RAF jets blow for Hoon

Embattled Defence Secretary Geoff Hoon today faced a fresh blow after Cabinet colleague Patricia Hewitt rejected a Hawk jets deal for the RAF.

Mr Hoon, criticised for his department's role in releasing the name of Iraqi weapons expert David Kelly, wanted Ms Hewitt to back a bid by BAE Systems using her trade department's budget.

If BAE does not get the deal, 470 workers may lose their jobs.

The deal is seen as a key test of Tony Blair's new policy that backing for British jobs and exports should override pure cost considerations.

But Chancellor Gordon Brown has warned that awarding the contract to BAE would be poor value for money.