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The sun came out and so did the crowds as prime minister Sir Keir Starmer laid the keel for the first Dreadnought-class submarine at the shipyard and His Majesty the King conferred the title Royal to the Port of Barrow.
The title is a recognition of the town’s unique and critical contribution to national security.
READ MORE: Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer visits BAE Systems, Barrow
For decades, the people of Barrow have delivered world-leading vessels for the Royal Navy and our expanding shipyard is designing and constructing a new generation of boats that protect our nation in an increasingly volatile world.
Last month, the prime minister announced that the Labour government will increase defence spending to 2.5 per cent of the GDP from 2027, with an ambition to reach three per cent in the next parliament.
That will equate to an extra £13.4bn on defence, allowing the government to go further than ever to make sure the benefit of that investment is felt in ordinary people’s pockets.
Our BAE Systems’ workforce has grown by more than 1,000 personnel in the past six months alone, with those working in the defence nuclear sector earning approximately 20 per cent above the national average wage.
We are generating the kind of environment in which our small and medium-sized enterprises can thrive.
An added support hub has been announced that will provide guidance on how SMEs can obtain defence work, creating new jobs and wealth in the local economy.
READ MORE: Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer visits BAE Systems, Barrow
Among the other important announcements, last Thursday was the launch of a £5m Brilliant Futures Fund that will help our children reach their full potential.
A further £5m will be provided for grants to our community and voluntary organisations to allow local people to improve their neighbourhoods.
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There is also a new £28m funding package for T-Levels, delivered by providers across England – including Furness College in Barrow – to support our submarine builders of the future.
READ MORE: PM’s praise for BAE workforce after King approves Royal title | The Mail
Fourteen years of Conservative misrule had a negative impact on many towns across the UK – and ours were not immune.
There are pockets of deprivation in our midst and many challenges that need to be addressed.
But with the measures outlined above – plus £200m of new government investment heading our way – we are starting down a road that will lead to much brighter times.
