- Sending the Fleet Solid Support ships order to Spain is an
insult to shipyards across the UK, says GMB
Union
GMB, the shipbuilding union, has demanded cast iron
guarantees for UK yards now a vital £1.6 billion order
for ships to supply the Royal Navy looks set to go
overseas.
Sources close to the tendering process for the three new military
support ships say the Secretary of State for Defence, MP, is set to award the contract to a consortium
led by Spanish government-owned company Navantia which has a
history of receiving state subsidies, rather than Team UK.
Mr Wallace gives evidence in front of the Defence Select
Committee today [2 November]
GMB, which has long campaigned for the Fleet Solid Support
ships to be built in the UK, has written to the Secretary of
State warning of the impact of the move, particularly on
shipyards in Scotland, the North West, the North East and the
South West.
GMB estimates that at least £285 million would also be returned
to the taxpayer through income tax, national insurance
contributions and lower welfare payments if the ships were built
in the UK.
Shipbuilding and ship repair employment in Great Britain has
fallen by 80,000 jobs since the early 1980s – threatening the
UK’s sovereign defence manufacturing capability at a time of
international uncertainty.
Matt Roberts, GMB National Officer, said:
“At a time of international uncertainty and with the UK economy
in crisis, it seems utterly perverse for the Conservatives to
send a massive naval contract overseas.
“Sending parts of the FSS order to Spain rather than delivering
all the work in the UK is an insult to shipyards across the
UK.
“The Defence Secretary must reassure GMB members and the public
there will be adequate oversight to ensure foreign bidders
cannot and do not renege on their obligations.
“The UK should prioritise the maintenance and strengthening of
our sovereign defence manufacturing capabilities.
“Once again the Conservatives are showing they cannot be trusted
with our nation’s security.”
