Sir Keir Starmer visited BAE Systems in Warton today to thank staff for “beating the world” and securing local jobs for the next decade.
The Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer has today (Tuesday 28th October) visited Warton, praising BAE Systems workers in Lancashire for “beating the world” after securing a landmark £8 billion deal to supply Turkey with 20 Typhoon fighter jets — the first such order since 2017.
Speaking at BAE’s Warton plant, less than a day after signing the agreement in Ankara, Sir Keir thanked staff for their role in winning the contract, which will safeguard thousands of skilled jobs for the next decade.
“I can’t do these deals without you,” he told hundreds of employees gathered at the site (see photograph). “You’ve beaten the world — your professionalism, your skill and your dedication made this possible.”
The Typhoons are assembled at BAE’s Warton and Samlesbury sites, where around 6,000 people are involved in their production. Sir Keir said the benefits would ripple across Lancashire’s economy, supporting suppliers and creating further opportunities across the county.
“This means ten years of well-paid jobs and a stronger local economy,” he said. “The more we can get this investment into Lancashire, the better it is for everyone.”
The deal is seen as a lifeline for the region’s aerospace industry, ensuring Warton remains at the heart of UK defence manufacturing — and reaffirming Lancashire’s reputation for engineering excellence.
