Vernon Coaker MP, Labour’s Shadow Defence Secretary, responding to Michael Fallon’s announcement on defence contracts this morning, said:

“Labour fully supports the role played by the defence industry in creating jobs, promoting British exports and sustaining excellence in design and manufacturing. The defence industry makes a hugely significant contribution to our economy.

"David Cameron’s botched procurement plans caused uncertainty for industry and defence workers across the country.

"Workers at Devonport, Faslane and Portsmouth will welcome the fact that existing and previously proposed contracts will continue there. But what we need are long term decisions based on the country’s defence needs, not cynically-timed announcements and made-up news for political ends.”