Britain could lose jobs over bribe dispute

LONDON, Nov. 26 (UPI) -- Britain could lose 50,000 jobs due to a bribe disagreement with Saudi Arabia, The Sun reported.

The Saudis are reportedly threatening to ditch a significant contract to buy British jetfighters, and give the order to France instead.

The Saudis are reportedly furious over an investigation into an alleged slush fund, said to have been set up by aerospace and defense company BAE Systems to bribe the Saudi royal family.

BAE head Mike Turner said the contract for 72 Eurofighter Typhoon jets could be lost.

"This has been going on long enough," Turner said. "The risk is thousands of jobs will go to France instead of Britain. This is not just a matter of trade. Saudi Arabia is an important ally."

The slush fund allegations have been denied on both sides, the Sun reported.