HIGHER standards in maths and English are needed to ensure work on a nuclear submarine programme stays on track, according to MP John Woodcock.

The Barrow and Furness MP challenged the government over the area's low literacy and numeracy skills which he says could threaten progress on the new Dreadnought class of boats.

Mr Woodcock challenged defence minister Harriet Baldwin in the House of Commons on Monday saying attainment in the area had "lagged below" the national average for "generations".

He said: "For decades now we have seen children in Furness doing worse than the national average in English and maths.

"Not only is it holding them back, it risks holding back the vital work in for nation that is done in the shipyard.

"With investment now guaranteed, it is essential that we step up efforts to improve local education standards and I am calling on the government to work with local schools, businesses and myself to deliver an ambitious plan to improve opportunities for local children."

During the debate, he asked Ms Baldwin to put the government's full support behind the campaign which hopes to keep investment flowing into the area and improve both education and opportunities for young people.

He said "I will be pressing the case for greater support and investment in local education with government ministers and I hope they can get behind our campaign."

Ms Baldwin responded to the suggestion, saying it was an "important issue" and promised a meeting with defence ministers to discuss it further.