AN industry leader has spoken out about the importance of Trident and the damaging effect cancelling the Successor programme would have. 


Terry Scuoler Terry Scuoler, chief executive of the Engineers' Employers Federation, came to The Forum in Barrow last night to speak at a Chartered Management Institute event.  

Mr Scuoler spoke passionately about his beliefs and referred to the Successor programme as the "defence of the realm". 

He said: "I feel as a citizen much comforted that there are surveillance systems guarding our country. 

"Especially because we have a nuclear-armed submarine 24 hours a day, 365 days a year, at sea. 

"I think that this is not just about submarines in Barrow - this is a national programme. Other prime contractors and their supply chains around the country will benefit from this programme."

The manufacturing chief said that he hoped to see a large number of Labour MPs vote in favour of Trident renewal. 

He said: "The Trident replacement was on the last Labour manifesto and I hope that common sense prevails.

"There are elements of every party that are against Trident and one cannot deny the fact that there are people who do not see the need for a nuclear deterrent. It will always be, to a degree, somewhat controversial."

Mr Scuoler said he understand the arguments but unilateral disarmament would be "naive and simplistic".

He said: "I fundamentally disagree with unilateral disarmament. If there was some form of global agreement for nuclear disarmament  then that would be different."

He also addressed the situation in Barrow and recognised the town as a "major industrial cluster". 

He said: "I am not a local man but I fear that if the Successor programme didn't go ahead economically and industrially it would be the death knell for this town. 

"It would result in massive unemployment and that consequence of unemployment is sad and depressing. 

"The loss of the Successor programme to this town would be a bitter and severe blow."

He was also quick to praise the work of MP for Barrow and Furness, John Woodcock. 

He said: "John is a strong advocate of this programme and I supported John at an event he arranged in Westminster. 

"I cannot criticise him for his efforts here and I'm sure we will succeed in getting maingate approval.

"This is the second time I have been to Barrow and its been a pleasure to get out of London and come to an industrial town where the real work is done."