Question to the Department for Business and Trade:

To ask the Secretary of State for Business and Trade, if the Government will convene a meeting between (a) Boeing, (b) Airbus, (c) Bombardier, (d) GMB, (e) Unite the Union and (f) other relevant stakeholders on the proposed sale of Spirit AeroSystems, in the context of (i) its contribution the UK aerospace sector and (ii) potential job losses; and if he will make an assessment of the potential merits of Government fiscal intervention in this matter.

The Department for Business and Trade recognises the importance of Spirit AeroSystems’ Short Brothers to the Northern Ireland economy, the wider UK aerospace sector and its future potential in the global market.  Commercial negotiations are ongoing and the Department will continue to stay engaged with all parties to work for the best outcome and to support future growth.

Airbus’ decision to expand its UK operations in Belfast and Prestwick will secure high value jobs and is welcome news for the UK’s aerospace sector and a vote of confidence in Northern Ireland’s and Scotland’s world-class manufacturing expertise.