Prime Minister Rishi Sunak has been urged to ensure the new Tempest fighter jet is built in Lancashire.

Burnley MP Antony Higginbotham told him in the House of Commons that the futuristic warplane was crucial not just to the RAF but to the aerospace industry in the county.

The Tempest is being developed by BAE Systems as its factories at Samlesbury and Warton with the first prototypes due to be unveiled in 2027.

Tory backbencher Mr Higginbotham told Mr Sunak at Prime Minister's Questions: “The Global Combat Air Programme, including Team Tempest, is vital for UK national security and for the world class aerospace cluster we’ve got in Lancashire, with many businesses in Burnley and Padiham.

"This aircraft will protect UK skies, give the RAF the tools it needs for the future, and deepen our relationship with allies like Japan and Italy.

"So can I ask you, with a refresh of the Integrated Review taking place, to commit not just to the design and development of this aircraft, but to its production in Lancashire too?

"Providing skilled jobs for generations to come - for my constituents, and residents all across the county of Lancashire.”

Mr Sunak said: “I was delighted to announce this landmark international partnership with Japan and Italy in December.

"Team Tempest partners already employ 2,500 people in the UK, with over 1,200 in the North-West.

"And as we are making more progress we’re going to continue to invest in skills and technology at the BAE Systems factory of the future in Lancashire.”

Speaking afterwards, Mr Higginbotham said: “Tempest, and the wider GCAP programme, is already seeing the very best engineering minds come together to deliver a sixth-generation combat aircraft that is more advanced than anything in the world today. And it’s no surprise that a big part of that is taking place in Lancashire.

"I will keep lobbying government, and working with fellow Lancashire MPs, to ensure local businesses can play their part in this through the supply chain, as well as championing full production at the world class BAE Systems factory just down the road in Samlesbury.

"That’s good for the thousands of local jobs it would secure, the huge number of apprenticeships it would generate, and the positive impact it will have for our local economy.”