Isle of Wight MP Bob Seely has received assurances from Defence Procurement Minister, Jeremy Quin, that the Government is working on plans for the future of radar – which will include working with a local defence company.
Speaking in the House of Commons, the Island’s MP said:
“Radar is vital to our nation’s defence. The Royal Navy’s radar is made in Cowes on the Isle of Wight. Does the Government have a plan for the development of next-generation radar?”
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The Minister replied:
“It absolutely does. The honourable gentleman is an assiduous proponent of the Island’s defence sector.
“I visited GKN Aerospace in Cowes in the Summer; one of a number of great companies on the Island.
“On radar, he’ll be pleased to hear that we are indeed working closely with BAE Systems on potential spiral development of the current maritime radar.”
Speaking afterwards, Mr Seely said:
“I am keen that the Government has robust plans for our nation’s defence, but also that jobs are safeguarded on the Isle of Wight.
“I look forward to hearing more about these plans as they develop.”
“The government is workng on plans” ie it doesn’t have a clue.
What a pity that Air Traffic Control Radars, Weather Radars, and Ground Based Air Defence Radars’ all of which used to be made at Cowes were not also given government ‘protection’ instead of being allowed to be scuppered by ‘big business’ carve ups.