Defence businesses, trade bodies, and trade unions have given
their reaction to Keir Starmer's ‘triple lock' nuclear deterrent
commitment today.
Dr Charles Woodburn CBE, Chief Executive Officer, BAE
Systems PLC, said:
“It was a pleasure to welcome Sir Keir Starmer and John Healey to
our facility in Barrow today where he had the opportunity to meet
some of our talented employees and see first-hand the vital work
we're undertaking to deliver the Astute and Dreadnought
programmes for the Royal Navy.
“Ongoing investment in Barrow is supporting critical
infrastructure development and recruitment required at the heart
of the UK's submarines enterprise to deliver these vitally
important national security programmes.”
Kevin Craven, CEO ADS:
“The national security of the UK is crucial and the nuclear
deterrent keeps our country safe, while also securing the future
of hundreds of thousands of families within the nation.
“As our world gets increasingly more dangerous, this
unprecedented commitment to ensuring our collective security and
the livelihoods of many throughout our country is very much
welcomed.”
David Lockwood, Babcock CEO, said:
“Babcock plays a critical role in supporting the UK's strategic
deterrent and welcome Labour's ongoing commitment to this key
defence capability.”
Matt Roberts, GMB National Officer, said:
"This triple lock on nuclear submarine procurement shows that
Labour understands the needs of the sector. The
boom-and-bust cycles of the past are bad for workers, skills, and
productivity. Ultimately, uncertainty over orders is devastating
for communities and our national defence.
"The Labour Party are showing they can provide certainty and
confidence for the UK's security, and for workers and families in
communities like Barrow."
Thales said:
“In an increasingly uncertain geopolitical landscape, strong
defence policy supported by a resilient defence enterprise is
critical to ensuring the security of the nation.
“As the “eyes and ears” of the Royal Navy, long term commitments
that allow us to invest in the next generation of skills and
continue to develop world leading technologies are also very
welcome.”
