The government has approved a US private equity firm's takeover of UK defence and aerospace company Cobham.the government intervened over national security concernsThe government announced its approval of the deal late on Friday night - which the firm's founding family said was"timed to avoid scrutiny".Cobham, which employs 10,000 people, has extensive contracts with the British military and is seen as a world leader in air-to-air refuelling technology.
Shareholders approved Advent's offer in August, but a month later the government intervened in the takeover, citing national security concerns., Business Secretary Andrea Leadsom said she was satisfied the risks that had been identified had been mitigated"to an acceptable level" - and allowed the deal to go ahead.
The company is also obliged to give the government prior notice of any plans to sell the whole, or elements of, Cobham's business.Lady Nadine Cobham - part of the family which set up the UK firm - called the decision"deeply disappointing" and criticised the timing of the decision. The curious timing may actually draw more attention than if it had been done at a more normal hour - few doubted the government would block the deal, and shareholders in Cobham have already voted overwhelmingly in favour.
Sir Ed Davey, acting leader of the Liberal Democrats, said the announcement was"deeply concerning" and said"we have yet to see evidence" that concerns over national security had been mitigated.
So wonder how BorisJohnson and andrealeadsom are going to waffle and bluster their way out of it when it transpires the guarantees are worth as much as the ones Kraft gave when buying Cadbury i.e. nothing! How stupid must we be to give up jewels like Cobham!
Sovereignty, 'taking back control', patriotism. It's all just hypocrisy, they will sell off every British asset given the chance.
He is lying. He hasn't got a clue what he's talking about anyway. LiarJohnson Liar
Boris actions Jan 20 Brexit complete. June 20 US Trade deal negotiations start Sept 20 NHS part of US trade deal negotiations Nov 20 agreed all medication for NHS comes from US sources only & price barrier removed Jan 21 UK residents have to take out medical insurance
Hopefully Boris won’t be repeating this with the NHS and selling it to a US multinational of which Trump has shares in. Easy money for the US out of UK folks pain & misery. Just hope Boris keeps his word & doesn’t sell the NHS to US or even other foreign associated multinationals
And what exactly does that mean?
The Brexit boom has started, for American businesses. The tories are selling out the UK under the banner of patriotism. The people who voted for it are still waiting for their boom
Los gringos son como una serpiente le das la mano te pueden picar
I have wouldn't trust this hapless clown to run a bath. And why are there soldiers in the background? The army has nothing to do with air-to-air refuelling. Is this yet another Trump tactic?
I see we’ve all been looking at the NHS when it was defence the US wanted well when the good old USA take over all our armed forces they will all get better pay
Keep digging BBC. Your hole is getting bigger for you to disappear into
officialnma
It didn't take long did it, don't say you weren't warned. more to come.
The 51st State of America.
LiarJohnson
Sounds like Bilderberg at work
Putting that bit of BS aside for a second. Why isn't it a British company? So whilst we all had our eyes on you selling off the NHS to the yanks it was actually the military that was first on the table. Hoping it would go unnoticed by releasing the news at 10pm on a Friday?
Just the start selling us to the USA least in EU we were partners not the insignificant state
Pay back time, instalment one for Donald.
But your so called journalist surely challenged him on the fact that he doesn’t always tell the truth
Still can’t believe England fell for this con man , hook line and sinker🤷🏻♀️
This is not 'taking back control'. This is giving away control. To the USA.
Can be....not have been?
I suspect if the tables were turned and it was a UK/EU Private Equity firm buying an American Defence sector company the US DOD would kick up one hell of a fuss to prevent the deal going through.
The problem with sycophantic UK media - Johnson's lie would immediately collapse if one journalist asked a question what security issues have been checked. He never knows any detail. But the media never ask these questions, thus stabilising the prime liar.
Do your job and stop covering for Johnson.
Bullshit
Yes but can you report on the detail? Not what the PM says. He would say that. Your responsibility is to inform, not to simply parrot what one person says!
