DEFENCE Secretary Geoff Hoon was today being told to speed up the order for the next group of Eurofighter Typhoon jets.
The all party aerospace group of MPs, led by South Ribble MP David Borrow, was meeting the Mr Hoon to discuss the multi-billion pound project which is vital to BAE Systems' Lancashire Military Aircraft factories at Warton and Samlesbury as well as sub- contractors across the county.
The Ministry of Defence - and Britain's partner nations in the project, Germany, Italy and Spain - have ordered 148 Eurofighter Typhoons with 55 destined for the RAF. Now Mr Borrow and his colleagues want the second group of 236 jets to be ordered swiftly.
Former Cabinet Minister Gavin Strang, one of the delegation, said: "This order is absolutely vital to ensuring we keep a world leading 21st century industry."
"We know the Secretary of State is under pressure from the Treasury to cut costs but it is absolutely vital that he goes ahead quickly with the next tranche of Eurofighter Typhoons.
"The project is going well.
"It is important not just in terms of employment but in keeping vital skills and the profits needed for further investment in world leading manufacturing."
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules hereComments are closed on this article