THE former defence secretary has warned of the impact of defence cuts on East Lancashire’s economy.

Bob Ainsworth said defence chiefs were ‘very worried’ about the possibility of Tranche 3b of BAE Systems’ Eurofighter Typhoon project being cancelled.

Speaking at the Labour Party conference, in Manchester, he said the defence review, to be announced next month, was being ‘rushed’ and the industrial impact of any cuts would only be considered afterwards.

Around 2,000 jobs are thought to be at risk, including at the Samlesbury plant, if the multi-million pound contract is cancelled.

Mr Ainsworth claimed 25,000 jobs would be lost across the country in the event of cuts of just 10per cent to the Ministry of Defence’s budget.

He said: “The industrial community is really worried about it.

This defence review should take twice as long, and have huge levels of consultation.”

Hyndburn MP Graham Jones, who is campaigning against cuts alongside union leaders, said: “The case for Tranche 3b is obvious.

It doesn't matter which party you belong to.”