The National Shipbuilding strategy has been welcomed by Stevenage MP Stephen McPartland. It sets out how the Government will transform the way it procures naval ships to support our maritime industry, which of course ultimately helps local defence companies.

Stephen McPartland MP said, "I welcome the National Shipbuilding Strategy from the Conservative Government.  It will ensure our new warships will be built in the UK and benefit from collaboration with the best international partners. The strategy builds on the £3.7 billion investment in new frigates and ensures we have a modern, efficient and competitive shipbuilding industry, alongside the marine engineering capability required to meet our country’s future defence needs.  It helps to spread economic growth across the country and our local defence companies will benefit by being part of the supply chain."

The new approach is backed by an investment programme which will underpin a growing naval shipbuilding sector backed by a supply chain that stretches right across the UK. A £3.7 billion contract was signed in July with BAE Systems for Type 26 frigates planned to be in service from the mid-2020s, five new Offshore Patrol vessels are under construction and four new RFA support ships will be part of the Fleet in the next two years. Further competitive procurement, including of Type 31e frigates designed to meet the needs of the Royal Navy and for overseas markets, will give the opportunity to innovate and transform the UK marine industry so that it has a fully modern and skilled workforce that is highly productive.

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