tatement on the Building of Future Aircraft Carriers and the (MARS) Programme

Further to a meeting held today (22nd January 2008) in London between senior stewards of the UK shipyards and the national officers of the Confederation of Shipbuilding and Engineering Unions (CSEU). Recent concerns following speculation with regards to the building of the future aircraft carriers (CVF) have been allayed by the statements in the House of Commons from the Minister on the 7th and 21st January 2008. That there is no delay to the building of the future carriers.

The CSEU negotiating committee reaffirmed its position, agreed with UK government that the future Military Afloat Reach and Sustainability programme would be used as infill work to smooth out the peaks and troughs of the carrier and other programmes currently underway in the UK Shipbuilding Industry. The remainder of the MARS vessels