Defence Secretary Gavin Williamson has declared Cumbria’s submarine manufacturing workforce the “envy of the world” during a visit to the county.

Mr Williamson made the statement during a dinner with Conservative part activities at the Olde Mill in Bardsea.

He reassured the packed room of business owners and residents of the Government’s commitment to the multi-billion-pound Dreadnought submarine programme and the “world-class” BAe Systems workforce, primarily based in and around Barrow, that will manufacture them.

Mr Williamson, a regular visitor to Cumbria, also hit out at Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn for his affiliation with the campaign for nuclear disarmament and that his party could offer no assurances on future nuclear submarine development should it get into power.

Speaking after the event, Conservative spokesman for Barrow and Furness, Simon Fell, said: “It was especially heartening to hear the Defence Secretary praise Barrow and its workforce.

“He was right to say that the skill base here is second-to-none, and to commit continued support to the Yard.”

He said Mr Williamson took questions from the audience on topics ranging from Brexit to the induction of new recruits into the Army.

In December 2018, Mr Williamson opened the £25 million submarine academy in Barrow and a £400m funding boost to the Dreadnought programme, securing over 8,000 jobs.