Hull MP we cannot afford to lose BAE defence jobs

Hull North MP Diana Johnson has expressed concern about today's announcement of 212 job losses at BAE Systems in Brough.

Hull North MP Diana Johnson said: "These job cuts at BAE's Brough site are being made even before we have seen the far greater effects of the Coalition Government budget to come in October, and the resulting cuts to our defences from the Strategic Defence and Security Review.

"For example, I have been asking Ministers about the future of the Typhoon Fighter programme, which could also have an effect on the BAE site at Brough.

"In our region we cannot afford to lose skilled high technology jobs that are the future of modern manufacturing. Along with other public service cuts and in support for skills and regeneration in our region, these jobs losses will have a negative knock-on effect in the wider local economy and among BAE's local private sector suppliers.

"From a national perspective, British contracts and export earnings are a key part of achieving the economic growth that will help reduce the Government deficit. There is also a vital strategic importance to our national security in maintaining a strong production capacity in our defence industry.

"Those BAE workers hit by today's announcement have valuable skills that we must not waste."

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