Airbus move will destroy British jobs

IT WAS with incredulity that I learned in Thursday’s Business Wales that the Government could risk cutting-edge technical jobs at Airbus in Britain by removing Boeing tariffs in January. This is clearly designed to undermine a Brexit deal and at the same time it shows the US how desperate the UK is for a deal with them.

One of the main reasons that Airbus was created some 50 years ago by Britain and its partners was in response to the US’ virtual monopoly in civil aircraft manufacturing which was holding the world’s airlines to ransom.

It could not have been imagined how successful Airbus would become; building many thousands of aircraft and major components, not only in Britain and Europe, but globally. Its massive supply chain extends worldwide, having a very positive effect in many economies. Airbus’ achievements should be celebrated, not punished.

The industry has been damaged enough by Covid’s effect on air travel in recent times, without this dreadful kick in the teeth for all employees in Britain and in the rest of the world.

This decision should be reversed immediately as its results will be catastrophic for many British communities and its skilled workers.

Johnson’s “Promised Land” may come true for the London money jugglers, but if the Tories carry on like this, we will be looking at an industrial wasteland for the rest of Britain.

Alun Powell Yr Wyddgrug, Sir y Fflint