Reaction: BAE Systems shipyard jobs cuts

More than a 1,000 job losses at BAE Systems shipyards across the UK are due to be announced on Thursday - several hundred of them in Scotland. Both Govan and Scotstoun on the Clyde are likely to be affected, along with Portsmouth in England. But it is understood no shipyard will close.

Deputy First Minister Nicola Sturgeon:

"Scotland is a maritime nation. If you look at countries similar to Scotland, like Norway, they have got much bigger shipbuilding industries than we do so there's no reason why both of these yards (Govan and Scotstoun) shouldn't have a secure, long-term future.

"This is a very worrying time. Any talk of perhaps hundreds of job losses is of real concern to the people employed in these yards and right now the most important thing is for them to be given clarity."

Scottish Secretary Alastair Carmichael:

"It is absolutely no secret that there is a review ongoing.

"It is quite possible that there will be an early conclusion to that but unless, and until, we are dealing in facts rather than speculation then for the people whose jobs are concerned then there is no usefulness in this at all."

Hugh Scullion, general secretary of the Confederation of Shipbuilding and Engineering Unions:

"Now is not the time for idle speculation or indeed party political point scoring, this is the future of an industry and we need to know from the company and the government directly what their plans for the future of UK shipbuilding are.

"The shipbuilding workforce throughout the UK are working flat out to deliver the aircraft carriers for the defence of the UK and they need to know what lies in store for them, their families and their communities."

Shadow Defence Minister Vernon Coaker:

"What many people will want across the shipyards mentioned is some clarity and certainty about what actually is being proposed.

"It is important the government and BAE Systems come forward with what are the facts as soon as possible.

"There are thousands of workers and families wondering what their future holds."

Gerald Vernon-Jackson, leader of Portsmouth City Council:

"If all the British warship manufacturing is in Scotland, what happens in less than a year if Scotland is independent?"

Jamie Webster, union convenor at the BAE Systems Govan yard:

"I do not want to speculate until we get full transparency from BAE systems and the Ministry of Defence over what they have planned for Govan and Scotstoun shipyards. The tension in the yard has been significant and it has been difficult for the workforce. They just want to know what is going on. Tomorrow will be a long day waiting for an announcement from the company.

Scottish Labour leader Johann Lamont:

"Shipbuilding is part of Scotland and everything must be done to ensure shipbuilding on the Clyde continues.

"The UK government is the Clyde's biggest customer and I will be seeking urgent talks to make sure that continues.

"Govan is in my constituency and also within the hearts of every Scot who cares about Scottish industry.

"This will be particularly worrying time for the workforce and their families but I will work with anyone to make sure we can keep these jobs.

"It's times like these that we all need to come together, put differences aside and fight to secure these vital jobs. I will work with everyone who wants to see this yard kept open in the interests of Glasgow and Scotland."

Scotland's Finance Secretary John Swinney Minister:

"We have been in dialogue for some time with BAE Systems on the issues surrounding the future of the Clyde shipyards.

"We are awaiting the outcome of BAE's discussions with the Ministry of Defence, and are very alert to the situation concerning both yards. We are seeking urgent clarity on the future for both Govan and Scotstoun."

Scottish Conservative leader and Glasgow MSP Ruth Davidson:

"The current speculation over shipyard jobs is unhelpful and destabilising to both the workforce and their families.

"BAE's shipbuilders on the Clyde are a highly professional, motivated and loyal workforce and they deserve clear answers from the company about their future."