Concern mounts over future of BAE's Govan shipyard in Glasgow

BAE has reportedly said the decommissioning of the five cranes is unrelated to the maritime review (PA)

Speculation continues to mount over claims that BAE Systems is planning to shut one of its Glasgow shipyards after confirming five cranes are to be decommissioned, according to Scotland's Deputy First Minister.

Nicola Sturgeon, MSP for Govan, is urging the defence contractor to "come clean" over its plans for the yard and its 1,500 strong workforce amid speculation that it "doesn't have a future".

Last year, the global defence and security company said it was considering closing one of its major shipyards in a move that could threaten the jobs of more than 1,000 employees.

Ms Sturgeon said she was "hugely concerned" about the future of Govan shipyard. "There's mounting speculation in the yard that it doesn't have a future", she added.

"BAE has to come clean. The workforce has been through the mill too many times before. It would be outrageous if Govan doesn't have a future.

"There is a duty on the company to make clear its intentions. I would hope the decision to take down the cranes would be put on hold until a decision on the future of the yards is made. I don't want to see Govan shipyard close."

The future of three Portsmouth and Glasgow bases, at Govan and Scotstoun, has been under threat after BAE launched a review of its maritime operations.

BAE has reportedly said the decommissioning of the five cranes is unrelated to the maritime review.

A BAE spokesman told the Herald Newspaper: "Clydeport is removing dockside portal cranes which are no longer fit for purpose. Work is expected to last 18 months."

He said the review of maritime operations is a "separate issue".

"This is the removal of decommissioned cranes. There is no significance to the timing," he added.

BAE Systems, which employs about 88,200 staff globally, published a financial statement in August, said the outlook for its UK defence business remains stable despite continued pressure on Government budgets.

Its UK business was underpinned by work on two huge aircraft carriers for the Royal Navy, the Queen Elizabeth and the Prince of Wales. It also handed over two new attack submarines, HMS Astute and HMS Ambush.

Additional reporting by Press Association