🙄What can be done and what will be done aren't usually mutually exclusive and as far as current administration's concerned, there's a ruddy canyon in between. All the election outcome means is that 'the country' mistrusts Labour more that the Tories. Nothing to shout about! 🤷♂️
And how exactly? ToryLiars Johnson doing what he does best LYING!!! Do not trust a word that comes out of his mouth!!
Seaborne Defence 🤔
Johnson, Murdoch, Rothermere, Barclays and the BBC all lied about what the Tories would do and what a danger Corbyn was. Now people in England (345 out of 365) have foolishly voted for this charlatan he can renege on anything he like. 5 year dictatorship.
NHS next?
Well that's OK then BBC -you're still doing your best for Boris, I see. I thought you had some Journalist amongst you?
Black Friday sell-off, Golden Age here we come. Anything left to flog off.......?
In other words Doesn't effect his personal safety or security
Orileyuk1 So much for taking back control
Here Johno here johno. Trumps bitch now.
Yay! Taking back control...and ceding it immediately to the USA
BorisJohnson is lying. won’t challenge.
Boris, do not trust the Yanks. Never. Look at their attitude towards the Dunn family, refusing to hand over the murderous Anne Sacoolas. Disgraceful attitude to the law and justice for the family. Stay well clear of the US government.
He'll say the same about the NHS
This is what you lot voted for. Blatant lies from someone who does not really care about the majority of us.
1,000s of jobs will go and the brain drain will cause a disaster for British defence. BorisTheLiar
How would he know what the security issues are ?
Jesus people didn't want a European army but we just sell off our defence to country with the most dangerous man in the world as president
First step becoming a colony of the USA. Now wait for his NHS sell-out.....
Strangely appears to have no appreciation of what this is actually about - and it's not security that is the key issue. Even more strange that Ledsome is allowed any kind of authority to do anything. The only thing worse than this guy was Corbyn.
Merry Xmas mr president
Not a good look is it? What's next? BAE
Government sneaked out the news on Friday night after sitting on it since August. Just a sample of what's to come. A great British company swallowed up by US equity fund. To be asset stripped and broken down. I would like to see the breakdown of share holders who voted for this.
He is great BBC journalism is shit.
This cabinet will be like Chris Grayling running every department...
So much for the bright future post Brexit that Boris promised, that can do attitude he asked for is now being quickly forgotten, I wonder if any of those voters who lent him their vote have realised how stupid they were on the back of amount of Nurses promised also cut already
Can he be 100% certain of that, no it's impossible, relies entirely on the word of the buyer. Security issues with the buyers company, who knows. Situation changes what then, . Wonder if the overriding priority is security or££. Could British lives be at risk Very poor show.
WE WANT TO KNOW WHERE EVERY PENNY IS GOING AND WHO IN THE CONSERVATIVES HAVE GOT SHARES IN THE U.S COMPANY AS WELL AS THE ESTABLISHMENT, WE ALL SMELL CORRUPTION, NOW THAT HONEST BORIS IS RUINING THE COUNTRY!!!
British PM Brexit Johnson is a liar. He is also very lazy.
What a prize 🛎 end !
Tories have sold off our defence to a foreign nation. I’m sure that’s somewhere listed in Government Guidelines as being Treason?
Boris talks to camera with soldiers in the background to prove he’s a real patriot and not a KGB agent. ReleaseTheRussiaReport
And so it begins. Highest bidders only please
and so.. it begins..
From the man funded by Russian money.
...and we are expected to believe him?!!!!!
Boris and Trump could've just given the Russian ambassador the inside information by hand quicker.
But the BBC isn't bothered by this .. the government was warned by the founding family but shhhh .. what would they know ...
Tory principle 1 - redistribute all public wealth to private pockets
Within hours of winning an election the Tories sell something fairly important to the US. WTF will be left after five years? What can we do, sweet FA. God the future generations will look at this period with absolute horror.
Says a compulsive liar....
