Blackpool MP in talks over BAE Systems jobs threat

Blackpool North and Cleveleys MP Paul Maynard has visited BAE Systems' Warton site to talk to management and unions about the prospect of redundancies and the importance of retaining high-skill engineering jobs in the area.

By The Newsroom

Published 19th Dec 2017, 16:31 BST

Updated 19th Dec 2017, 16:40 BST

Blackpool North MP Paul Maynard at BAE Systems' Warton site

His visit came after the company announced jobs would have top go nationally with the slow down in orders for the Typhoon aircraft and after Qatar confirmed its £5bn order for 24 jets.

He said: “I have been deeply concerned by the recent proposed job losses and I am keen to do all I can to help protect manufacturing jobs in the aviation sector which supports many workers and smaller suppliers in my own constituency.

“I recently wrote to the Secretary of State for Defence, asking for his assurances over the future of this vital industry.

“I am delighted that a deal has been concluded to provide Typhoon jets to Qatar, ensuring production at Warton continues into the 2020s.

"I remain concerned for my constituents whose future remains uncertain and I trust the Government will continue to support BAE in securing more important deals.”