YOUNG Airbus workers will play a vital role in rebuilding the UK’s economy, according to Shadow Chancellor George Osborne.

Mr Osborne visited the firm’s factory in Broughton yesterday as part of the Conservative Party’s election campaign.

He met factory chiefs and apprentices, who led him on a tour of the site alongside Will Gallagher, Conservative parliamentary candidate for Alyn and Deeside.

Mr Osborne said: “I was really impressed by what I saw on my tour. It’s great to see not only the sophisticated manufacturing which is taking place here, but the enthusiasm of the Airbus apprentices who showed me around.

“They were really enthusiastic about their future and it is vitally important that we make sure the Welsh manufacturing industry is allowed to grow and that there are more opportunities for young people.

“Many youngsters in North Wales are struggling to find jobs and I would like to see more youngsters given chances like the Airbus apprentices.”

Mr Osborne also claimed his party would help to secure jobs at the factory, which he described as ‘the cutting edge’ of Welsh industry.

He added: “I am here today, hopefully as the next Chancellor of the Exchequer, to show a clear commitment to Airbus and to back investment in it.”

Will Gallagher, who at 28 years old is one of the Conservative’s youngest parliament hopefuls, said: “What people want from their local MP is someone who will stand up for their area and stand up for future investment in local companies like Airbus.”

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