
backing UK industry by bringing forward the £1.5 billion Fleet
Solid Support contract, and guaranteeing that it will be
fulfilled through UK yards and the world class UK supply
chain.”
ENDS
Notes to Editors:
[1] The Integrated Review states that:
‘Finally, we will implement a new defence and
security industrial strategy aligned with the Government’s plan
for growth. It will constitute a more strategic approach to our
core industrial base, from building ships in Scotland and
armoured vehicles in Wales, to manufacturing aircraft in England
and satellites in Northern Ireland. Through our investment in
priority equipment and technologies to meet national security
requirements, we will convert innovation into commercial
opportunities more effectively and support prosperity and growth
in the wider economy. We will move away from the 2012 policy of
‘competition by default’ and prioritise UK industrial capability
where required for national security and operational reasons. We
will also reform and revitalise our approach to acquisition,
exports and international collaboration, including greater use of
government-to-government arrangements.'
HM Government, Global Britain in a competitive age:
The Integrated Review of Security, Defence, Development and
Foreign Policy, 15 March 2021, pages 73 and 74 https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/969402/The_Integrated_Review_of_Security__Defence__Development_and_Foreign_Policy.pdf
