Rosyth Dockyard owners to bid for Devonport?

3.24.19pm GMT Tue 19th Dec 2006

Recent speculation has suggested that Babcock International, the owners of Rosyth Dockyard are weighing up a bid for Devonport, the naval base in Plymouth. The current owners, KBR could lose their contract to run Devonport because of a dispute over financing which has prompted the rumoured interest from Babcock International.

Reacting to the news, Willie Rennie said:

"It would be ironic if the owners of Rosyth Dockyard were to take over Devonport, especially after all the pain in the 90s over the Trident decision when Devonport won the day over Rosyth,

"Rosyth Dockyard is an effective and efficient yard with first class employees who have a reputation for delivering on time and within budget.

"The MoD has been pressing for consolidation in the shipbuilding industry, but I will be scrutinising any takeover to ensure it results in a secure and vibrant future for Rosyth."