MoD's 'Stunning betrayal' of British manufacturing
1 February 2012
Unite, Britain's biggest union, has accused the Ministry of
Defence of a "stunning betrayal" of British manufacturing as it
intends to end giving UK companies priority over their foreign
rivals when buying equipment and weapons for the armed forces.
The minister for defence, Peter Luff, published a white paper
today (1 February) called National Security Through Technology:
Technology, Equipment, and Support for UK Defence and Security. The
paper sets out the shift towards open competition and buying
equipment off the shelf.
Unite national officer Ian Waddell said:"This is yet another
stunning betrayal of British manufacturing. The government has
learnt nothing from the fiasco at Bombardier when it put Britain's
last train maker at risk in favour of a rival European
manufacturer.
"The latest decision by the Indian government to select a French
fighter aircraft over the BAE Systems Typhoon, highlights how
important it is to support British jobs when it is within the power
of the government to do so.
"This government should be using procurement to support British
companies, rather than using it against them.
"The defence industry provides highly skilled jobs and is hugely
important to the economy. The government is doing next to nothing
to support UK manufacturing."
ENDS
Contact:Ciaran Naidoo on 07768 931 315
