DAVID Cameron flew into Barrow and pledged to support shipyard jobs.

The Tory leader and his entourage visited BAE Systems yesterday afternoon as part of a whistlestop, nationwide tour.

And Mr Cameron reiterated his party's commitment to the nuclear deterrent and praised the company for its approach to flexible working.

A dozen Labour Party activists wearing Margaret Thatcher masks and holding 'No to Tory five-year delay' placards had waited patiently in Ferry Road, outside Devonshire Dock Hall.

But Mr Cameron, who flew into Walney Airfield, entered the shipyard by another route before meeting workers in the hall's sheet metal department.

He later said that the protesters were wide of the mark with claims that the Tories would delay the successor programme.

Mr Cameron said: "The Conservative Party has always been and will always be committed to Britain's independent nuclear deterrent.

"Just remember, if the Conservative Party had not acted in the national interest, there could have been a real problem because there were 88 Labour MPs who didn't support the replacement of Trident.

"It was our votes that carried the day, so when the crunch came, even in opposition, we did the right thing.

"I can't help being incredibly impressed by the scale and importance of what is being done, it's a great sight.

"Those in Margaret Thatcher masks are standing outside a building which I seem to remember she opened."

Mr Cameron said it was important that companies like BAE Systems supported family-friendly initiatives with flexible working arrangements.

And he also had a message on Incapacity Benefit in a town like Barrow where 10 per cent are claiming it.

He added: "Those that can't work and need to be on Incapacity Benefit will remain on it because we should be a compassionate society that helps people.

"But if people can work and would like to work, we will give them the training and help to make sure they are able to work."

Shadow Defence Secretary Liam Fox, who accompanied Mr Cameron, also dismissed Labour claims on the five-year delay.

He said: "It's no more true than Gordon Brown claiming he increased the defence budget every year.

"Labour will say whatever they have to say, frighten whoever they have to frighten to try to win votes."