demanding the government ‘buy British’ to protect their jobs and the skills they warned the nation cannot do without.
Unite union leader Sharon Graham met with the defence secretary John Healey in November seeking government assurances that it will commit to buying UK built defence equipment – including Typhoons.
The union says its ‘buy British’ call has become even more urgent after reports emerged suggesting the UK is leaning towards purchasing American F-35s rather than the latest version of the Eurofighter Typhoon.
Unite says the RAF’s need to replace some of its existing Typhoon fighters is a result of them reaching the end of their operational lifespan and being retired as a result.
And it has warned that replacing them with F-35s risks “seriously damaging” the UK’s sovereign capability.
BAE Systems is currently ‘actively engaged’ with the government on its ongoing Strategic Defence Review, which is due to make recommendations on the UK’s future defence plan in the first half of this year.
fighter programme, earmarked to replace the Typhoon, to allow the companies involved in the project to make the investment needed to ensure it enters service as planned in 2035.
The UK is a partner with Italy and Japan on the Global Combat Air Programme (GCAP) to develop the sixth-generation fighter and accompanying systems, with much of the early work taking place at BAE Systems’ Lancashire facilities.
In December BAE Systems, Italy’s Leonardo and Japan Aircraft Industrial Enhancement Co (JAIEC), formed a new joint venture company to govern its production.
As part of its campaign Unite highlighted to the parliamentary defence select committee that the UK is currently the only member of the Eurofighter consortium with no new aircraft on order.
In a letter to committee chair Tan Dhesi, union leaders at BAE’s Warton plant, called on the government to commit to ordering a squadron of 24 Typhoons.
It said: “A domestic order will not only fulfil a military requirement for the RAF in these unstable times but will also ensure that vital
A domestic order will not only fulfil a military requirement for the RAF in these
unstable times but will also ensure that vital skills required to build the next generation aircraft, GCAP, are retained at Warton
Unite estimates that around 6,500 jobs at BAE Systems and at engine supplier Rolls Royce are directly dependant on work on the Typhoon, with a further 14,000 in the supply chain. Around half of the jobs are in Lancashire and the wider North West.
Sharon Graham said: “The UK’s defence workers are critical to the country’s national security. We now need a strong commitment from the MoD that it will invest in the UK to maintain vital skills and capacity in this country.
“Defence workers were let down by the previous government due to a combination of incompetence and indecision. Labour must now step up to the plate and make the clear unequivocal investment decisions that workers and their employers desperately need.”
Unite’s general secretary also demanded that the government fully commit to the Tempest
skills required to build the next generation aircraft, GCAP, are retained at Warton.”
And it warned: “We have serious concerns that without a domestic order for Typhoon there will be no GCAP due to the loss of the skills necessary to build and fly aircraft.”
The final assembly of Typhoons ordered by Qatar in a £6bn deal is currently ongoing at Warton. It has previously delivered aircraft ordered by Saudi Arabia and Oman.
The Eurofighter partners are actively looking for more export opportunities for the fighter project. Qatar, Saudi Arabia and Turkey are all seen as possible options for future orders.
The union’s call for government assurances over UK investment in defence came as report revealed BAE Systems’ Air business supports 70,000 jobs and contributes £5bn to the national economy.
Natalie Hughes Director and insolvency practitioner /SimplyCorp /SimplyCorp
EARLY ACTION IS KEY TO SURVIVAL
FOR YEAR AHEAD The New Year is a fresh start—an opportunity to assess your business’s financial health and prepare for the challenges ahead.
Business confidence in the UK remains fragile, with economic uncertainty expected to persist while proactive planning and seeking expert guidance can turn difficulties into growth opportunities.
Running a company is always demanding but early action separates businesses that survive from those that fail. Timely professional advice could help with restructuring debt, renegotiating contracts, or optimising operations to ensure resilience.
Key warning signs
Business owners should be vigilant and act quickly if they encounter these red flags:
• Missed payments: Difficulty paying wages, rent, suppliers, or HMRC
• Overdraft limits: Banks unwilling to extend facilities
• Creditor pressure: Demands for payment or legal threats
• Cashflow struggles: Reliance on emergency loans or personal savings
• Lost contracts: Major revenue declines causing financial strain
Why it matters in 2025
As 2025 begins, businesses face continued challenges: lingering inflation, supply chain uncertainties and workforce shortages. With the fear of insolvency still very real, seeking advice and acting early can make all the difference.
Speaking to insolvency practitioners might seem daunting, but at Simply Corporate we offer empathetic, practical solutions tailored to recovery. Acting sooner increases the chances of overcoming financial difficulties and securing long-term stability.
Make 2025 the year of decisive action. Early advice leads to stronger, brighter outcomes for your business.
For further help and advice call
Natalie Hughes on 01282 222420
simplycorporate.co.uk
Simon Barnes
Sharon Graham LANCASHIREBUSINES SV
IEW.CO.UK
Image: Unite
7
IN VIEW
Page 1 |
Page 2 |
Page 3 |
Page 4 |
Page 5 |
Page 6 |
Page 7 |
Page 8 |
Page 9 |
Page 10 |
Page 11 |
Page 12 |
Page 13 |
Page 14 |
Page 15 |
Page 16 |
Page 17 |
Page 18 |
Page 19 |
Page 20 |
Page 21 |
Page 22 |
Page 23 |
Page 24 |
Page 25 |
Page 26 |
Page 27 |
Page 28 |
Page 29 |
Page 30 |
Page 31 |
Page 32 |
Page 33 |
Page 34 |
Page 35 |
Page 36 |
Page 37 |
Page 38 |
Page 39 |
Page 40 |
Page 41 |
Page 42 |
Page 43 |
Page 44 |
Page 45 |
Page 46 |
Page 47 |
Page 48 |
Page 49 |
Page 50 |
Page 51 |
Page 52 |
Page 53 |
Page 54 |
Page 55 |
Page 56 |
Page 57 |
Page 58 |
Page 59 |
Page 60 |
Page 61 |
Page 62 |
Page 63 |
Page 64 |
Page 65 |
Page 66 |
Page 67 |
Page 68 |
Page 69 |
Page 70 |
Page 71 |
Page 72 |
Page 73 |
Page 74 |
Page 75 |
Page 76 |
Page 77 |
Page 78 |
Page 79 |
Page 80
