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Rennie: Treasury is holding back progress on the Carriers
November 22, 2007 5:14 PM
The Treasury is putting a block on the progress of the aircraft carriers according to Dunfermline and West Fife MP, Willie Rennie. Only a couple of days after news that Babcock Marine is to recruit an additional 350 employees at Rosyth Dockyard the MP criticised the Government for failing to agree to a joint venture between BAE System on the Clyde and VT at Portsmouth. The joint venture is a vital part of the consolidation within the shipbuilding industry in advance of the construction of the carriers.
Mr Rennie, who is a member of the House of Commons Defence Select Committee, said:
"The announcement about the new jobs at Rosyth over the next 18 months will be welcomed in homes right across West Fife. There is a sense of great anticipation within the company and its employees, who are looking forward to playing a crucial role in the construction of these massive carriers.
"That's why it is absolutely essential that the Treasury delays no longer. They have blocked this joint venture for too long - especially when it was the MOD that insisted on it in the first place.
"The recruitment programme is a massive opportunity for local people to secure good jobs at the yard," said Mr Rennie. "However, the company must make every effort to work in partnership with Lauder College, Fife Council, Scottish Enterprise and training organisations so that instead of opting for the easy route of recruiting skilled labourers from elsewhere they go the extra mile to skill up and recruit local people. We want the aircraft carrier project to leave a lasting legacy for Fife in terms or skills and companies."
Mr Rennie also welcomed the appointment of John Howie as Managing Director of the Warships Division, who is already based at Rosyth Dockyard. Formerly in charge of Babcock operations on the Clyde, he will be responsible for both the support of Royal Navy warships and Babcock's role in the project to build the carriers.
"John Howie is well respected and highly regarded in the industry. He was responsible for providing specialist services to the MoD at Faslane and Coulport including a wide range of engineering and management services to the Royal Navy. I wish him well."
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