Simon Fell, the Member of Parliament for Barrow and Furness, has today invited Prime Minister, Rishi Sunak MP, to visit Barrow to view the submarine programme at BAE systems.

Asking a question at Prime Minister’s Questions (PMQs) earlier today, Mr Fell praised the work of the Barrovian workforce which contributes to what the MP called an ‘international endeavour’ to keep both the UK and Australia safe from potential aggressors.

Addressing the Prime Minister, Simon said it was an ‘honour’ to welcome Australia’s Prime Minister, Anthony Albanese MP, to Barrow last week.

Furness’ MP is pressing the UK Prime Minister to visit Barrow, to view the programme for himself, as Mr Fell pushes for what he calls a ‘whole government approach’ to complete the programme on time and to budget.

From the green benches, Mr Fell said:

“It was an honour to welcome the Australian Prime Minister to Barrow last week so that he could meet some of our fantastic apprentices, see the submarine programme and restate his commitment to the AUKUS pact that will bring thousands of jobs to Barrow & Furness.”

The MP went onto to say that the programme has now grown from a national endeavour for the UK, to one of international significance. Simon said:

“What was a national endeavour is now an international one and needs a whole of government approach to get it over the line, and deliver it well.”

So that the PM can see the opportunities and challenges which Furness face for himself, Barrow’s MP invited Mr Sunak to come to Barrow, adding:

“Will the Prime Minister come to Barrow to see the programme for himself, and also to meet with me to see how we can best leverage the opportunities from this for the people of Barrow, for generations to come?”

Responding, The Prime Minister praised Mr Fell for his continued championing of Barrow & Furness and said that he looks forward to taking Mr Fell up on his invitation.