Andrew Snowden, MP for Fylde, has demanded assurances from the Government regarding the protection of thousands of defence industry jobs in Fylde and across Lancashire, particularly those at BAE Systems, following the recent imposition of US trade tariffs by US President Donald Trump.
Speaking in Parliament, Andrew voiced his concerns over the potential impact on the UK defence sector, particularly BAE Systems, which manufactures key components for US-UK defence programmes, such as the F-35. He called on Trade Secretary Jonathan Reynolds to clarify what measures are being taken to protect British manufacturing jobs involved in these international defence collaborations.
Fylde’s MP also sought reassurances that the order of 25 new fighter jets for the RAF would not be used as a bargaining chip in emergency US trade talks, especially after the Government's failure to secure a trade deal. He stressed the importance of prioritising British-built Typhoon jets for the RAF.
In response, Mr Reynolds acknowledged the concerns, expressing that he shared similar sentiments given his own constituency’s involvement in defence manufacturing.
He reassured Mr Snowden that engaging with US counterparts had always been part of the strategy and that UK trade bodies maintain strong links with their American partners. However, he admitted to having no specific knowledge of the RAF jet order being leveraged in trade negotiations.
Andrew criticised the response, calling it disingenuous given widespread media speculation that the 25-jet RAF order could be a potential negotiating lever in talks with the US.
"We need honesty and clarity from ministers not evasive answers," said the MP for Fylde. "The fact that this is being openly speculated on in the media only fuels uncertainty in the defence industry and on the factory floor. We need firm guarantees that British jobs and British-built Typhoons are not up for negotiation. It is vital that we protect skilled jobs in Lancashire and support British-built aircraft for our armed forces. The Government must ensure that our defence contracts are not compromised in trade negotiations, particularly given the importance of maintaining a strong UK defence industry."
Andrew has vowed to continue pressing the Government until clear and public assurances are given to workers in Lancashire and across the UK that defence contracts will not be sacrificed in trade talks.
