The Prime Minister will join sailors, soldiers,
aviators, and marines on board HMS Prince of Wales tonight,
leading the international Carrier Strike Group to the
Indo-Pacific.
The deployment sends a powerful message that the UK and its
allies stand ready to protect vital trade routes in the
Indo-Pacific region and deterring those who seek to undermine
global security.
Indo-Pacific stability is critical for the UK, with imports and
exports in the region worth £286 billion – almost 20% of all UK
trade. Through this deployment, the government will keep the UK
is secure at home and strong abroad, one of the foundations of
its Plan for Change.
Hundreds of businesses from across the UK defence industry have
been involved in the national endeavour to prepare HMS Prince of
Wales to set sail, supporting thousands of British jobs and
boosting growth across the sector.
Around 4,000 UK military personnel from the Royal Navy, Army and
RAF will join the deployment, alongside allies from Norway,
Canada, Spain and New Zealand and sending a clear signal of the
UK's unwavering commitment to global security.
During the eight-month deployment, the Carrier Strike Group will
engage with 30 countries through exercises, operations and visits
across the Mediterranean, Middle East, south-east Asia, Japan and
Australia.
Prime Minister said:
“The HMS Prince of Wales is a national endeavour, bringing
together thousands of British companies and engineers to build
and maintain the Royal Navy's largest and most powerful aircraft
carrier.
"As she heads out on one of the largest deployments this century,
we are sending a clear message of strength to our adversaries,
and a message of unity and purpose to our allies.
“National security is the foundation of my government's Plan for
Change. We have announced the largest sustained increase in
defence spending since the end of the Cold War – backing British
jobs, British business and putting more money in working people's
pockets.
“We will always stand with our allies and our commitment to
global stability is unshakeable.”
While on board, the Prime Minister welcomed the UK's F-35s to the
deployment, in a further demonstration of support for UK defence
and British jobs.
More than 100 British suppliers have been involved in the
F-35 Programme, which has helped created 20,000 aerospace
jobs across the country. The F-35s are just one part of the HMS
Prince of Wales air wing, which also includes the Royal Navy
Merlin and Wildcat helicopters, supporting 1,000 UK jobs.
Defence Secretary said:
“I am proud of the thousands of Armed Forces personnel involved
in delivering this complex operation. I also want to recognise
the contributions of British workers, and British businesses
large and small, who have played a vital role in getting this
Carrier Strike Group to sea - supporting good jobs across the
country.
“From reinforcing global stability and security, to supporting
billions in UK exports, this deployment demonstrates how our
Armed Forces keep Britain secure at home and strong abroad while
making defence an engine for economic growth, and delivering on
our government's Plan for Change."
This deployment follows the Prime Minister's historic commitment
to increase defence spending to 2.5% of GDP, demonstrating this
Government's commitment to keep the UK secure at home and strong
abroad.