This is the important quote: 'In one of its first major economic decisions, the government is not taking back control so much as handing it away.' From the Cobham family who started the company. Bending.over and greasing.up our own a-hole for the Yanks.
It’s started, the sell off of our public services and has been for a decade. You get what you voted for.
Hurray for the great British sell-off! Billionaires are shitting and giggling their way to the banks as they rob us blind. Thanks leaver voters!
A Boris ma che ti pettini con le miccette?
So he is a soothsayer now. Get on!
My arse, the man is a born liar!
Agreed in August but curiously kept under wraps until after election. A bit like the Russian report. You new tories still pleased what you voted for.
Well you were all warned and yet you still voted this idiot and his entitled mates in and his reply doesn’t leave you feeling safe
Safe , like the American Health Company that’s looking after the NHS data . . Yer , ok . . .
Remember Sir John Cobham from a boys book of British heroes published in 1930s and wonder what he would make of this current farago?
Liar lies.
Well you get what you voted for folks. He'll find a way to make Trump a Lord next.
Hi folks! You know how we fought the election on British independence from foreign interference?Well we've sold some of our defence capability to America & our steel production to China. It's going well for us, because we're making a mint. How is it for you? Merrrrrry Christmas!
He’s never lied in the past, so we must take his word for it.
Blimey. BorisJohnson needs to speak to someone who is a tad better informed about that.
boris , come on sell the NHS , so we can make good money ,, from your health service.... 😁😁😁😁😁😁🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣
All part of the plan for little Donald to make us the 51st and cheer up big Donald!
What else are we selling to America?
Like we can believe you, didn't take you long to betray the british people buy allowing any enemy state take over a British defence, you could of let Russia or china take it over you'd of got more money
Saying a load of lies again how can you beleave him
How long before the private equity firm, breaks it up, sells it and fires all the staff, before building the refueling systems elsewhere? Not a great idea.
He'll sell of everything. Asset strip the country. Kill the NHS by stealth. You voters who 'Loaned your trust' to this corrupt buffoon need your heads read. Remember this when every ambulance comes with a fee you can't afford.
Taking our country back by handing over our defence industry to the USA. Made in UK trademark now owned by America.
Bags under his eyes looks like he's done 12 rounds with Tyson Fury
Why are we allowing takeover of specialist British firms to yet more USA control Boris
Is this really ok?
I certainly wouldn't want him serving my dinner, ugh
Aye that'll be right
BBC the only credible opposition party. Still wrong though
Selling England by the pound (or dollar)
🤣
Boris's big sell out.
Be careful Boris. Having a majority in parliament and wanting to get things done is one thing - failing to give parliament the right to ask pertinent questions, and do their job to ensure checks and balances are in place is quite another.
It’s a private business, what can we do if they want to sell?
captippers have handed this government a golden age of corporate profits from UK assets.
Chap on any answers was ranting and deludedly blaming EU for all our utilities and most transport being owned by overseas companies. He need not worry the US are now going to be in control.
Not sure what the big deal is here. This is a private company that is contracted by UK Defence. UK Defence pay money to use its services. Presumably no UK owned company were interested in buying this company out?
But are they satisfied ?
Take back control to make America great again, eh?
...and so the sell off begins..Britain must be broke!
He's exactly like Trump. Serves dinner to the troops whilst selling off another arm of the military. Why doesn't he go and feed the many homeless ex-servicemen out in the streets?
What's that noise? oh its the BBC death rattle.
I can't believe Jeremy Corbyn has allowed this... Is what the newspapers will say. Thank you england for putting the Tories in power. Somebody told you that Corbyn was a terrorist sympathiser, you mindlessly believed then and now we're all going to suffer.
Well, BAE Systems have acquired US defence companies, so why not?
Not so much a security risk as the mostly make aircraft refueling gear. Like all other overseas takeovers a couple of years down the line the jobs and plant will go.
And so it begins our servitude to the USA
Yes but BlUe pAssPOrTs
Superbusinesz The disaster capitalism in full swing.
