Adam Dance: Government must act to secure jobs at Leonardo

It is part of the fabric of our town and a cornerstone of South Somerset’s economy.

For generations, people here have built their lives, careers, and skills around the aerospace and defence industry, and Leonardo remains at the heart of that story.

Today, the Yeovil site supports thousands of skilled jobs, apprenticeships, and supply chain roles.

It contributes around £320m a year to the local economy and sustains countless families across our area.

These are highly skilled, well-paid jobs that cannot simply be replaced if they are lost.

Leonardo also invests heavily in our community.

From apprenticeships and training to partnerships with local schools, colleges, and suppliers, the company plays a vital role in developing the next generation of engineers and technicians.

It brings opportunity to Yeovil and helps keep high-value manufacturing rooted in the South West.

That is why I am deeply concerned about the continued delay in awarding the New Medium Helicopter, or NMH, contract.

This programme is critical to the future of Leonardo in Yeovil.

Without it, there is real uncertainty about the long-term viability of the site and the thousands of jobs it supports.

Leonardo has a strong case.

The Yeovil workforce has decades of experience designing, building, and supporting helicopters for the UK and allied forces.

The company is already making impressive progress with projects like the Proteus uncrewed helicopter, showing innovation, adaptability, and world-class expertise right here in Somerset.

The government has repeatedly spoken about a “defence dividend” that delivers British jobs, skills, and apprenticeships.

If that promise is to mean anything, it must include Yeovil.

Awarding the NMH contract to Leonardo would secure jobs, protect skills and strengthen the UK’s defence capability at the same time.

Instead, we have seen delay after delay.

The Defence Investment Plan has been promised for months, yet businesses and workers are still waiting for clarity.

This uncertainty is damaging.

It affects confidence, investment, and long-term planning, both for Leonardo and for the many local firms that depend on it.

Since being elected, I have continuously championed Leonardo through letters, meetings, and speaking up in the chamber.

Most recently, I have written to the defence secretary and spoken to the Prime Minister to press for urgent answers and a clear timetable.

Yeovil deserves certainty, not warm words.

Losing Leonardo would be devastating for our local economy and a serious blow to UK defence manufacturing.

I will continue to stand up for Leonardo, for its workers, and for our town.

The government must act now and award the NMH contract to Yeovil.

Our jobs, skills, and future depend on it.