BAE staff 'worth fighting for' say MPs
Former home secretary Alan Johnson (pictured left) and Tory MP David Davis (right) have given their reaction to the news that BAE is to axe 3000 jobs across its UK sites.
Speaking outside the BAE plant in Brough where 900 people lost their jobs, Johnson described the news as a 'devastating blow' for the defence manufacturing industry. He also said that the way in which the staff were given the news was 'a disgrace'.
"They have had terrible news, delivered in the most terrible way," he said. "This is a little oasis of high value, well paid, skilled jobs. This is a terrible day, a really gloomy time. I can't remember anything as bad as this in my fourteen years here."
Davis added: "They are an outstanding workforce here - low cost, efficient and worth fighting for."
Speaking of the announcement, Dr Neil Bentley, CBI deputy director general, said: "Job losses on this scale would clearly be a blow to UK manufacturing, and for the individuals concerned and their families.
"With tighter government defence budgets both at home and abroad, the competitive pressure on companies is fierce.
"This announcement highlights why the government must publish its Defence White Paper at the earliest opportunity. It needs to set out how it will work with industry, so all companies across the defence supply chain can plan with confidence and choose to invest here."
