A Hampshire business leader has called on politician Andy Burnham to fly the flag for defence at this July’s Farnborough International Airshow.
Andrew Barnett says that it is vital for national security, the economy and UK plc that that the Makerfield MP and Number 10 frontrunner attends the major global event on July 20 to 24.
Mr Barnett, who is managing director of Fareham-based SME Barnbrook Systems and chair of the South Central Regional Defence and Security Cluster (SCRDSC), warned that the Labour leadership hopeful must show that he is serious about the defence sector.
Global solutions provider Barnbrook, which serves defence, aviation and aerospace, is set to exhibit at the world famous airshow on July 20 to 24 for the 16th consecutive time.
Organisers said that they are expecting record visitors numbers of more than 100,000 people with six halls instead of five, increased air and static displays and a strong showing from defence companies.
Mr Barnett, who is also on the board of the Farnborough Aerospace Consortium (FAC), said: “Andy Burnham must tie his colours to the mast.
“The opening day of the airshow on July 20 may be his very day in office if he stands unopposed for PM, yet that will make it even more important that he attends.
“No doubt he will have an overflowing in-tray but defence – keeping our country and its people safe – and greater defence spending must be at the very top of his list of priorities.
“Equally if other candidates are standing and the date for the labour leadership contest is pushed back, it is critical that they attend too as a statement of intent of how important defence will be when they take office.
“The world is becoming increasing unstable while warfare is rapidly evolving before our eyes. The UK must have the technology, investment and supply chains to support our own military
and those of our allies.”
Andrew added: “I have written to Mr Burnham to emphasise why he should attend the airshow and have invited him to meet with me to discuss the issues involved, as I will for other candidate
s should they emerge.”
Potential candidates for the Labour leadership have from 9 July to 15 July to collect the backing of 81 MPs and until 16 July to gather the required number of nominations from affiliated bodies such as trade unions.
If only one candidate meets the threshold, the new leader will be announced at a special Labour conference on Friday 17 July, before being appointed PM.
If there is a contest between two or more candidates, a ballot of Labour party members and affiliated supporters would be held in August before the winner is announced on the 29th of that month.
Mr Barnett met Keir Starmer, soon after the new PM’s election, at the last airshow in July 2024 – the latest of more than a dozen he has attended over the years.
Following Sir Keir’s resignation announcement, Mr Barnett called for his successor to place pro-business policies at the heart of the government’s economic plan.
Barnbrook Systems will showcase new and upgraded technology and services when it attends the airshow.
It is a global solutions provider of game-changing Intelligent Internet of Things (IIOT) technology but also specialises in Maintenance, Repair and Overhaul (MRO) to breathe new life into older defence assets.
This includes supply solutions and services for components including engine controls and flight actuators for such active fighter aircraft across the world as the Tornado, Jaguar, Hawk and Sea Harrier. It also supplies such systems as temperature monitors and rotary variable differential transformers (RVDT).
The firm, which holds both Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) accreditations, recently won a seven-figure contract over 10 years to supply and provide MRO for relays on Rolls-Royce marine engines on a friendly foreign navy’s entire fleet of destroyers.
Barnbrook’s solutions also include its BlueCube © enabled IIOT refuelling switches for Leonardo helicopters which have transformed the safety and efficiency of inflight refuelling.
Together with fellow technology firm, Barnbrook will also be showcasing its game-changing E:BAG fire suppression systems for lithium-ion battery fires in such portable electronic devices as phones, tablets, power-banks, laptops and vapes.
The firm, with nearly 50 staff and offices in the United States and Europe, punches above its weight as a prime contractor and subcontractor with multi-national firms, the UK MOD, and overseas governments.
It will be attending the airshow with Farnborough Aerospace Consortium (FAC) in Hall1, UK Village, on Stand 1317.
Held every two years, the show is on July 20-24 and is expected to attract more than 75,000 visitors. Its ‘core pillars’ this year are Advancing Aerospace, Propelling Defence and Pioneering Space.
Visit https://www.barnbrook.co.uk/ and https://www.farnboroughairshow.com/ for more information.