In response to the Public Accounts Committee warning that the ongoing delay in the publication of the government’s Defence Investment Plan has undermined the nation’s credibility, Unite the UK’s leading union, has demanded that the plan is focused on delivering skilled British work.
Unite general secretary Sharon Graham said: “The failure to deliver the DIP is a threat to British jobs and skills and a threat to national security now and in the future.
“UK defence must be recognised as a strategic national asset. When the DIP is published, no ifs or buts that money must be spent in the UK. That is what the prime minister promised and what we expect. Any backsliding would be a betrayal.
“Failing to protect the skills and experience of UK defence workers would mean throwing away vital know-how for future projects. This would be a huge strategic mistake.”
Unite has highlighted that the need for the DIP to ensure that contracts including a new tranche of Typhoon fast jets, the Skynet satellite and the A400M transport plane are signed off and production lines in Britain are rolling as soon as possible.”
ENDS
Notes to editors:
For media enquiries ONLY please contact Unite senior communications advisor Barckley Sumner on 07802 329235.
Email: [email protected]
Twitter: @unitetheunion Facebook: unitetheunion1 Instagram: unitetheunion Web: unitetheunion.org
Unite is the UK and Ireland’s leading union fighting to protect and advance jobs, pay and conditions for members working across all sectors of the economy. The general secretary is Sharon Graham