Islwyn MP Chris Evans has warned that the burgeoning defence industry in south east Wales is at risk due to public spending cuts.
Mr Evans said: “The defence industry is vital to the future of Islwyn. Around 1,000 of the 2,300 people working in the defence industry in Wales are employed at the General Dynamics research and development centres in Oakdale and Newbridge.
“The knock-on effect for local small businesses of having General Dynamics based here is immense. We should be continuing to help and support such huge employers.
“The number of local people employed by General Dynamics has risen steadily since the company moved to Islwyn in 2001 but this huge success story would not have been possible without the support given to the company and to the defence sector in general by the Labour Government.
“With the announced defence cuts, the Coalition risks jeopardising the Welsh defence sector’s ability to keep on investing in the region and creating jobs for local people. We need assurances that new defence contracts will continue to arrive in south Wales.
“It is important that we continue to help support and encourage defence businesses in the area. I hope the government will consider rowing back on some of the cuts it has announced and provide assurances to the industry about the future of defence spending.”