This statement is signed by members of the Cammell Laird Taskforce and endorsed by all leaders and mayors of the Liverpool City Region Combined Authority’s constituent local authorities – Halton, Knowsley, Liverpool, Sefton, St Helens and Wirral.

Leaders and Mayors from Wirral, Liverpool and the Liverpool City Region welcome the agreement between Cammell Laird shipyard and trade unions to suspend the current industrial action, and the issuance of redundancy notices, to allow a government-endorsed Cammell Laird Taskforce to build on existing efforts and carry out further work.

The Taskforce recognises Cammell Laird’s proud history and its role in the Liverpool City Region’s maritime and manufacturing sectors. The staff and workforce are also recognised for their skills and dedication towards the company which is a household name across Liverpool City Region. This is an important company locally but we should not forget that this is also a strategically important industry for the whole of the UK.

The Taskforce recognise the complexity of the situation and that all parties are acting in good faith. The Taskforce also wishes to thank both sides for their determination to work on solutions to benefit all in the city region.

The Cammell Laird Taskforce has been established after a meeting with Government Ministers as a partnership effort between local councils, Liverpool City Region Combined Authority, government, Cammell Laird and trades unions to explore options to assist the shipyard with its place in a global competitive marketplace, and in anticipation of existing planned work from the Ministry of Defence, which will secure the shipyard with increased future employment levels.

The Taskforce will include representatives of all partners to develop proposals for consideration by Cammell Laird and its staff.

Joe Anderson, Mayor of Liverpool

Cllr Phil Davies, Leader of Wirral Council

Steve Rotheram, Metro Mayor of the Liverpool City Region

Ian Maher, Liverpool City Region Cabinet Member for Skills