(Under Secretary of State for
Defence Procurement): I would like to thank all
hon. and right hon. Members, my predecessor, the hon. Member for
Aberconwy, (Guto Bebb) and the Minister for Defence People and
Veterans (the Rt Hon Tobias Ellwood) for their contribution to
the Opposition Day debate on Defence Industry and Shipbuilding
which took place on 11 July 2018. The passionate and constructive
comments of Members clearly demonstrated this House’s support for
shipbuilding.
Naval shipbuilding has a particularly important place in our
defence industry. As a maritime nation, our prosperity as well as
our security hinges on the strength of our navy.
All Royal Navy warships, by which we mean destroyers, frigates
and aircraft carriers, will have a UK-owned design, and will be
built and integrated in the UK.
All other naval vessels, including Royal Fleet Auxiliaries, will
be procured through international competition to secure the best
designs and value for money for the UK taxpayer. This does not
mean that other naval vessels cannot be built in the UK, rather,
it means the UK shipbuilding industry has an opportunity to put
forward internationally competitive and innovative bids. We have
actively engaged UK shipyards to take part in the Fleet Solid
Support ships competition. It is in the Government’s and the
taxpayers’ interests to have a robust competition and we
anticipate receiving strong bids from UK shipyards.
We will continue to work closely with the defence industry to
energise this crucial sector of our economy to achieve our
strategic aim – to have a modern, innovative, internationally
competitive sector capable of meeting the country’s defence and
security needs, both now and in the future.
