Summary
The UK government plans to approve a £1 billion deal to purchase military helicopters from Leonardo, the only specialist manufacturer in the UK. The company's factory in Somerset employs 3,000 people and risks closure without this contract. The decision aims to protect jobs and support the UK’s security and economic growth.
Key Facts
- The UK government will approve a £1 billion helicopter contract with Leonardo.
- Leonardo is the sole UK-based maker of military helicopters, located in Yeovil, Somerset.
- This plant employs 3,000 people and would struggle if the deal was canceled.
- The Chancellor and Prime Minister intervened to ensure the deal's approval.
- The Chancellor emphasizes that security and economic growth are connected.
- Leonardo's CEO warned that the company's future relies on this contract.
- The decision had been delayed, causing uncertainty for the company.
- The deal is part of broader considerations around increasing UK defense spending.
