Keep Navy ship jobs in UK yards

GLASGOW MP Paul Sweeney has called for contracts to build Royal Navy supply vessels to be restricted to UK yards only.

Sweeney, of Labour, spoke out after defence minister Stuart Andrew admitted that BAE Systems were handed a deal “noncompetitively” to build five offshore patrol vessels.

Sweeney called for bids to build two Fleet Solid Support vessels, which are due to go to international tender, to be restricted to UK yards.

Andrew said restrictions only apply to warships.

Sweeney said: “We need to get a production line model for shipbuilding in the UK.

“The Government’s decision to restrict the scope of ships being built in UK yards really harms that.”