Ulster Unionist East Belfast MLA Andy Allen has accused Boeing of protectionism after the ruling that imposes outrageous tariffs on sales of C-Series jets into the US market. He has also called on the UK Government to send a clear and uncompromising message to Boeing that other contracts could be reconsidered in the UK.

Andy Allen said:

“The real impact of today’s ruling may not be known for several weeks or months, however I am really concerned about the potential consequences on Bombardier`s Belfast workforce. The UK Government, working in conjunction with the Canadian Government, needs to do everything it can to get the US Department of Commerce preliminary finding reversed when it comes before the US International Trade Commission in February.

“The UK Government needs to send a clear and uncompromising message to Boeing that the Poseidon, AH Apache and C17 contracts, as well as Boeing’s contract to maintain UK MoD aircraft, could be reconsidered in light of their self-centred and protectionist stance.

“Any support that was given to assist the C-Series was entirely appropriate. Boeing didn’t make their complaint because of some moral obligation, they made it because they weren’t happy with a rival competitor, Bombardier, making such a tremendous product in the shape of the C-Series. Boeing do not even have a similar product in the marketplace so it was nothing more than protectionism from them. Now we see outrageous tariffs being imposed on sales of C-Series jets into the US market.  Boeing’s fixation with Bombardier could potentially put hundreds of hardworking people out of work, along with many more in associated roles.

“This ruling again underpins why it is so essential to have a Northern Ireland Executive up and running. Right now our essential Aerospace sector needs support, yet in the absence of a local Executive it isn’t getting it.”