SOUTH SOMERSET NEWS: Yeovil LibDems launch Save Our Helicopters petition

AN ONLINE petition calling on the Government to safeguard the helicopter manufacturing industry in Yeovil and South Somerset has been launched by local Liberal Democrats.

It comes following today’s (Friday, October 7, 2016) earlier news about 230 employees from aerospace company GKN being sent home with the future of the Yeovil firm being thrown into serious doubt.

The LibDems’ prospective parliamentary candidate for Yeovil, Daisy Benson, said: “This is deeply worrying and my thoughts are with the workers and families affected.

“If Prime Minister Theresa May is serious about what she says about protecting British jobs then her Government must act now to save vital jobs and businesses in Yeovil.

“I’ve raised the matter urgently with local and national decision-makers and I am seeking action.”

PHOTO - TOP: Daisy Benson.

She has asked for an urgent question to be tabled by the LibDems in the House of Commons and for Lord Ashdown, former Yeovil MP Paddy Ashdown, to raise the matter with the Minister of State.

Miss Benson has asked South Somerset District Council to urgently investigate what support can be given to workers affected, plus she wants a meeting with GKN management and union representatives.

She has launched a new online petition calling on Prime Minister Theresa May’s Government to keep helicopter manufacturing in Yeovil.

“This vital industry is essential for jobs and the economy in Somerset and the South West,” she said.

The petition can be found at http://www.yeovil-libdems.org.uk/save_our_helicopters   .

Other related stories:

Paddy Ashdown calls on PM to take action: http://www.yeovilpress.co.uk/blog/2016/10/07/south-somerset-news-paddy-ashdown-calls-on-government-to-take-action-over-gkn-job-fears/ .

Workers told to go home at GKN: http://www.yeovilpress.co.uk/blog/2016/10/07/south-somerset-news-hundreds-of-jobs-under-threat-at-yeovil-factory/ .