FIGURES released today by the Labour party reveal that Carmarthen West and South Pembrokeshire could miss out on 150 shipbuilding and maintenance jobs if the UK Conservative Government does not join Labour’s call to Build It In Britain.
On Wednesday (Jul 11) Labour will call for a motion in the House of Commons, demanding that a £1bn Royal Navy supply ship be built in UK shipyards.
It is believed this will be narrowly defeated, as the Conservatives have continued to offer the contract for building Royal Navy Fleet ‘Solid Support’ to international bidders.
Marc Tierney, Labour candidate for Carmarthen West & South Pembrokeshire, said: “Simon Hart has the chance on Wednesday to support Labour’s plan for creating skilled and secure jobs in Carmarthen West and South Pembrokeshire.
“But if he puts party politics before this area’s interests, it’s the people he’s supposed to represent who’ll lose out. There’s no good reason not to be doing this. It’s normal in other countries to use government contracts to support industry, defend workers’ rights, ensure gender equality and protect the environment.
“The Ministry of Defence could use the freedom it has under EU law to make sure this Royal Navy contract goes to a UK shipyard.
“That could create or secure up to 6,500 jobs around the UK, including 1,805 shipyard jobs, which are highly skilled and 45 per cent better paid than the average for all jobs. And it could safeguard for the future the 150 shipbuilding and maintenance jobs in Carmarthen West and South Pembrokeshire.
“On Wednesday the Tories will be doing what they always do – fighting for the interests of rich corporations. Labour MPs will be voting to Build It In Britain.”
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