SNP BACK AYRSHIRE JOBS AS LABOUR SLASH PRESTWICK SEARCH AND RESCUE

SNP BACK AYRSHIRE JOBS AS LABOUR SLASH PRESTWICK SEARCH AND RESCUE

The SNP today highlighted Scottish Government action to bring new jobs to
Prestwick in contrast to Labour’s decision to move jobs away from the
airport with the privatisation of search and rescue contracts.

As the First Minister joined Ryanair to announce 200 new jobs at Prestwick
backed by the SNP Government and secure 400 more there was increasing
anger at the UK Government’s decision to privatise search and rescue and
move it away from Prestwick endangering 100 Ayrshire jobs.


The SNP also condemned claims by the local MP that Labour Ministers knew
nothing about it as the decision was made by the Ministry of Defence.

South of Scotland MSP Adam Ingram said:

“200 new jobs at Prestwick is great news for the Ayrshire economy and
great news for the people of Ayrshire as we recover from the recession.

“With SNP Government backing, Ryanair are securing their future in
Ayrshire and offering real opportunities for jobs in the local economy.

“The contrast with the UK Government who are putting 100 jobs at risk with
the disgraceful decision to privatise search and rescue services could not
be starker.

“As politicians in London make decisions about key Scottish interests with
no consideration for local people, the SNP is putting forward local
champions who will fight for local jobs.”

Commenting on claims today by the local Labour MP that a former Defence
Minister had promised the search and rescue team would stay at Prestwick,
SNP MP and Defence Spokesman Angus Robertson said:

“Labour’s plan to privatise search and rescue cover has been dubious from
the start.

“Given the total lack of transparency in the PFI plans and now the claims
of the local MP, real concerns are emerging that move is not intended to
improve service but to cut costs.

“The UK Government’s already has a shameful record of defence cuts in
Scotland. Since Labour came to power over 10 000 MoD jobs have been lost
north of the border, and between 2002 and 2007, according to the MoD’s own
figures, there has been a massive £4.3bn under spend.

“UK Ministers have some real questions to answer over this decision and
any previous commitments made to the people of Ayrshire.”