The Government’s Taskforce dedicated to reopening Appledore Shipyard has met again to discuss ways to provide a positive and stable future for the Yard, its workforce and the wider local economy.
Torridge & West Devon’s MP, Geoffrey Cox QC, discussed the possible construction of a new fishing fleet at Appledore with the Prime Minister, Boris Johnson MP, and the Prime Minister of the Faroe Islands, Bárður á Steig Nielsen. These negotiations with the Faroe Islands are at an advanced stage.
This is the latest in a series of meetings convened by the Government’s Taskforce, which has been working with the MP since the disappointing withdrawal of Babcocks and the closure of the yard in March this year, to secure new owners and customers for the Shipyard. Geoffrey has secured the personal support of the Prime Minister, as part of the Government’s wider campaign to reinvigorate and invest in British shipbuilding.
Geoffrey Cox said: “The Prime Minister has reaffirmed his personal commitment to reopening Appledore and assured the Taskforce that the Government will continue to support the process as we near the final stages. I am therefore optimistic that our months of work will soon see the Yard reopen, with hundreds of shipbuilding jobs returning to Torridge.
“I am determined to see Appledore back in business and I am pleased to report that today’s meeting in 10 Downing Street was a positive step towards securing several years of work for the Yard. A potential new owner has been identified and negotiations are moving in the right direction.”
