Murphy's reputation relies on Uist promises

Angus MacNeil, SNP MP for Na h-Eileanan An Iar, has claimed that Secretary of State for Scotland, Jim Murphy MP, must stake his position on assuring the safety of Qinetiq jobs 

During today’s Scottish Questions in the House of Commons, Mr Murphy guaranteed that plans to close the missile testing range had been abandoned.

It follows reports that an internal email, circulated to senior Qinetiq managers, showed plans for a high level meeting to press ahead with proposals to operate the range remotely from Aberporth in Wales.
 
Commenting, Mr MacNeil said:

“Jim Murphy has put his reputation on the line with by promising to preserve jobs on Uist. 

Workers at the range are relying on the Scottish Secretary’s word that their jobs and livelihoods are secure.

These employees were given assurances by the Government that their jobs were safe, only to have their confidence rocked a mere three weeks later by reports their jobs remained in the balance.

This must be the final time Qinetiq workers are put through this ordeal.  The Uist range is the biggest and best in Europe and its employees deserve to be treated with more respect.

Today’s comments must draw a line under the job threats.  Murphy has staked his reputation on it.”

ENDS

Note:

The following is an extract from Jim Murphy’s answer to Angus MacNeil MP during Scottish Questions.

Jim Murphy- 

Of course the initial plan has now been abandoned; there is no plan B whatsoever. There has been some concern by some of the workers which is why I’m delighted the management and the unions are meeting a little later this week, but we are very clear the initial proposals were abandoned, there is no plan B and the jobs will stay.