Red Arrows threatened with the axe

THE Red Arrows could be axed if the Government fails to support British manufacturing, ministers have been warned.

MPs want major orders brought forward, including replacing the Red Arrows’ fleet of Hawk aircraft.

This would provide additional work for BAE Systems – which has announced plans to cut almost 2,000 jobs – and keep production in the UK.

And they cast doubt on the Government’s suggestion that no new Red Arrows jets are needed until 2030.

Labour MP Ruth Smeeth said the BAE job cuts could result in a loss of skills and expertise which could ‘set us back a generation’.

She said jobs could be protected in the short term if the Government committed to bringing forward the order for new Hawk aircraft for the Red Arrows, while also securing the next wave of export contracts.

Labour former defence minister Kevan Jones said the alternative option for the Lincolnshire-based RAF aerobatic team could involve flying jets built in Italy, France or South Korea.