EURO MP Mark Hendrick has launched a high-profile campaign to help protect Lancashire jobs.

The initiative is aimed at tackling job losses in the aerospace and defence industry throughout Europe.

Said Mr Hendrick, Lancashire Central MEP: "We have to increase the competitiveness of the European aerospace and defence industries by promoting co-operation in production and research.

"This is vital to counter the competition we face from the United States."

He said the ADRIANE project (Aerospace and Defence Regional Initiative and Network in Europe) would encourage the development of new technology, exchange of information and creation of new jobs.

"I want us to work together as regions with a common stake in the industry," said Mr Hendrick, whose constituency includes the two Lancashire British Aerospace sites.

The campaign was launched in Brussels at a meeting attended by officials from across Europe.

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