Airbus flies in to ‘Project Fear’ row
PLANE-maker Airbus was yesterday accused of scare tactics after warning it could quit the UK if Britain leaves the European Union with no deal.
The company also said the proposed transition period planned to end in 2020 was too short for it to reorganise its supply chain.
The European multinational employs 14,000 people across 25 sites in the UK, and supports a further 110,000 jobs with suppliers, making aircraft wings.
But former Ukip leader Nigel Farage said: “We build the wings in this country. If they close down production it would take them at least two years to put that back in place somewhere in France or Germany.”
But he agreed with Airbus on the need for more clarity about the UK’s plans, saying he was “bitterly disappointed” with the Government’s lack of leadership.
Leave Means Leave co-chair John Longworth, said: “The latest scare story from Airbus screams of more Project Fear. The Frenchrun Airbus is a classic multinational business that clearly doesn’t care about the UK as we embark on a new post-Brexit future, because it is intrinsically
wrapped up in the EU and trying to undermine the Government’s negotiating position.”
Airbus UK senior vice president Katherine Bennett insisted: “We don’t deal in idle threats. We seriously believe a no deal Brexit would be catastrophic.”
The Government spokeswoman said: “We have made significant progress towards agreeing a deep and special partnership with the EU to ensure trade remains as free and frictionless as possible, including in the aerospace sector, and we’re confident of getting a good deal that is mutually beneficial.”