Gosport MP Caroline Dinenage urged the Government to support SMEs impacted by closures at Portsmouth shipyard during questions to the Ministry of Defence today.
A month after BAE Systems revealed that its Portsmouth shipbuilding facility will not operate after the first part of 2014, Caroline continued her campaign to ensure that those affected are given the help they will need to mitigate against future losses.
Caroline asked:
"The BAE announcement of plans to cease shipbuilding in Portsmouth will have not only an impact on their own employees but those in the wider supply chain. What steps is he taking to support SMEs through this very difficult time?"
Responding on behalf of the Government, the Minister responsible for Defence Equipment and Support, Philip Dunne MP, said:
"The decision from BAE Systems to extract itself from shipbuilding in Portsmouth will have a significant impact locally but the Honourable Lady will be well aware that there are more than 11,000 people who will continue to be employed in the Royal Naval base at Portsmouth and that will maintain vital jobs for SMEs throughout the supply chain."
Speaking outside the Chamber, Caroline commented:
"Shipbuilding is a huge operation with a number of associated industries working closely with BAE to deliver remarkably innovative ships. Many of these industries are highly specialised which is why it is vital that their expertise continues to be put to good use in light of last month's announcement."
Since BAE's announcement, Caroline has held meetings with company bosses, trade union representatives & Government Ministers and will continue to do so. She continues to call on her Ministerial colleagues to do more to support Gosport's military community. Last month, she welcomed Defence Minister, Anna Soubry MP, to Gosport to highlight the development potential of former military sites.
