Washington Lib Dems comment on Rolls Royce job losses

Responding to the announcement that Rolls Royce will be cutting 50 jobs from their Washington plant as part of 3,000 job losses across the UK, Washington Lib Dems spokesperson Carlton West said:

"We knew that COVID-19 would have a huge impact on jobs and the economy, but that doesn't make it any easier to hear that quality, high-skilled jobs in our town are being axed.

"This bad news from Rolls Royce coupled with statements from Nissan today about their uncertain future is extremely concerning for Washington residents.

"The impact of the global pandemic followed by an avoidable no deal Brexit would be an economic catastrophe for Washington and the wider Sunderland area.

"That's why local Lib Dems want the government to extend the Brexit transition period to allow time after government ministers have dealt with the coronavirus crisis in order to properly negotiate a trade deal that will project jobs in Nissan and the supply chain."