Hundreds of defence jobs axed Battle to save St Athan jobs

Defence Minister Adam Ingram confirmed in the Commons that the Defence Aviation Repair Agency (Dara) fast jet operation at St Athan will close.

Local MP John Smith told of his "utter dismay" and Labour colleague Julie Morgan spoke of "betrayal and outrage".

Mr Ingram said it would bring more efficiency and be more effective.

Today is a dark day for many families along the whole stretch of the M4 corridor including my constituency Bridgend MP Madeleine Moon

Mr Ingram told MPs that the fast jet facility will shut by April 2007, while Dara's large aircraft business at St Athan will be market tested for a sell-off, to see if it could deliver improved effectiveness and value for money.

The minister said transferring the large aircraft business would help secure around 350 St Athan jobs.

There was relief in north Wales when Mr Ingram confirmed that Dara's electronics business at Sealand, Flintshire, which employs 600, will be unaffected.

However, Dara's engine maintenance business in Fleetlands, Hampshire, will be shut with 225 jobs going by March 2007, and a further 1,226 jobs will go at the Army vehicle repair service, Abro.

Defence committee MPs will visit St Athan to check RAF capability

Vale of Glamorgan MP Mr Smith said the St Athan changes would undermine the RAF's capability in defence of the nation.

Mr Ingram told him he had to balance the reality for the Ministry of Defence (MoD) against the reality in which Mr Smith existed.

The minister promised to work closely with the Welsh Assembly Government to help those affected.

Labour Vale of Glamorgan Assembly Member Jane Hutt said: "This is the wrong decision; it does not make sense for defence aviation, for the MOD or for Wales, which is fostering a growing aerospace sector with a skilled and committed workforce."

The Commons defence select committee has already announced it is investigating MoD capability, and MPs are due to visit St Athan this month.

Ms Hutt said: "I am sure their investigation, which will bring MPs to Wales, will reveal how wrong this decision is, for all concerned."

'Worst possible news'

Labour MP for Bridgend Madeleine Moon said: "Today is a dark day for many families along the whole stretch of the M4 corridor including my constituency."

The announcement follows months of campaigning by workers, politicians and unions to try to protect Dara jobs.

Peter Allenson, of the Transport and General Workers Union, said it was a "betrayal of skilled workers as the government goes in for a mad dash to the private sector".

Branding the announcement "absolutely disgraceful", Amicus warned of possible industrial action.

Conservative AM Alun Cairns said: "This is the worst possible news for Dara. I would be surprised if there is any form of servicing operation left at the site by 2007."

There was a welcome in north Wales, however, over the retention of jobs at Dara's Flintshire site.

Alyn and Deeside MP Mark Tami said: "I am deeply upset for Dara employees elsewhere, but for Sealand workers today's announcement will come as an enormous relief."

Meanwhile, a statement, the Welsh Assembly Government said: "The decision by the MoD is very disappointing. "Aerospace is a key sector in Wales, employing 20,000 people in over 150 companies.

"With six of the world's top 10 aerospace and defence companies having an operation in Wales, together with around 40% of the UK's repair and maintenance (MRO) business, Wales is well placed to capitalise on the growth in the global MRO sector.