GMB, the union for shipbuilders, has commented on the Government’s
green light for a £2.5 billion submarine build.
Defence Secretary is set to confirm the
Ministry of Defence has signed a £1.6bn contract with BAE Systems
to build the seventh and last of the Astute hunter-killer
submarines, to be named Agincourt. [1]
A further £960m worth of contracts is said to
have been signed for the next phase of construction of four
Dreadnought submarines to replace the four Vanguard submarines
that make up the UK’s nuclear fleet, carrying
the Trident weapons system.
The news comes after Labour joined GMB’s
campaign to keep a crucial £1 billion order for three new
military support ships in the UK. [2]
Tim Roache, GMB General Secretary,
said:
“After months of lobbying and pressure from
employers and trade unions alike, any announcement that means
investment in UK shipbuilding is
welcome.
"Following damaging rumours that this order
could be cancelled, what looks like confirmation the seventh
Astute-class submarine will be built at Barrow is a necessary
first step in securing shipbuilding jobs and industry - but there
is still much more to do.
"Jobs are still under threat at other yards,
and it is vital the upcoming order for three military support
vessels is also placed in the UK - which would secure or create
up to 6,700 jobs, including in the steel
industry.
"GMB represents thousands of defence workers up
and down the country.
“They want security in their jobs, their
families and to ensure a real future for the industry then work
in.
“It’s common sense for the government to invest
UK taxpayers’ money in creating skilled, UK
jobs.”
ENDS
Notes to Editors:
[1] https://www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2018/may/14/defence-secretary-gives-go-ahead-for-25bn-spend-on-submarines?utm_source=esp&utm_medium=Email&utm_campaign=GU+Today+main+NEW+H+categories&utm_term=274727&subid=20472930&CMP=EMCNEWEML6619I2
[2] http://www.gmb.org.uk/newsroom/shipbuilding-win-GMB
