Published: Monday, 8th February, 2010 10:37am

Brown's aircraft carriers promise welcomed

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Prime Minister Gordon Brown's commitment to building the Royal Navy's two new aircraft carriers is a testament to the sweat and skill of Rosyth's workforce, according to Fife politicians.

Dunfermline and West Fife MP Willie Rennie and Mid Scotland and Fife MSP John Park both welcomed Mr Brown's assurances, after the Prime Minister told the House of Commons liaison committee, "I confirm that we are committed to the aircraft carriers but I say to you that our priority in defence is that what we do in Afghanistan is properly financed."

Liberal Democrat defence spokesman Willie Rennie said, "This was welcome news and it's a step in the right direction. It's important to keep the UK Government's feet to the fire on this as there are still some vulnerable points for the future, such as where are the carriers going to be refitted, as there is still no commitment to refitting them at Rosyth, which is the most logical place to do it."

More valuable than the Prime Minister's commitment, Mr Rennie claimed, was that the contracts to build the carriers had already been signed, steel for the ships had been cut and the dockyard widened to accommodate the ships.

He continued, "This decision is really about the quality of the workforce at the dockyard. The carriers wouldn't be coming here if we didn't have an excellent workforce and a great facility at Rosyth."

Labour's John Park added, "I welcome this news but don't think the carrier contract has ever been in doubt. The Royal Navy has a proud tradition around Rosyth and the workforce have worked really hard over the last 20 years since it was privatised to make sure that Rosyth has got a future.

"It really has got a future now, not just for the people working there at present, but for those that will work there in the future."