Helicopter factory decision due 'by end of March'

A decision will be made on a contract that could secure the UK's last military helicopter factory before the end of March, the government has said.

Leonardo Helicopters in Yeovil, Somerset, is the sole bidder for a £1bn Ministry of Defence (MoD) contract, but is waiting for it to be approved.

The area's MP Adam Dance said in January 3,000 jobs could be at risk and the site closed if the deal to build new medium helicopters does not go ahead.

During a debate at Westminster earlier, Luke Pollard, minister for defence procurement, told Dance he would not let the decision "time out" and said an announcement would be made before the end of March.

"I can't announce a decision on the medium helicopter today but I can assure we will announce a decision as soon as possible," he added.

Putting his question to the defence minister, Dance said: "Not awarding the contract is a lose, lose, lose situation, particularly for my constituency because the future of the new medium helicopter is also the future of Yeovil.

"Leonardo has been clear: If this programme does not go ahead, they must seriously consider the future of the Yeovil site."

Pollard said the government needed to "fundamentally rewire defence" to "deter and if necessary defeat" those who threaten the UK.

"As such, we are looking at the whole programme of defence spending," he added.

"I'm acutely aware a contract decision is of great consequence not just to Leonardo but to the wider community and as a fellow South West MP I can assure him that is not lost on me."

He also confirmed that the government met with Leonardo last week.

The BBC has approached Leonardo for comment.

Follow BBC Somerset on Facebook and X. Send your story ideas to us on email or via WhatsApp on 0800 313 4630.