'I’m proud my efforts helped get this deal over the line' - Starmer sends letter to MP on £8bn Typhoon deal
MP for Blackpool South, Chris Webb, has received a personal handwritten note from the Prime Minister thanking him for his support and persistence in helping to secure the major Typhoon export deal with Türkiye.
In the letter, the Prime Minister commends Webb for his “help and support in getting the Typhoon deal with Turkey over the line,” noting that the agreement “will secure good jobs in the North West for a decade”. The Prime Minister added, “Thank you for your support which made a real difference.”
The landmark £8 billion deal represents a huge boost for the UK’s defence and aerospace industries, particularly across Lancashire, where the Typhoon programme underpins thousands of skilled jobs at BAE Systems sites in Warton and Samlesbury.
Crucially, the deal will provide new opportunities for Blackpool residents, supporting high-quality employment and opening up new apprenticeship and training pathways for young people looking to build careers in advanced engineering and manufacturing.
Chris Webb MP said: “I’m really proud to share this personal note from the Prime Minister following months of work pushing for the Typhoon order with Türkiye and other countries. This industrial base is vital in providing the UK’s sovereign combat air capability and is also a strategic national asset.
“This is more than just a defence deal – it’s jobs, skills and livelihoods here in Blackpool, across the Fylde Coast, Lancashire and the UK. For years to come, this £8bn agreement will sustain thousands of high-skill roles at Warton and Samlesbury, protecting our local aerospace heritage and supporting the next generation of British engineering talent.
“I’m proud that my efforts helped get this deal over the line. With continued focus, investment and ambition, we can secure even more jobs, create new apprenticeship opportunities and future-proof our communities.”
The Typhoon export order marks a major milestone for the UK’s defence sector and reinforces Lancashire’s position as the beating heart of Britain’s aerospace and engineering excellence - delivering lasting benefits for Blackpool and the wider region.”
Prime Minister Keir Starmer said: “This landmark agreement with Türkiye is a win for British workers, a win for our defence industry, and a win for NATO security. At either ends of Europe, the UK and Türkiye are vital to tackling the challenges of our time and this will allow our Armed Forces to work even closer together as we deter threats and protect our national interests.
“Delivering highly skilled, well-paid jobs, including in Warton, Edinburgh and Bristol for years to come, this is yet another example of our Plan for Change in action, driving renewal and opportunity up and down the country.”
Charles Woodburn, Chief Executive, BAE Systems said: “Türkiye’s procurement of Typhoon marks the start of a new chapter in our longstanding relationship with this important NATO ally and reinforces the outstanding operational support the aircraft delivers across Europe and the Middle East as a fundamental pillar of defence and security. Typhoon is an export success story and demonstrates how investment in defence can fuel significant economic growth and returns across the UK. Today’s announcement extends Typhoon production and preserves crucial sovereign skills which underpin the UK’s defence and security.”