Our MPs representing our members
- Sarah Owen
- Jan 23, 2018
- 2 min read
Brough is the home of the Hawk - the iconic aircraft flown by the Red Arrows. They were first built in the 1970s and although they are much loved, they are now reaching the end of their lifespan.
The Conservative government has continued to delay ordering and planning to replace these aircraft. The extent of this delay was uncovered by Labour MP, Diana Johnson that showed the Government planned to hold back replacing the aircraft from 2015 to 2030.
A fifteen year delay is not only damaging to our defence capability, the future of vital UK manufacturing jobs but it also opens the door for international tenders from overseas. GMB's priority will be about ensuring our defence sector is protected and that the future of these jobs should be guaranteed with investment in UK defence and not dithering.
Following the uncovering of this delay, Ruth Smeeth MP led the way in defending GMB members' jobs in Westminster debates on this issue at Brough. She made it clear that investment should come from Government and that for every £1 spent in defence, at least 37 pence comes back to the Treasury. This would be good for our manufacturing sector, good for UK business and defence, good for jobs and good for the communities who rely on the defence industry.
Members also had the opportunity to put their concerns directly to politicians when a delegation of GMB members from Brough met with Labour MPs. Now this issue is firmly on the political agenda thanks to GMB members, GMB reps/officers and GMB Labour MPs working together - we will continue to keep the pressure on this Tory Government to end their dithering and start building aircraft at Brough sooner rather than later and guarantee a bright future for the home of the Hawk.
GMB is proud of our manufacturing members, proud of our heritage and ambitious for the future of manufacturing in the UK. For more on our campaign for UK manufacturing, please visit www.making-it.org.uk
Image credit: Hawk Jet (via jez_b/Flickr)
