MPs call on Government to 'learn from Bombardier crisis'

Bombardier employs thousands of people in Northern Ireland. Credit: PressEye

Government contracts with Boeing should be reviewed following the Bombardier trade dispute, that's according to a group of MPs.

In a report published on Thursday, the Northern Ireland Affairs Committee called on the Government to consider Boeing's recent actions, and the potential impact on Northern Ireland, when tendering future contracts.

The committee called on Government to take steps to prevent a repeat of the threat to UK businesses following a Boeing trade complaint which endangered thousands of Belfast jobs.

Last month, the US International Trade Commission (ITC) prevented the US from imposing import tariffs of nearly 300% on the company's C Series planes.

The ruling followed a complaint from rival Boeing, who alleged that the aircraft was given an uncompetitive marketplace advantage due to subsidies from the UK and Canadian Governments.

Committee Chair Dr Andrew Murrison MP said: said: "If companies are willing to take action that directly harms the UK economy and, potentially, security they should expect a frosty reception when tendering for contracts."

The wings of the C-Series aircraft are made in Belfast.

Thousands of posts had been at risk at Bombardier in Belfast, which makes wings for the new C-Series jets, had the judgment gone against the firm.

The committee report added: "The Government must be proactive and continue to protect Bombardier's Northern Ireland operations from punitive action.

"Existing Government contracts with Boeing should be reviewed and past behaviour taken into account when bidding takes place for future contracts."