Ministers have warned over 91 dead in a firm bid for a £1.6billion MoD warship contract

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Mumbai-based Larsen & Toubro, which describes itself as "India's premier infrastructure developer", has been accused of using "exploitative" labor standards.

Fleet Strong Support Ship

Defence Secretary Ben Wallace and Tory leadership candidates have been warned against handing over a £1.6bn shipbuilding contract to an Indian firm.

Mumbai-based Larsen & Toubro, which describes itself as 'India's premier infrastructure developer', has been accused of using 'exploitative' labor standards.

According to the GMB union, their workers earn about a third of the wages of British shipbuilders, and the company recorded around 95,000 serious injuries last year.

And some 91 workers have lost their lives in the past three years, according to the union.

The Fleet Solid Support contract for three 40,000 ton ships to supply the Royal Navy's aircraft carriers, destroyers and frigates at sea is expected to be awarded later this year.

Four consortia have each received £5m from the Ministry of Defense to develop their bids.

The shortlist includes Team UK, involving Babcock and BAE Systems, L&T, Team Resolute, led by Spanish shipbuilders Navantia, and Damen Group.

Gary Smith, General Secretary of the GMB (

Picture:

Humphrey Nemar)

GMB General Secretary Gary Smith has now written to Defense Secretary Ben Wallace - as well as Liz Truss and Rishi Sunak, warning that L&T was not a "suitable supplier of a contract essential to our national security".

“I urge you to use your powers to put labor standards and the national interest first,” he said.

Mr. Smith told the Sunday Mirror: "There is little credibility that ministers would consider sending this vital shipbuilding contract overseas when there are real security concerns."

He added: "The world is becoming increasingly insecure and strong defense manufacturing is critical to our security.

"But instead of backing UK yards, ministers appear to be preparing to relocate thousands of jobs to a company that enjoys exploitation wages and the kind of state support that is denied to UK yards .

"This government is in absolute chaos and ministers have averted their eyes from the ball.

"The British government must not sell off British shipbuilding or risk the lives of workers."

A MOD spokesperson said: "The contract...