SHIPBUILD BETRAYAL AS SPAIN GETS £1.6BN DEAL
THERE was anger last night after the Tories “betrayed” workers by handing a £1.6bn ship deal to a Spanish-led bid.
Defence Secretary Ben Wallace snubbed a UK team and confirmed the contract to build three 40,000ton Fleet Solid Support ships would go to a consortium spearheaded by Madrid-based Navantia.
The Government claimed 2,000 jobs will be created in Britain, with parts of the Royal Fleet Auxiliary vessels welded at Harland & Wolff in Belfast. But at least 40% of the work, worth £640m, will go abroad.
Prospect union boss Mike Clancy said: “Spain will be delighted with the Government’s approach to levelling-up.” Shadow Defence Secretary John Healey fumed: “This is a betrayal of British jobs and British business.” Mr Wallace yesterday called it a “significant boost” to UK shipbuilding.