British Army Built in Spain

Dear Minister for State,

I was disappointed to read recently that the British Army’s new Ajax fighting vehicles will be built in Spain using Swedish steel at the EU’s request. The aim was to support jobs in Spain through an EU grant, rather than preserving jobs in Wales.

As Secretary of State for Defence Procurement, I request you to clarify this matter and confirm that, now the UK is no longer under EU orders, you will order our military equipment to be made in Britain. Achieving this will require the re-opening of Portsmouth dockyard. For background, see our analysis on Portsmouth dockyard reopening.

It is striking that in 2012 the previous Government contracted Royal Navy ships from South Korea and closed Portsmouth dockyard while Philip Hammond was Minister of Defence. Such decisions demonstrate that the Westminster political establishment has shown little regard for saving British industry and jobs.

You now have an opportunity to redeem this record by reinvesting in Portsmouth through the £3.5 billion defence procurement deal. This commitment would not only secure local employment but also showcase our dedication to British manufacturing excellence. Explore our report on the £3.5 billion defence deal.

Yours sincerely,

Stephen Morris
General Secretary
Workers of England Union

Further Reading:

• British Army built in Spain with Swedish steel
• Ministers looking to impose doctor contract
• The WEU welcomes Boeing’s £3 bn deal for nine marine patrol planes

Source: Mirror – British Army’s new fighting vehicles