Labour Party says big blow to British steelmaking industry
British media reported that in a further blow to the UK’s battered industry, imported steel is being used for GBP 19 billion spending spree for building new fleet of warships & armoured vehicles.
As per report, the Royal Navy order is for seven Astute hunter-killer submarines at a total cost of GBP 11.5 billion, for five Type 31 frigates at GBP 250 million each and a further GBP 5.8 billion for 500 Boxer and 589 Ajax fighting vehicles.
UK’s Defence Minister Mr Jeremy Quin said no British company produced the right quality required.
Labour Party’s Shadow Defence Secretary Mr John Healey said “This is a big blow to British steelmaking with the industry under pressure. Britain’s steel industry was once the envy of the world. So it is shameful we now have to import foreign metal to build new battleships.
The Government is spending billions to boost our naval power across the globe. It has also ordered 1,000 armoured vehicles to bolster our Armed Forces. But ministers have admitted that our home produced steel isn’t tough enough, forcing us to go cap in hand to countries such as Sweden.
Successive governments have disgracefully allowed this once proud industry to rust. For too long we have neglected our traditional manufacturing base, leaving thousands on the dole. It’s not a good look for a vibrant Brexit Britain. Ministers are failing hard-working people. Labour wants defence contracts to be British-built by default.”
UK’s steel union Community’s Mr Alasdair McDiarmid added “This makes a mockery of government commitments.”
