30 Jan 2003
Scottish Secretary Helen Liddell welcomed today's announcement, creating and sustaining thousands of jobs in Scottish shipbuilding, as a "great day for Scottish industry and a truly momentous day on the Clyde."
Speaking at BAe Systems Scotstoun Yard with Armed Forces Minister Adam Ingram, Helen Liddell said:
"Today we prove that Clyde built will be a symbol of excellence in the 21stCentury as it was in the 20thCentury. This is a great day for Scottish industry and a truly momentous day on the Clyde. The programme to build ? two aircraft carriers represents a massive investment by the MOD to build the largest warships ever to emerge from Scottish and indeed British yards.
"The ships will be designed and built entirely in the UK, with Rosyth and the Clyde playing key roles.
"This is a resounding vote of confidence in the skills and abilities of workers at the Clyde and Rosyth yards and a welcome boost to the long term future of the Clyde shipyards, guaranteeing them a stable workload for the next decade. The choice of Rosyth as the final assembly yard will bring a significant boost to the Fife and the Scottish economies and secure jobs for many years to come.
"I would like to congratulate the workforce and management on the Clyde and at Rosyth who have worked very hard in this process, safeguarding jobs for the future.
"I have kept very close to this issue and I thank my colleagues at MOD who have been helpful and co-operative throughout. They have delivered a great result for Scotland and I look forward to continuing to work with them as the programme develops.
"Both BAe and Thales UK are companies with a long history and strong commitment to Scottish companies. I wish them well."