This contract is critical to the future of the shipbuilding industry, says GMB Union 

GMB, the union for shipbuilders, has responded to Labour’s pledge to build the vital £1.6 billion Fleet Solid Support ships in the UK.

Speaking at Labour Party Conference, Shadow Defence Secretary John Healey announced they would ensure “these ships will be built in Britain” and that “under Labour, defence spending will help lead our mission to buy, make and sell more in Britain.” [1]

Gary Smith, GMB General Secretary, said:

“This contract is critical to the future of the shipbuilding industry.

“Thousands of jobs have been lost in defence manufacturing as contracts worth billions go overseas – we need to end this scandal once and for all.

“Labour’s commitment to build the Fleet Solid Support ships in our own yards will be welcomed in shipbuilding communities across the UK.”