Politician aims to safeguard jobs
23/06/2008(17:00)
The MP for Fylde Michael Jack has called for the government to demonstrate its commitment to securing 100s of jobs on the north-east coast.
His comments were made in a House of Commons debate, where Mr Jack said spending on the wars in Middle East could jeopardise BAE Systems' forthcoming projects and the jobs associated with them, reports local paper The Gazette.
Mr Jack told the paper: "The overspend on the war in Iraq and Afghanistan has put a tremendous amount of pressure on the Ministry of Defence for projects which will affect staff at Warton."
He explained the financial constraints could cause decisions on orders such as the Tranche Three to be delayed.
"Japan's interest in the Eurofighter Typhoon could also fall by the wayside should a programme by the American-built F-22 fighter jet be sacrificed," he added.
In related news, Gateshead-based marine and industrial painting contractor Pyeroy has signed two contracts to repaint the same number of Royal Fleet Auxiliary ships, which could create 30 new jobs, reports news provider nebusiness.co.uk.