MEMBERS of Parliament were out in force on Wednesday to show their support for the UK submarine industry and the renewal of the Trident nuclear deterrent.

Politicians from across the political spectrum joined a high profile line-up including defence secretary Michael Fallon, shadow defence secretary Maria Eagle, BAE chief executive Ian King and former First Sea Lord, admiral Lord West.

The high turnout at the special reception in Westminster hosted by Furness MP John Woodcock gave a strong indication that parliament remains committed to renewing the Trident replacement boats when the main gate decision is taken in the House of Commons next year.

Ministry of Defence orders for the next generation of Trident vessels for the Royal Navy will not only safeguard thousands of jobs at BAE Systems in Barrow, but sustain and create many hundreds more both at the shipyard and in supply chain companies across the UK.

Following a speech to senior MPs, supply chain business representatives, trade union officials and Barrow shipyard leading personnel, Mr Fallon said: “The government’s first duty is protection of the UK, and in an unpredictable and darkening world defined by weapons proliferation, more nuclear states, and rogue nations wanting nuclear weapons, we are reminded of the unshakable value of a credible, operationally independent, continuous-at-sea deterrent.

“From Barrow to Berkshire, from the north of Scotland to the south of England, thousands owe their livelihoods to the shipbuilding industry and the importance of our deterrent. It is an undertaking of national endeavour that will not only deliver world-class submarines but the security and prosperity that follow in their wake.”

Mr Woodcock, who has long championed the like-for-like Trident renewal, said: “While next year’s decision on Trident renewal will rightly be taken on the basis of national security, we should not forget that this is an industry that creates jobs across the country. The skills and experience developed in the submarine supply chain are invaluable and irreplaceable and it is fantastic to see so many MPs here in support of our submarine industry.”

In his speech, Tony Johns, managing director of BAE Systems Submarines, said: "I am delighted at the opportunity today to speak to you as the managing director of BAE Systems Submarines, the home of design, construction and commissioning of nuclear submarines for the Royal Navy. The Trident successor programme has been a major part of my existence for the last five years, the last two as the managing director of the business, and three years before that running the programme itself. This year has been another year of significant milestones for our business, achievements which inspire huge pride in our workforce of highly skilled individuals.” During the past few years more than 300 apprentices have been taken on at the Barrow yard and south Cumbria-based satellite firms engaged in high-tech defence work have recruited talented young people.

BAE has also brought back into service seasoned workers with expert knowledge across a range of submarine-building disciplines.

The submarine day reception in Westminster was organised by the Barrow-based Keep Our Future Afloat Campaign shipyard lobby group and was attended by more than 100 invited guests.

BAE Systems in Barrow currently employs around 7,200 personnel, the majority of whom are engaged in design and construction work for the seven-boat Astute nuclear-powered attack submarine programme. Around 1,500 design staff are carrying out work on successor ahead of the green light being given by MPs.