Unite, the UK's leading union, has welcomed the government's
commitment to intertwine increased defence spending, with
developing the UK's defence industry. The union
will continue to demand that the prime minister makes
good on his promise to “translate defence spending into
British growth, British jobs, British skills, British
innovation.”
Given the ongoing global instability Unite supports the increased
defence spending but believes it must come into effect more
quickly and that the government must adjust its fiscal rules or
introduce a wealth tax to meet all its spending commitments.
Unite has welcomed the announcement of the building of 12 new
submarines and believes that these vessels must be built in
British shipyards to secure their future and to ensure a steady
supply of work. Ending the feast and famine approach to defence
procurement spending, that has long afflicted the sector, must
form part of the forthcoming industrial defence review.
Unite general secretary Sharon Graham said: “Given the global
challenges we face; it is right that defence spending is
increasing. But it would be short sighted and self-defeating if
we failed to develop the UK's industrial defence capabilities. In
an increasing uncertain world, the UK government must commit
to invest in UK jobs.
“In the interests of national security, we can't be left relying
on the US and others to supply our defence equipment.
Investment in the UK defence industry also creates
jobs, boosts pay, increases tax income and helps drive the
growth we desperately need.
“Earlier this year the prime minister promised the country that
increased defence spending would be used to create UK jobs and
skills. New British built submarines will
be a great start, but the government also
urgently needs to commit to orders for new UK
built Typhoons and medium lift helicopters.
“Defence spending on UK manufacturing needs to
be increased more quickly. Countries that want to do us
harm won't wait and nor can the UK.”
First generation Typhoons operated by the RAF are reaching
the end of their operational life. The government now needs to
buy new British built Typhoons and not American F-35s. A
failure to order new Typhoons could result in the loss
of jobs and skills needed to develop the next
generation fast fighter, which the government is committed
to.
Unite is also demanding that the government goes ahead
with the purchase of the medium lift helicopter, with
the only remaining
bidder being Leonardo, based in Yeovil.
