Geoffrey Cox QC, local MP for Torridge & West Devon has welcomed the Prime Minister’s pledge to revive the UK shipbuilding industry.
Commenting on the Prime Minister’s statement, Geoffrey Cox said:
“I am delighted that the Prime Minister has pledged to reinvigorate our shipbuilding industry.
I want to see our iconic local shipyard, Appledore, benefit from the optimistic vision the PM has outlined today.
Over the past few months I have been engaged in consistent and vigorous discussions with my cabinet colleagues, key decision makers in Whitehall, overseas customers and the industry, in support of reopening Appledore Shipyard. I am cautiously optimistic that with the PM’s energetic support for the industry, there will be positive developments in relation to the re-opening of our Shipyard in the very near future.”
Since the closure of Appledore Shipyard was announced, the local MP, who is also the Government’s Attorney General, has been engaged in discussions and meetings with the senior representatives of a consortium and with the major potential customers of the Yard to give his support to their plans to reopen the Shipyard. This has all been with a view to keep its highly skilled workers in work.
Prime Minister Boris Johnson said:
“UK is an outward-looking island nation, and we need a shipbuilding industry and Royal Navy that reflect the importance of the seas to our security and prosperity.
This is an industry with a deep and visceral connection to so many parts of the UK and to the Union itself. My government will do all it can to develop this aspect of our heritage and the men and women who make up its workforce – from apprentices embarking on a long career, to those families who have worked in shipyards for generations.
I look forward to the restoration of British influence and excellence across the world’s oceans. I am convinced that by working together we will see a renaissance in this industry which is so much part of our island story – so let’s bring shipbuilding home.”
