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BAE threatens to leave UK

BAE supplies the UK army with ammunitionBAE supplies the UK army with ammunition

Tuesday, 26, Aug 2008 12:25

BAE Systems could leave the UK for America if defence spending ever dropped too low, the company's chief executive has said.

Mike Turner told the Financial Times he did not "see any prospect" of that happening, but that he would be concerned if defence became a low priority.

"I hope it doesn't come to that," Mr Turner said, adding that the government was "not giving the priority to defence that is needed".

The comments follow a £2 billion deal for BAE to supply UK armed forces with ammunition. It also follows controversy over BAE's involvement with Saudi officials to secure a separate arms deal.

Mr Turner retires as BAE chief executive this week. BAE employs 40,000 people in the UK.

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