The government’s lack of clear commitment to shipbuilding could kill off the industry in Britain, defence workers warned.
Unite, which represents shipyard workers, said ministers’ lack of solid support for maintaining a British base for naval construction is creating anxiety in shipbuilding communities.
The union expressed particular fear over the future of shipbuilding in Appledore, North Devon, where the shipyard has lost a significant works contract to Italian firm Fincantier, and in Belfast, where government hesitation over agreeing new construction contracts is causing widespread concern.
The union also criticised the Tories’ “obsession” with offshoring shipbuilding despite Britain having the capacity for such work .
Unite assistant general secretary Steve Turner said: “Our future capability to build for the Royal Navy in UK shipyards hangs by a thread, so it is imperative that the government makes support for these yards a keystone of any post-Brexit industrial strategy.
“Defence Secretary Gavin Williamson and Business Secretary Greg Clark must now wake up and smell the coffee.
“They must act now to defend UK yards and what’s left of any defence and wider industrial strategy.
“Otherwise, the future of these yards and all those who work at them, alongside thousands more jobs in the UK-wide supply chain, could be shipwrecked.”
Unite regional officer Heathcliffe Pettifer, responsible for the Appledore works, has secured a meeting with local Tory MP Geoffrey Cox as well as the owners of the site, Babcock, and local council leaders to discuss securing the future of work there.
Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn, a consistent opponent of the shipyard closures, launched the Build it in Britain campaign earlier this year over the threats to more than 6,500 shipbuilding jobs.
The Ministry of Defence did not respond to requests for comment.
Help Us Sustain Ad-Free Journalism
Sorry, I Need To Put Out the Begging Bowl
Independent Journalism Needs You
Our unwavering dedication is to provide you with unbiased news, diverse perspectives, and insightful opinions. We're on a mission to ensure that those in positions of power are held accountable for their actions, but we can't do it alone. Labour Heartlands is primarily funded by me, Paul Knaggs, and by the generous contributions of readers like you. Your donations keep us going and help us uphold the principles of independent journalism. Join us in our quest for truth, transparency, and accountability – donate today and be a part of our mission!
Like everyone else, we're facing challenges, and we need your help to stay online and continue providing crucial journalism. Every contribution, no matter how small, goes a long way in helping us thrive. By becoming one of our donors, you become a vital part of our mission to uncover the truth and uphold the values of democracy.
While we maintain our independence from political affiliations, we stand united against corruption, injustice, and the erosion of free speech, truth and democracy. We believe in the power of accurate information in a democracy, and we consider facts non-negotiable.
Your support, no matter the amount, can make a significant impact. Together, we can make a difference and continue our journey toward a more informed and just society.
Thank you for supporting Labour Heartlands
