BAE refuses to give long-term commitment

The shock announcement comes amid fears that BAE’s yards at Scotstoun and Govan could be sold off as the result of a row with defence chiefs. The call was made as VIPs gathered at Govan for a steel cutting ceremony to mark the beginning of construction of a Type 45 destroyer, one of six to be built on the Clyde.

John Wall, a senior union official with Amicus, said: “I would hope that on such a momentous occasion executives at BAE Systems will commit themselves totally to shipbuilding on the Clyde.” But management officials moved quickly to dash his hopes. They are carrying out an extensive review of the business and refuse to be badgered into making any meaningful comment.

A spokesman would only say: “All options are still being considered, including retention of the business.” There was even speculation that BAE may confirm its status as one of the world’s leading land, sea and air defence systems specialists by announcing the Clyde facilities will not be sold when its half yearly business results are made public.

Vic Emery, managing director of BAE Systems Naval Ships which operates the Govan and Scotstoun yards, said his workforce planned, designed and built warships and made certain every integrated system worked. He insisted: “We deliver the finished article, it takes a huge range of skills to be able to do that. We have those skills.”