LEONARDO is set to be awarded a £1 billion contract to produce military helicopters, protecting thousands of jobs at the firm’s Yeovil site, according to reports.

Workers and county chiefs had long called on thee Government to confirm the purchase, fearing for the future of around 3,000 workers at Italian company’s Somerset base.

Now, Treasury sources are reported to have confirmed the UK military will order 23 defence helicopters from the firm as part of the government’s long-overdue Defence Investment Plan (DIP).

However, speaking on Friday afternoon (February 27), MP Adam Dance (Lib Dem, Yeovil), said: “There has been positive progress on the New Medium Helicopter contract in recent days, and discussions are moving in a promising direction.

“However, my understanding is that nothing is formally agreed yet and the contract is not over the line.

“I know how important this decision is for Yeovil – for the workforce at Leonardo, for the supply chain, and for our town more widely. That is why I have continuously pressing Ministers for clarity and urgency and championed this in Parliament.

“I remain cautiously optimistic and hope we will have more concrete news in the coming days. Until then, I will continue working behind the scenes to secure the outcome Yeovil deserves.”

It has been reported a visit by Defence Minister John Healey to Yeovil on Thursday to announce the contract was cancelled.

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