Submarine builds to bring 'prosperity to Barrow'

A defence firm has said the decision to build up to 12 new attack submarines is in response to the "increasingly uncertain world we're living in".

The prime minister announced earlier that the new conventionally-armed, nuclear-powered submarines would be built at Barrow shipyard.

Submarine builder BAE Systems said it "welcomed" the defence spending, while MP for Barrow and Furness Michelle Scrogham said the move would "safeguard jobs" and provide huge opportunities for local people.

BAE employee, Mark Early, said it was "the best thing ever" and would bring prosperity to the area.

The Ministry of Defence (MoD) said it expected a new submarine to be built every 18 months with a "major expansion of industrial capability" at the BAE Systems' site.

The review is expected to recommend the armed forces move to "warfighting readiness" to deter growing threats to the UK.

BAE said it welcomed the government's "commitment to the largest sustained increase in defence spending since the Cold War".

"The review recognises the increasingly uncertain world we're living in and the capabilities the UK needs to defend our freedom and strengthen our national security now and into the future," chief executive Charles Woodburn said.

Mr Woodburn said the "clear demand signal gives our sector the confidence to invest in boosting capacity".

Meanwhile Mr Early said it would create "massive improvements".

"I know lads that travel up from Lancaster every day to work here," he said.

"The more money we spend, the more people will come to the town, bringing prosperity.

"It's the best thing ever."

Antony Goldsmith, who also works at BAE, said: "It's good for the town.

"Obviously I've got a lot of years left in there so brilliant news for us."

Defence Secretary John Healey MP said: "The people of Barrow and Furness are right to be proud of their role in keeping this nation safe over many decades.

"Our commitment today to expand the attack submarine fleet is the start of the next chapter of Barrow's illustrious history."

Scrogham said: "This will safeguard jobs, provide huge opportunities for local people and be the driver for our local economy across south Cumbria."

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