“Invest in UK jobs”

Speaking about yesterday’s (2 June) announcement on the Strategic Defence Review, Unite said that increased spending is required and must boost investment in UK industry and create highly skilled jobs

Unite 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.

Unite members at Spirit AeroSystems have also been pressing the UK government to take action to protect British aerospace and the jobs and skills on which it relies after aircraft manufacturer Airbus announced only a partial buyout of the Belfast-based firm, leaving thousands of workers with an uncertain future.

By Keith Hatch