The MP spoke of the 'grave concern' and 'many questions' there will be from suppliers further down the supply chain, some based in Winchester, who are likely to be affected by the announcement. The Portsmouth shipyard supports employment across Hampshire and the wider region and will see around one thousand jobs lost when shipbuilding finally ends in the home of the Royal Navy.
Mr Brine said: "This was not a surprise given the surge in employment we have seen across the shipbuilding sector in recent years to fulfil big Government orders but it's no less devastating when jobs are lost and businesses threatened. I urged the Secretary of State to leave no stone unturned, not just in Portsmouth but across the wider region, in the pursuit of regeneration of the yard and the jobs it supports, even as far up as my Winchester constituency.
"His response was positive and I spoke to him again after our exchange in the Commons chamber to suggest he engages with local councils and all the MPs across Hampshire as we seek to make the best of what's happening in Portsmouth following BAE's decision."
Steve also expressed annoyance at Scottish National Party MPs who, despite seeing the retention of shipbuilding on the Clyde, attacked the Westminster Government for turning its back on Scotland. He added; "Given what is happening in Hampshire today, many of my constituents will be choking on their lunch hearing the SNP representatives complaining about the announcement."
More information ...
You can read the debate via Hansard
Listen back- Today in Parliament from 6th November 2013 which featured Steve's contribution (scroll forward to 07:20)