SIR George Young has no reason to fear if he ever faces political attacks in the Commons in future - because a defence manufacturer has given him his own bulletproof jacket.

The MP for North West Hampshire visited the headquarters of United Shield International on Friday, where he was presented with a concealed ballistic jacket personalised with the House of Commons emblem.

The Walworth industrial estate-based company makes 120,000 helmets, and 10,000 flak jackets each year, as well as a variety of other products including shields and protective plates.

Although United Shield makes equipment for the British police, 90 per cent of its business is exported. It recently moved to 24-hour production after securing large orders from the Middle East.

Managing director Terry Hand said: "We are grateful for Sir George's support, both in his personal commitment and in his efforts within parliament, and we'd like to think that if ever he is called upon to represent British interests in trouble spots around the world, this will keep him safe and well."

Mr Hand said the company's flexible workforce has proved vital in responding to a rapidly-changing and competitive market.

"Our workforce like our client base is multi-national and, in addition to our own UK workforce, we work with highly-committed Ghanaian pattern makers, tailors and fitters sitting side by side with Polish and Czech finishers, assemblers and packers, along with many other nationalities," he said.

Sir George added: "I'm very keen on manufacturing in Andover and firms that export. This country needs every penny it can get in the exchange.

"I'm delighted the company has a full order book and that it supplies the British police."