GMB welcomes £10bn agreement to build ships for Norwegian navy

GMB has welcomed a £10 billion deal to build Norwegian warships on the Clyde.

General secretary Gary Smith joined prime minister Keir Starmer at the BAE Systems yard in Govan today to discuss the contract hailed as the biggest of its kind.

The visit came days after the Ministry of Defence announced the deal to build Type 26 frigates for the Norwegian navy with the potential to create thousands of jobs in Scotland and supply chains across the country.

Smith and GMB Scotland secretary Louise Gilmour discussed the contracts with the prime minister and Scottish secretary Ian Murray at the yard today and later hailed the deal as an opportunity to secure shipbuilding on the Clyde for generations.

He said: “This work will protect and enhance the reputation of Clyde shipbuilders around the world but the good news must be quickly followed by real jobs.

“The economic benefits of these skilled, well-paid jobs should be felt in the communities of Glasgow and across the country.

“These contracts will deliver stability and must mean far fewer agency workers and many more secure jobs and apprenticeships.

“This is an opportunity to build on and one that must be seized.”

Gilmour said the contracts showed how it remains possible for the UK to retain and rebuild its industrial base.

She said: "We have seen far too many jobs and contracts go abroad when we have the skills, experience and commitment to build in Britain.

"These contracts only confirm it is possible to win orders and to strengthen and protect our capabilities across engineering and manufacturing.

"They show what is possible with an industrial strategy bolstered by ambition, commitment and a skilled workforce."