Council and LEP engage with PM over future of aerospace

Lancashire County Council and the Lancashire Enterprise Partnership have begun talks with the prime minister about the future of aerospace and advanced manufacturing sector.

The approach follows the recent announcement by BAE Systems that it will reduce staff numbers at its Lancashire operations.

Council leader and LEP chairman Edwin Booth jointly wrote to Theresa May, highlighting the strength of the sector and asking for specific support to enable its continued development.

Meetings to progress Lancashire's key asks are now being arranged with government officials.

In a personal response, the prime minister wrote that: "The Defence sector is working on a proposal, as part of the Joint Government-Industry Defence Growth Partnership. Given the importance of defence aerospace to Lancashire, I believe it would be worth exploring your ideas with the Defence Growth Partnership to strengthen the advance manufacturing hub in Lancashire as part of their proposal."

Geoff Driver, said: "It's important that we make Lancashire's voice heard, and look at how we can continue to support, develop and encourage this important sector for the Lancashire economy.

"The expertise of the people in Lancashire who work in this sector is amongst the very best in the world, and we will do what we can to ensure it remains this way.

"It's vital that we continue to enable this dynamic sector to grow and take up new business opportunities, through investments in new innovation facilities and skills development.

"We're always talking to the government about key issues that affect the county, and how we can work together to benefit Lancashire. We will do what we can to ensure that the county remains at the forefront of the advanced manufacturing sector.

"We've already heard back from the government. We're pleased that they've recognised and understood our position, and they are now considering the matters we've raised with them."

Edwin Booth added: “BAE Systems is one of Lancashire’s biggest aerospace employers, and we work closely with them on many initiatives to help promote the county as dynamic hub of aerospace and advanced manufacturing activity.

"In the coming weeks, we will work with colleagues in BAE Systems and government to respond to this specific challenge.

"The LEP continues to invest in and support Lancashire’s position as the UK’s leading region for aerospace innovation and production which ensures our aerospace offer remains highly attractive to employers and investors.

"This includes creating a unique aerospace, advanced manufacturing and energy cluster across our four Enterprise Zone sites, investing millions in new manufacturing and innovation facilities alongside our colleges and universities, whilst developing a vocational skills strategy which is directly aligned to anticipated employer demand within high value sectors such aerospace. "The LEP continues to support Lancashire’s aerospace sector, and the wider manufacturing supply chain, to ensure we meet the needs of aerospace customers both now and in the future."