Unite’s general secretary, Sharon Graham, has urged the government to award a £2.4bn military satellite contract to Airbus rather than the US defence company Lockheed Martin. She argues that choosing Airbus would protect skilled UK jobs and domestic satellite-building capability, while the decision will test Labour’s pledge to use procurement to support British industry.

The Skynet 6 wideband satellite system would comprise two geostationary satellites carrying the Ministry of Defence’s most sensitive data. Airbus builds satellites in Stevenage and Portsmouth and supporters say up to 600 jobs could be at risk, while Lockheed has proposed around 500 direct jobs in north-east England and 1,500 supply-chain roles. A decision could come as soon as 1 August, with Lockheed highlighting export potential and US military integration, and Airbus backers warning its UK satellite operations could be weakened.