Jet order to safeguard jobs

PRIME Minister Gordon Brown is set to approve the UK's latest order of Eurofighter Typhoon jets, a move which should safeguard hundreds of jobs in the capital.

Fears had been raised that around 1,250 workers at the Selex Galileo plant in Crewe Toll may be under threat after the Government was reported to be wrangling over Britain's commitment to buy 40 of the aircraft as part of the third tranche of the joint programme with Germany, Italy and Spain.

The Edinburgh factory is making the radars for tranche two of the project and is responsible for an enhanced radar system to be fitted to the jets in tranche three.

But Gordon Brown has said the UK will press ahead with the order, but is still looking for ways to cut costs.