Unions have backed increased defence spending in a ‘victory for common sense’, says GMB.
A motion proposed by GMB Union, which included a commitment to a new Trident nuclear sub programme, was passed by TUC Congress today [Wednesday].
Defence manufacturing directly employs more the 90,000 people in the UK, Congress heard, while 2 million manufacturing jobs have been lost in the past thirty years.
Nigel Warn, former Davenport dockyard worker told TUC Congress that ‘murderous dictators are on the march and full-scale industrial war is being fought in Europe again’.
Gary Smith, GMB General Secretary, said:
“It’s time for politicians to get serious about defence manufacturing and our national security.
“Defence jobs and skills are at vital for communities like Barrow-in- Furness, Plymouth, Fife, Glasgow and Derby.
“The UK is now too dependent on US for our defence needs.
“With the strength of the dollar, it means in real terms defence budgets are being are eroded.
“We need clear long-term commitments to spending on defence manufacturing in the UK, supporting jobs, apprenticeships and local economies
“We are pleased that TUC has backed common sense today – the decision to carry GMB’s motion sends a clear message that the labour movement is on defence workers’ side.”
