In a recent interview, Armed Forces Minister Luke Pollard highlighted the significance of building British naval vessels domestically.
Speaking at Rosyth shipyar following the steel cutting for HMS Formidable, Pollard spoke to me about the strategic and economic value of the Type 31 frigate programme, and reaffirmed the government’s commitment to British shipbuilding.
Pollard described the Type 31 frigates as crucial assets for the Royal Navy, referring to them as “the new workhorses of the Royal Navy” that will play a key role in “protecting British interests, our sovereignty, and deterring aggression” around the globe.
He talked to me about the importance of this class of warships in sustaining the Royal Navy’s operational capacity, noting that the Type 31s, alongside the Type 26 frigates being constructed in Glasgow, will form a vital part of the fleet for decades. This programme, Pollard stressed, is not only about delivering advanced capabilities but also about fostering the skills needed to support the Royal Navy’s long-term needs.
Pollard also praised the role of the workforce and the new generation of apprentices engaged in the shipbuilding efforts. “Seeing them come together is really inspiring,” he said, pointing to the tangible benefits of developing skills in heavy engineering. He reiterated the government’s commitment to “making sure that we build British ships in British shipyards,” viewing it as a priority for the future of the UK’s naval and industrial capabilities.
The discussion turned to the broader context of the UK’s strategic defence review, currently led by Lord Robertson. Pollard highlighted that the review is aimed at reshaping the UK’s armed forces to address emerging global threats, while also maintaining critical maritime capabilities. He remarked, “Frigates like this, the Type 31, the Type 26, will form the backbone of the Royal Navy… I look forward to seeing the outcome of Lord Robertson’s defence review in the months ahead.”
This renewed focus on British shipbuilding comes at a time when the government is pursuing increased defence spending and addressing gaps left by recent military aid to Ukraine. The review, Pollard noted, would align with the government’s goal to achieve 2.5% of GDP in defence spending, alongside the Chancellor’s upcoming fiscal announcements.
Another Labour spin briefing, stating the bleeding obvious.
Labour have also confirmed the sky will not fall down under a Labour Govenment and will also guarantee British Ravens will continue to be based at the Tower of London…
I’d be amazed is Rosyth was allowed to either by Labour.
It is a shining example of what can be done to regenerate industrial Britain.
The unions would, rightly, be furious if Labour didn’t support a pipeline of work for an efficient modern yard.
This isn’t like propping up BSL in the 1970’s – you cannot compare the two. Here they are building needed ships at sensible prices.
British ships built from British steel!
Wait one………..
I know this isn’t defence related but why are 2 new ferries for the Scilly isles being built in Vietnam? Westminster really doesn’t care about British shipbuilding. British ships in British yards? If they cared they would have underwritten the loan to Harland and Wolff. So they could build the ships that they ordered! What a c*ck up! It’s all b*llocks!
Uk Shipyards and building Ferries don’t make a good mix. 😯
Better not tell him about FSS
Will Harland and Wolfe ?, or has monies been diverted too more needed things ,like Green projects in Africa .Will wait until after the Budget. Oh and what about the steel required ,as port Talbot isn’t a place miliband finds Green .
The usual announcement of the obvious regards warships.
Tories with their endless re announcements of existing were no different.
How about just getting on and building FSS abroad regardless and let our own yards increase the number of escorts? Otherwise we may be here in 2040 and the RN will still have not have a replacement for the Forts.
We have spent what seems like a decade talking, not doing.