Aerospace Sector 2025-01-15
2025-01-15
TAGS
Response quality
Questions & Answers
Q1
Partial Answer
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Context
Gavin Robinson expressed concern about the future of Spirit AeroSystems and its impact on advanced manufacturing and supply chains.
The Secretary of State will know that the facility would not be there had it not been for Government investment and support. Guarantees were given not just to the people of Belfast, but to the staff directly employed at Spirit AeroSystems. The Government have also engaged in discussions about Harland and Wolff and Navantia, and the fleet solid support ships. Can the Secretary of State indicate his endeavour to ensure that viability will be at the forefront of his mind so that we can deliver the fleet solid support ships in Belfast and Devon?
The administration announcement, which involves the other side of the runway, is part of a process to ensure that the takeover by Navantia goes ahead, because it is very good news. The right hon. Gentleman and I were present to celebrate that announcement, which provides security for the future. Ultimately the question of how to relate to those suppliers is a commercial matter for Navantia, but I am sure that it wants to build a good relationship with firms that will help Harland and Wolff to build the three fleet solid support ships.
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Assessment & feedback
The Secretary of State did not directly address how viability will be maintained for suppliers.
Response accuracy
Q2
Partial Answer
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Context
Katrina Murray expressed concern about the split of the Spirit plant in Belfast and its potential impact on wider defence and aerospace contracts.
While the contract with Airbus is welcome, there is concern about the split of the Spirit plant in Belfast. Can the Secretary of State reassure me that wider defence and aerospace contracts with companies such as Skyrora in my constituency that are held in Belfast by the non-Airbus part of Spirit will not be put at risk because of that?
I understand my hon. Friend’s concern. We will know the answers to these questions when the commercial negotiations are concluded, but I will draw the attention of my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Scotland to the specific issue that she has raised in relation to her constituency.
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Assessment & feedback
The Secretary of State did not directly address how these contracts would be secured after the split.
Response accuracy