news story

28th February 2007

Government Must Actively Support Airbus at Crucial Time

Local MP Steve Webb, whose Northavon constituency includes the homes of thousands of Airbus workers, has called on the Government to work at the highest level to sustain high quality British manufacturing jobs at Filton.

The MP was speaking ahead of the expected announcement by Airbus of plans for restructuring of the company across Europe. The Lib Dem MP, who recently led a Westminster debate pressing the case for Government action in support of Airbus said:

"Airbus remains a great British and European success story. Inevitably there is now uncertainty over what the future holds, but there is a strong case for the continuation of a thriving manufacturing and design capability locally at Filton.

"The skills that have been built up at Filton over the years are world class, and the workforce deserve to see investment in those skills. I will continue to work closely with the company to urge the Government to do all it can at this crucial time to ensure that Airbus at Filton has a long and bright future".