John Healey responds to Government restarting tendering for Fleet Solid Support Ships

“This is groundhog day. Ministers are today doing exactly what they did three years ago, and fully six years after the Government first announced they would build these vital ships. Britain’s shipyards had rightly expected more from Ministers than another contract competition launch.

“This puts back the build by another two years and the Defence Secretary still can’t confirm these UK naval ships will be built in full in Britain.

“The Defence Secretary needs to be clear how many UK jobs will be put at risk by further delay to this contract.”