Airbus UK investment kills another Remainer threat that never came true

This report has been co-published with our affiliated organisation, Brexit Facts4EU.Org.  We are most grateful for their original research into the raw data which backs what follows.

Without Brexit Britain, Airbus would have no wings

Airbus’ expanding order book requires more wings – and more work at its Broughton site in North Wales

On Friday, French-controlled Airbus made a fresh commitment to being part of Brexit Britain’s economic fabric.

Following confirmation of orders for new Airbus aircraft from Qantas and other airlines, the multinational company has announced a £100m investment at its Broughton manufacturing plant in Flintshire, North Wales, creating 450-550 jobs.

“We are steadfast in our commitment to the UK,”

– Airbus UK’s Chairman, John Harrison

Remainer threats were – rightly it turns out – ignored by Leave voters

Along with the Nissan car plant in Sunderland the possibility that Airbus would abandon manufacturing in the UK was a regular threat raised by supporters of the UK remaining in the EU, during the 2016 referendum campaign. In part the fears were founded on some industry executives suggesting that foreign-owned companies would seek to move.

In spite of this threat the voters of Sunderland and Broughton both chose to vote Leave. Regaining sovereignty was more important than self-interest in the biggest democratic vote in our history.

SUMMARY

How did the Airbus and Nissan constituencies vote?

• In 2016 the Alyn & Deeside constituency where the Broughton factory of Airbus is situated voted 58.1% to Leave with 41.9% voting to Remain
• The Washington and Sunderland West constituency where the Nissan car plant is located voted 61.9% to Leave with only 38.1% voting to Remain

“Operating from more than 25 sites across the UK, Airbus is the largest civil aerospace company in the country, the biggest civil aerospace exporter, Britain’s largest space company, the biggest supplier of large aircraft to the Royal Air Force and is responsible for around 50% of the UK’s civil helicopter fleet.”

– Details from an Oxford Economics survey

Previous warnings about Airbus leaving the UK

• In May 2015, Paul Khan, Airbus UK’s chief executive, said Airbus would reconsider future investment in the UK that if the country voted to leave the EU in the 2016 referendum
• In evidence to a House of Commons committee in January 2017 Airbus warned any deal with the EU deal must allow the company to move its products and workers around Europe, including at short notice and without restrictions
• In June 2018 Airbus warned that if the UK left the EU without a transition deal: “This scenario would force Airbus to reconsider its investments in the UK, and its long-term footprint in the country.”

The renewed commitment of Airbus Industrie to Brexit Britain

“Airbus remains a vital part of the UK’s economic, societal and environmental landscape, even when accounting for the impact of COVID-19 on the wider aviation sector.

“We are steadfast in our commitment to the UK, and will continue to invest in our workforce, in the UK supply chain, research and development, and in the technologies that will play a vital role in limiting man-made carbon emissions, providing sustainable aviation that will benefit the entire planet.

“As our business looks towards recovery and growth following the pandemic, we continue to view Airbus’ strong and enduring relationship with the United Kingdom as a vital element of Airbus’ ongoing success and we are committed to continuing to deepen our ties over the years and decades to come.”

– John Harrison, Chairman, Airbus UK

UK Government welcomes decision by Airbus

Speaking about a recent study by Oxford Economics into the value of Airbus to the UK economy, Lee Rowley MP, Minister for Industry, said:

“The UK has a world leading aerospace sector, with Airbus playing a central role in this success. The ground-breaking tech that Airbus and its partners are developing will help secure the future of flight in the next generation aircraft of tomorrow.”

– Lee Rowley MP, Minister for Industry