Harland and Wolff: Administration as part of shipyard rescue deal

DUP leader and East Belfast MP Gavin Robinson said the news of Harland and Wolff’s four yards going into administration will be deeply concerning for the local supply chain.

Mr Robinson said that, while he expected the jobs in his constituency and the new contracts would be “safeguarded” under the new ownership, the “sudden financial uncertainty will leave many businesses in the Harland and Wolff supply chain in a precarious position”.

“This will be a hammer-blow to those companies with some owed significant sums,” he added.

“I urge all involved parties, including the new owners and relevant authorities, to engage urgently and find ways to mitigate the impact on our local supply chain.

“Supporting these businesses is critical to maintaining the economic stability of our constituency.”

Speaking in the House of Commons earlier this week, Robinson said businesses throughout the UK are “owed tens of millions of pounds”.

He asked the Secretary of State, Hilary Benn, to ensure the viability of those businesses was taken into account.

Benn said that the question of how to relate to those suppliers is “a commercial matter for Navantia”.

He added: “But I am sure that it wants to build a good relationship with firms that will help Harland and Wolff.”