John Baron MP concerned by defence company sales

MP writes to Business Secretary

Recently it has emerged that private equity companies from the United States are intending to purchase two British defence companies. Meggit makes components used for military and civil aviation, and Ultra Electronics makes some of the key anti-submarine warfare components fitted into Royal Navy and other allied warships. John Baron MP is concerned by the national security implications of foreign ownership of these companies, and has written to the Business Secretary, copying in the Prime Minister, Defence Secretary and the Chairman of the Defence Select Committee.

John said,

“Both Meggit and Ultra Electronics produce cutting-edge technologies with both military and civil applications, and the Government would be unwise to allow them to fall under foreign ownership – even of a key ally such as the United States.”

“Whilst it is good news that the Business Secretary is taking an ‘active interest’ in both sales, this may amount to guarantees as to future investment levels and job security. These are important, but do not address the possible national security implications of foreign ownership.”

“I have accordingly written to the Business Secretary with my concerns, asking him to make maximum use of the powers available to him to ensure our critical national security interests are protected.”