'Dither and delay' putting Portsmouth Airbus jobs at risk as defence workers protest outside Downing Street
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Disgruntled workers at defence firms have made their voices heard outside Downing Street objecting the lack of clarity over armed forces spending.
Members of the Unite union descended on Westminster today (February 25) to protest at government dithering over spending commitments that has placed their jobs in jeopardy. Spending decisions on many vital contracts will not be finalised until the publication of the Defence Investment Plan, which has been delayed since last Autumn.
Workers from across the country gathered to make their voices heard. Unite represents employees at several defence firms based in Portsmouth, such as Airbus. Based in Anchorage Park, the company has long been connected to the Skynet programme and is one of the city’s biggest employers. The procurement process remains ongoing.
General secretary Sharon Graham said members were fighting for their jobs and skills to be preserved, while asking the government to commit to funding defence projects with British manufacturers.
“Thousands of UK jobs are at risk because of dither and delay on decisions around defence spending,” she said. “One year ago today the prime minister promised that increased defence spending would translate into British jobs, British skills, British growth and innovation. This promise has not been kept.
“Put simply, what the UK government is doing on British defence is against our national security, an attack on British jobs, and an act of self-harm. The Treasury’s delay to promised defence funding is the latest in a long line of bad decisions, including winter fuel, allowing British refineries to close, and a jobless net zero transition.”
In a speech outside 10 Downing Street today Sharon Graham added: “If you can't back Britain and back British jobs, maybe you are in the wrong job.”
As part of the defence industrial strategy, Labour said it would prioritise agreeing contracts with British firms, adding that this would be “an engine for growth”. Announcing the policy in the House of Commons in September, Luke Pollard MP said the strategy would allow businesses to invest with confidence.
“When we export defence capabilities, we strengthen our security abroad, but create high-skilled jobs at home,” he previously said. “We will back British businesses to go out and win, win more contracts and create more jobs.”
Despite the policy announcement and millions of pounds being invested in British contracts, deadlines for many key components have dragged. This includes agreements for the New Medium Helicopter and Hawk Jet Trainer.
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Unite is calling for final decisions to be brought forward for these projects, and for the Ministry of Defence (MoD) to secure provisions for Military Satellite Communications System (Skynet) to continue being built in Portsmouth and Stevenage, as it has for the last 20 years.
Gosport MP Dame Caroline Dinenage, Conservative, previously said the government’s delays are impacting the ecosystem of brilliant businesses, and is causing uncertainty for many. Mr Pollard responded: “We continue to place contracts with the defence industry, over 1000 since the general election, over 80 per cent with UK firms. It’s a continuation of our attempt to renew our armed forces.
“I entirely understand the argument she’s making, that we want to see more investment and certainty. When the defence investment plan is published, shortly I hope that will provide clarity on what the kit is that we’re buying, in what order, and in what sequence. That will support the growth of British businesses, large and small.”