Clyde shipyards focused on delivering Type 26 frigates and not prospect of IndyRef2, says BAE boss

dailyrecord.co.uk:

The prospect of a second referendum on independence will not "deflect" Clyde shipyards from delivering the next generation of Royal Navy frigates, an industry boss has said.Simon Lister, managing director of BAE Systems' maritime division, told the Record he was focused instead "on building ships in Govan and Scotstoun over the next 10 years".He spoke after the UK Government confirmed yesterday it would order another five of the Type 26 frigates in addition to the three already under construction on the Clyde.The £4.2 billion contract will secure 1,700 jobs at sites in Govan and Scotstoun over the next decade, as well as a further 2,300 jobs in the supply chain across the UK.The two remaining Glasgow shipyards are reliant on Royal Navy orders and their future was a major talking point during the 2014 independence referendum campaign.Nicola Sturgeon intends to hold an IndyRef2 in October next year if the UK Supreme Court rules Holyrood has the power to stage such a vote without Westminster approval.Asked if a second referendum could impact on the Type 26 programme, Lister said: "We proceed on the basis that question is settled until our government customers tell us we need to change from that plan."It is a political question and not an industry question.

We proceed on the basis of the contracts awarded - we'll leave the question for government discussion."He added: "It's a hypothetical question based on a hypothesis that a second referendum may occur.

I do not have a view and do not entertain any time thinking about it."I'm focused on building ships here in Govan and Scotstoun in this class over the next 10 years and I'm not going to be deflected from that."The Type 26 programme ensures the two yards will be working at