Hull MP petitions for BAE Systems workers

Hull North MP Diana Johnson this morning launches a petition backing BAE System workers, following this week's announcement of 899 job losses at Brough.

The petition is designed for Humber MPs to gather local support, on a cross-party basis, to present to Parliament in the weeks after the House of Commons reconvenes on 10 October.

The petition reads: "We the undersigned back BAE Systems workers at Brough in their fight to save Humber jobs. We call on the Government to support our defence industry, modern manufacturing and regeneration around the Humber so that skilled jobs and apprenticeships exist locally."

Another national online e-petition is being launched by BAE Systems trade unionists and the Hull Daily Mail.

Hull North MP Diana Johnson said: "As BAE System start their 90 day consultation on the loss of 899 posts at Brough, Hull people need to send a clear message to BAE Systems and the Government about how essential these jobs and apprenticeships are to our local economy. This will help Hull and Humber MPs get the issue raised on the floor of the House of Commons.

"The defence industry is vital to the UK, supporting both our Forces on the front line and the wider UK economy.

"The Government has talked about 'rebalancing the economy', from the South East to the North and from financial services to modern manufacturing. With the private sector also being the Coalition's stated hope for job creation, growth and deficit reduction, how can the country afford to lose these skilled manufacturing jobs in the North?

"That's why I cannot accept the Government's passive stance so far that simply notes the job losses at Brough and places too much emphasis on skilled Brough defence workers moving elsewhere in the country for jobs. Getting Siemens to Hull is about having additional jobs locally in a sunrise industry - not replacing defence jobs and apprenticeships at BAE Brough."