FOLLOWING meetings on Friday, April 20, in Barrow, with Trade Union representatives and members of the Keep Our Future Afloat Campaign (KOFAC) Furness MP John Hutton has secured assurances from the Defence Minister responsible for the Aircraft Carrier project about the prospect of Barrow's participation in the programme.
The Barrow and Furness MP said: "I was of course aware of the speculation surrounding the carrier project. Following my discussions with Trade Union and KOFAC representatives in Barrow however I spoke directly with Lord Drayson the Defence Procurement Minister.
"I have been given an assurance by the Minister that the build programme for the new carriers has not changed and that Barrow remains set to undertake a significant part of the work.
"The Minister has made it clear to me that whilst we are working with the French on building the carriers, this will not be at the expense of Barrow."
Shipyard Convenor Keith Pearson said "Barrow CSEU welcome the assistance of John Hutton and Lord Drayson in these matters and we very much appreciate the assurances given. We will be working hard to win as much of the carrier work as possible for Barrow as has always been the case."
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