World famous Red Arrows 'at risk of being axed'

A group of MPs has warned the Lincolnshire based red arrows could be at risk of being axed. Credit: PA.

A group of MP's has warned the Lincolnshire based red arrows could be at risk of being axed if the Government fails to effectively support British manufacturing.

It follows calls to bring forward orders, including replacing the Red Arrows' fleet of Hawk aircraft, in a move which it's claimed could secure jobs at BAE systems.

The UK's largest manufacturing employer recently announced plans to cut 2,000 jobs.

It follows calls to bring forward orders in a move which it's claimed could secure jobs at BAE systems. Credit: PA.

Ruth Smeeth (Stoke-on-Trent North), a Labour member of the Defence Select Committee, said the job cuts could result in a loss of skills and expertise which could "set us back a generation"

Credit: PA.

She said jobs could be protected in the short term if the Government committed to bringing forward the order for new Hawk aircraft for the Red Arrows, while also securing the next wave of export contracts.

Ms Smeeth told the Commons: "Let's be clear, this is a brand new aircraft and our Red Arrows should be selling it to the world with their own skill set."

A group of MPs has warned the Lincolnshire based red arrows could be at risk of being axed if the Government fails to effectively support British manufacturing. Credit: ITV News.

Conservative MP Andrew Percy (Brigg and Goole) said

''Is it not also the case that there have been some really troubling reports about just how few of our Red Arrows aircraft are actually able to fly at any one time"

In a statement, Defence minister Harriett Baldwin said there is no risk to the Red Arrows.