I was disappointed to learn last week of BAE System’s proposal to cut up to 60 jobs at the local Rochester Airport site. I therefore wanted to take the opportunity to stand up during Defence Oral Questions to raise the issue to ministers before the Christmas recess and the New Year.
On the back of previous defence questions around supporting innovation from our defence suppliers, I saw it necessary to highlight that it is specialist skills behind our successes. These skills have helped deliver some of the best British electronic systems used by our Armed Forces for many years and which will be needed for many more years to come.
I was encouraged that our defence ministers shared my disappointment at last week’s news, especially given the money spent by the Government with BAE Systems. It was also pleasing to hear that the Government will do everything it can to make sure that those valuable skills are redeployed in other areas of this avionics speciality.
While I am grateful for the Government’s support to our local businesses and employment, I will be continuing to keep this on the agenda to ensure our local and defence economy is not hindered by this decision. I have always enjoyed working with BAE Systems – and I know they do much for our community – and I look forward to further collaboration and progress around this unfortunate issue.