Unite, the UK leading union which represents tens of thousands of
defence workers, has welcomed suggestions that the government is
considering loosening its fiscal rules, in order to invest in
defence.
The union backed the proposals following a report in the
Financial Times that Number 10 is considering the option of
changing the fiscal rules to allow the government to fully adopt
the Defence Investment Plan (DIP). It is understood the
Treasury is opposed to this approach.
Unite general secretary Sharon Graham said: “Keir Starmer
promised when he announced defence spending that it would be good
for British growth, British jobs, British skills and innovation.
Unite has been calling for the Defence Investment Plan to live up
to this rhetoric.
“So far we have had promise after promise and now at the final
hurdle we are being advised that the money may not be
there. The first priority of a government is to defend its
people. That means investing in the British defence industry here
at home.
“Unite has called for a change in the fiscal rules
to allow the government to borrow to invest. What
are they waiting for?'
The DIP was due to be published last year and its continued delay
is threatening the future of thousands of highly skilled UK jobs.
Sharon Graham added: “If the Defence Investment Plan does not
deliver for British defence workers it will be an act of
self-harm. Significant jobs, growth and skills depend on it.'
Despite this commitment the government has failed to advance a
series of key projects, putting at risk the livelihoods of
thousands of UK defence workers.
Approximately three thousand workers directly employed by
Leonardo in Somerset need the government to urgently confirm that
it will give the green light to the new medium lift helicopter
programme for the army. Leonardo became the only bidder for the
contract in August 2024 but the order has not progressed since
then. If the government does not confirm the order in the coming
weeks there are growing fears for the future of the Yeovil site.
In recent weeks it has become apparent the UK's military space
programme is under threat due to the government's decision to
open up competitive tenders for the Skynet 6 miliary satellite
programme. American defence conglomerate Lockhead Martin is
bidding for the contract. For over two decades UK military
satellites have been provided by Airbus and produced at factories
in Stevenage and Plymouth, involving hundreds of highly skilled
workers.
Unite is campaigning to ensure that the RAF purchases new Typhoon
aircraft to replace the existing fleet of the aircraft which is
ageing. The purchase of the new Typhoons will also ensure that
British jobs and skills are retained for sixth generation
Tempest production, which will begin midway through the next
decade.
Meanwhile, Airbus workers at Filton, in South West England are
heavily reliant on the government confirming the order of six
A400m military transporter planes. A decision on their purchase
has been delayed.