The Leftist Labour gang angry at being turned away by the people in the last election will now resort to obstructionist activity along with accusation and innuendo. This is just the beginning. It's the same story everywhere.
Hold on a mo...hasn't this man just won an election on the basis that Britain will have a strong, independent role in the world? Nothing defines a nation like having total control over its own defence industry. Betcha USA wouldn't let us buy THEIR prime defence supplier.
Where's the river going that they've sold us down?
Can... but will they?
Taking back control, it’s a joke and people actually fell for it.
Oh ya... they're American DUH!
Johnson the security risk.
'Have they been satisfied?' 'Well, no...but they could be...' 'If we ask you this again in three months, will the security issues have been satisfied, or are you hoping we'll all have forgotten about the whole thing?' 'Uh...get Brexit done...healing can begin...sovereignty!'
And so it begins....
Are we the 51st State of America now? That was seemless, going from a member of the EU to this. No one dare talk to me about sovereignty!
It’s not even remotely controversial. Lady Cobham is just upset that the company her husband built had been sold off and it’s the end of the family association with the company. Refuelling technology isn’t even remotely guarded technology now. In 1982 sure, but not now.
Billy Liar spings to mind.
Great the guy who's government just may just be responsible for all the lack of help for homeless veterans serving you your lunch
Oh please, it was a public company subject to takeover.
The BBC desperately hunting around for anything they can find to cause mischief for this new government and Boris in particular. They really are a sad bunch there.
'Look, their a US company, not an EU company. We like the US and we need the US to sell off parts of the NHS to US Big Pharma - it's a perfect fit'. Liar BorisJohnson
BBC tediously disapproving of course. Doesn’t understand business. £4billion to be reinvested in the UK. Terrific
wasn’t that part of the Plot of Spectre? 🙄😜
The same excuses will be made when he sells the NHS
Disgusting decision, but typical of the Tories!
Very reassuring!
Selling of little Britain
I misread that Corbyn and been bought out 🤣🤣🤣 who’d buy him 🤣🤣🤣
More BoJo bluffing
Now where’s that Russian report? 🤔
When they put a deal through middle of the night when parliament has broken up for Christmas so again no scrutiny it screams they know it’s wrong
And we believe him? A man who refused to release the Russian interference report, a man who was excluded from confidential information by his own prime minister.
Surprised that the BBC led their lunchtime news with such a non-story attack on the government. Huge news stories in Australia and India but the BBC carried on as they left off before the Election. There should be an independent inquiry into bias at the BBC.
Pretty soon we’ll be the 53rd state and renamed United State Of Briterica
What's stopping China or Russia buying a share of this company through the backdoor, do not be fooled that the British public will stand for being made mugs off, they will force change if it's required, gone are the days of normal politics.
I heard the Deputy PM of Australia on the radio attributing the fires to ‘spontaneously combusting heaps of manure.’ why oh why did I suddenly get an image of the Prime Minister of the UK in my head?🤦🏻♀️
I really hope all those who voted for LiarJohnson are happy now. You gave him free reign to do exactly what he wants and he will screw us all. 🤬🤬
It's a private company, it's not the government's decision to sell or not sell. They only had a say due to government contracts and security issues. BAe systems own American defense companies. Should that not be allowed either? It's how businesses operate.
Scruff.
Well then we can breath a sign of relief, right Been?
You allowed it to be bought by a private equity company, WTF, I hope there is a clause that when they milk it dry, they can't use administration, bankruptcy or corporate laws in the US, to avoid paying redundancy and pensions, the British public is sick and tired of this crap.
The Dutch have the right idea............
and he would know? Johnson is too busy photo opping Xmas dinner with a few soldiers while Leadsome give our defence to US asset
That will be a lie then! He is incapable of being honest. My contempt fir him grows daily
Because he is a man of detail 😂
They have started coming in. We were warned .
Why is Johnson selling our national assets to private foreign investors? They are not his to sell.
kandemanUK
Typical conversative response, money everything, always.
