GKN: Proposed Takeover by Melrose

Part of the debate – in the House of Commons at 1:54 pm on 27 March 2018.

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Photo of Wayne David Wayne David Shadow Minister (Defence) (Armed Forces and Defence Procurement) 1:54, 27 March 2018

The Secretary of State specifically referred in his statement to the importance of the defence sector. However, the reply from Melrose to him, which I have looked at, states in one short sentence that it

“will execute a deed of undertaking in favour of the Ministry of Defence”.

One legal point of view is that that is a weak legal basis to base that on. Will he or the Secretary of State for Defence come to the Chamber at an appropriate time to give their response to that letter and indicate whether they intend to take action under the Enterprise Act 2002?