Unite general secretary Sharon Graham said:

"There are certainly areas in the DIP that Unite have been calling for to ensure British procurement and jobs.

"Commitment to GCAP and confirmation that the Typhoon remains the core of the UK combat air capability into the 2040s, with the Long-Term Evolution Programme (LTE) alongside the Collaborative Combat Aircraft Programme is welcome. However, we do need sovereign orders to protect skills long term.

"We also welcome the £5bn commitment to drones. But there are still many questions about who is going to make what, where  for land, sea, air and space manufacturing.

"The next Prime Minister will have to make sure the commitment to boosting British industry and British skills translates into real jobs. This offering may end up being DIP part one.

"Payment for the DIP should not be robbing Peter to pay Paul. We have had enough of this government pitting workers against workers, pensioners against the disabled. It is clear we need to borrow to invest for long term security and jobs."
-ENDS-