Bob Ainsworth appointed Minister of Defence. Time was when this was a very big appointment. Now the defence budget is much smaller than the social budgets.
It’s still big to Preston though if you work at BAE SYSTEMS. The minister can influence where money is spent and with the navy looking out for expensive Carriers and Trident replacements it competes for budget with the F35 Lightning II and Eurofighter and their developments.
Bob Ainsworth is a Trade Union Labour person from Coventry. He did a sponsored activity with someone from a carbon fibre company in Coventry so there might be some link to aircraft. I did read in one paper that there is a fear he won’t be as strong against the treasury as previous ministers. Although we can only wait and see. Moneys too tight to mention anyway. Typhoon Tranche 3 is being negotiated and pressure from partner governments is significant.