Any Russian shareholders?
Honest question, how are the Boris supporters defending this? Usually they reply to every BBC tweet, I can't see a single one here.
Of course any security issues can be answered, once the whole of the U.K. is sold off to the USA there will be no problems.
The people who voted for him have given him a mandate to do whatever he wants.
Yeah right.
The media are also corrupt I don’t believe this wasn’t known by someone during the election.
Cant wait to own your NHS too. You're going to love paying thousands of pounds in premiums, deductibles, co-pays, AND still have to fork over 20% of what our Americanized NHS won't pay for. That is of course, if the doctor or hospital is 'in-network'. Then you'll pay 100%
In or out the EU the UK needs to be in alliances, is it registering now!!!!!!!!
The auction has begun
Boris don’t be a dope get real man
The sales start to US.
Are you lying Boris? Just put an errrr in the sentence to signify a yes 👍
But it's not about security since brexit's going ahead it's about putting the Great back into Britain and we can't do that if everything British gets sold off.
Where is your credit card Boris?
Screwed ...and this is just the start
And what about our military that Treason May signed away behind everybody's back
So it begins? 🤷♀️
Great to see that he is already out there defending British businesses and British jobs.
Comforting reassurance from such an honest, truthful politician. 🙄
Great to see us taking control of our own sovereignty and security....
I laugh when I hear England is leaving d Eu
I don't want to have to ''imagine if this was Labour'' every day for the next 5 years so just take this as my blanket one.
No it's a foreign owner even if a supposedly friendly
England can become the 51st State
Lol! LET THE SELL OUT BEGIN!
Why RAF Waddington and its nuke staff are fluoridated.
He is nobody- Nil- zilch- zero! 17M people did not vote at all. 10.2M voted Corbyn because of Great Manifesto; And 13M voted Tory Mafia; because they control Private- media and press! Period! RTUKnews RT_com
It's started already selling off to US the NHS not far behind he seems to appeal to the gullible
tip - iceberg
It’s a very step.
Tories selling things off?
Merry BorisMas lads.
borisjohnson has a proven reputation for mendacity, is there any evidence to suggest he’s being any different this time. A UK company sold off to US asset strippers can never be good for the UK defence industry. There is a stench about this decision.
Sell out to the Usa. Next stop NHS. Nothing against the Usa but this is the pattern now. Vassal state of the Eu and Usa. Puerto Rico style
Taking back control TM
Is this taking back control, Mr Johnson? Brexit TakeBackControl
That’s ok then. Boris the Liar said it’s ok. ShutDownTheBBC
Well, this must be practically Boris’ first significant act after the election. Fire sale of the family silver begins. Well, we’ll need the money
You know, I'm not really surprised tbh. But hey, I'm an anti American leftie according to the Tories, so what do i know?
So it’s ok for other countries to take over 🤔
I, for one, welcome our new American overlords.
always new dat jerimy cobham was corrupt!!!!!!!!!
What happens when they start selling off parts of the business, once the post-Brexit lack of good trade deals make it uncompetitive?
Johnson himself is a threat to our national security ReleaseTheRussianReport
This is a harbinger of things to come, but the voters obviously don’t care if their commons are sold off to foreign investors. The English wanted Tories in control. God speed.
Says who? Him? How about an impartial assessment?
A bit like the 'non' ferry company met all the requirements... Fucktard !
UK defence sold. National Health Service next.... Then finally his soul....
Wow. Starts with the military and then the NHS. BorisTheLiar
“To get Brexit doooone”
Taking back control
Sold!
If so many rigorous and meticulous checks have been made, just when was this takeover agreed?
Yeah, we don't want an EU army, we'll just sell it off cheap to the yanks.
Sell the military chunk by chunk to the USA, I'm sure this won't happen with the NHS at all....
Boris Johnson has given the nation his assurances. This, I think it’s safe to say, settles it.
Translation: You suckers voted for us, we'll do what we like.
A remedial Marshmallow
Uk will become the 51st state. So sad
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