GMB Union has today welcomed the news that vital manufacturing and design elements of the new Aukus defence pact will be undertaken in the UK, by highly skilled and unionised workers.
GMB is calling on the UK Government to now fully grasp the opportunities presented by the trilateral security pact, including ensuing investment in the people, skills and infrastructure that will make this agreement a reality.
Matt Roberts, GMB National Officer, said:
“GMB is unashamedly pro-defence and have been urging the UK Government to make the strong case for UK defence manufacturing and shipbuilding in the Aukus negotiations [1].
“In Barrow-in-Furness and in Derby, GMB Union members are at the cutting edge of defence design and manufacturing.
“As their union we welcome the news of a central role for UK defence manufacturing in this agreement, working closely with our Australian allies.
“It is crucial that UK skills utilisation is maximised in the coming years. GMB is calling on the Government to invest in the infrastructure and people that will deliver this agreement.”
