Yeovil’s Liberal Democrat MP, Adam Dance, has called on the government to swiftly award a crucial helicopter contract following warnings from Leonardo that its Somerset operations could be shut down. Leonardo has been the sole bidder for more than a year on a £1 billion contract to deliver the Ministry of Defence’s (MoD) new medium helicopter programme, yet a final decision remains pending.
On January 12, Mr. Dance raised an urgent question in the House of Commons, pressing the government to expedite the contract award to safeguard over 3,300 jobs in his constituency. The delay has sparked deep concern about the future of an industry vital to regional employment and the UK’s defence capabilities.
The government acknowledged Leonardo as a valued defence partner but stated that the contract’s award is tied to the publication of the Defence Investment Plan (DIP), which has been repeatedly postponed.
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Reports that Leonardo has set a March deadline for the contract decision or face closure of its Yeovil site have intensified calls for urgent action. Mr. Dance highlighted that failure to award the contract by March risks more than 3,000 manufacturing jobs and impacts over 12,000 roles in the supply chain, alongside contributing £320 million annually to the local economy. He also emphasized the broader security implications of losing the UK’s ability to produce military helicopters domestically amid global instability.
Minister for Defence Readiness and Industry Luke Pollard confirmed ongoing discussions with Leonardo, following talks with company leaders on the day of the Commons debate. Mr. Pollard reiterated the government’s commitment to finalizing the contract through the DIP and stressed that this plan represents the largest sustained increase in British defence spending since the Cold War, with £270 billion allocated for defence over this parliamentary term.
Mr. Dance pressed for assurances that delays did not mean a withdrawal of funding or governmental support. Mr. Pollard acknowledged Yeovil’s importance to the local and national defence ecosystem and expressed a willingness to continue conversations with stakeholders to find a sustainable path forward.
Earlier revelations from Leonardo’s CEO, Roberto Cingolani, revealed a growing frustration: the company has not secured a UK government contract for 14 years and hinted at reconsidering its Yeovil presence unless institutional support is provided.
Other MPs, including Sarah Dyke of Glastonbury and Somerton, echoed the urgency, emphasizing the contract’s significance for jobs, local apprenticeships, and national security.
While the government aims to ensure all defence projects are fully funded and sustainable, time is running short for Yeovil’s workforce. Following the debate, Mr. Dance pledged to continue pressing the government until the contract is secured and the future of the site, jobs, skills, and national defence capabilities are guaranteed.