JEREMY CORBYN joined trade unions today to demand the renationalisation of Belfast’s iconic Harland and Wolff shipyard, as workers continued their occupation to defend jobs.

The Labour leader called on the British government to intervene and save the shipyard from closure. Workers locked the gates on Monday and have vowed to continue their occupation until action is taken to save jobs.

Mr Corbyn said: “I know how vital Harland and Wolff is to Northern Ireland. 

“With it now facing closure, Boris Johnson must listen to the workers and back Labour’s call to take it back into public ownership, so £1 billion of shipbuilding contracts can be delivered.”

GMB general secretary Tim Roache and Unite assistant general secretary Steve Turner attended a “gate meeting” at the shipyard today.

The unions, which jointly represent workers at Harland and Wolff, warned that closure of the yard would not only affect jobs, but also the community and the future of British manufacturing.

The shipyard was put up for sale on December 23 last year, but with no potential buyer, it faced closure at 5pm today — a plan which has been temporarily stymied by the occupation.

Harland and Wolff was nationalised by the British government in 1975, eventually being bought out by Norwegian shipping magnate Fred Olsen in 1989.

At its peak it employed 35,000 workers. But now just 130 remain, fighting to save their jobs.

It is feared that private-sector vultures are set to asset-strip the company. But the appointment of administrators, which was initially set for Wednesday, has now been postponed until Monday.

Mr Johnson dodged the workforce during a visit to the north of Ireland on Wednesday. 

But shadow Northern Ireland secretary Tony Lloyd MP visited workers at the yard today. He has written to Mr Johnson urging him to “act decisively and step in to safeguard its future.”

Mr Turner said: “Today I’m in Northern Ireland where the future of Harland & Wolff is hanging by a thread, for sale signs hang over Bombardier and future of Wright Bus remains uncertain. 

“These are three manufacturing giants supporting thousands of jobs, families and communities.”

He said there will be a 24/7 picket occupying the yard until a viable buyer is found. 

Mr Roache said: “This is a fight for our members’ jobs and livelihoods, but it’s about the wider future of our manufacturing industry too.

“This government needs to stop worrying about leaving the EU and put forward a proper plan to save British manufacturing.”