MICHAEL Portillo has urged the German Government to give the go-ahead to orders for the Eurofighter, on which thousands of Lancashire jobs depend.

The Defence Secretary, visiting British Aerospace's Warton site, said jobs and exports were at stake unless the partners in the £40 billion project acted quickly.

"We think the Eurofighter is a fabulous aircraft and want it in production as soon as possible, he said.

"We are encouraging the German Government to resolve their budget differences and find the money to fund their share.

"This is a very important project and vital to this part of the country.

"If Germany were to delay the project, it would end up costing more for everyone."

During his tour of Warton, where much of the British production work will be carried out, Mr Portillo met project leaders and workers to discuss its progress.

Six weeks ago Mr Portillo confirmed the Minstry of Defence was ordering 232 of the fighter aircraft for the RAF at a cost of £16 bn.

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