news story

22nd November 2006

MP Challenges Prime Minister in Commons Over Airbus

  Click here to read the transcript of the exchange

Northavon MP Steve Webb today challenged the Prime Minister in the House of Commons over the future of jobs at Airbus. The MP, who has thousands of Airbus employees living in his constituency, was drawn out of the ballot to ask the Prime Minister a question at his weekly question time at noon.

The MP raised with the Prime Minister his concerns about the threat to local jobs now that British Aerospace has sold its remaining shares in Airbus and the company is now entirely foreign owned.

Whilst there is no short-term threat to jobs, concerns have been raised the future versions of the Airbus may have their components made outside the UK unless the British Government shows strong support for the company. This would affect jobs not only at Airbus but at hundreds of factories across the West who supply parts and materials to Airbus.

In his reply to Mr Webb, the Prime Minister said: "I can assure him that we will continue to be fully committed to the Airbus programme."

Commenting, Steve Webb said:

"Airbus has been a huge success story and I want to see it continue. Local people have contacted me because they are concerned that the change of ownership of Airbus could affect future decisions about where manufacturing is based.

"I am pleased to have received an assurance from the Prime Minister that the British government is doing all that it can to support Airbus and British jobs".