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Aircraft Carriers reassurances sought after reports of US-UK standoff over plane technology
June 22, 2006 1:28 PM
Local Liberal Democrat MP, Willie Rennie, has sought reassurances from Ministers that Aircraft Carriers, planned to be part-built at Rosyth, will not be threatened by a stand-off between the US and UK over plane technology. The UK plans to buy 150 Joint Strike Fighter aircraft from American firm, Lockheed Martin, at a cost of £9 billion. However, the Pentagon is refusing to grant the Ministry of Defence access to secret stealth technology and flight control software used by the Joint Strike Fighter or F35.
Willie Rennie is concerned that this may have a knock-on effect on plans to build two 60,000-tonne aircraft carriers. Work is planned to take place in Rosyth.
Mr Rennie said:
"The awarding of part of the construction and the final assembly of these aircraft carriers to the Rosyth dockyard was a shot-in-the-arm for the local economy. I want to know from Defence Ministers what effect this spat between the US and UK Governments will have on this important contract.
"I have tabled a number of questions to the Defence Secretary and I hope for a prompt response. Local people will want to know what impact this disagreement will have on the aircraft carrier project and what is being done to overcome the obstacles. Many local jobs will depend upon the Secretary of State's response."
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