In my role as Minister for Defence Procurement, I was delighted to “cut steel” last week to begin construction on HMS Birmingham. This state-of-the-art Royal Navy warship will be the fourth of eight Type 26 frigates being constructed at BAE Systems’ shipyard at Govan in Glasgow.
The Type 26 is a highly capable design and provides particularly effective anti-submarine capability. Its stealthy hull and propulsion system make it difficult for adversaries to track down, while sophisticated sensors can detect and deter enemy submarines. It will also be able to carry out humanitarian missions providing disaster relief around the globe.
The £4.2bn contract will provide over 4,000 jobs across the UK. But the economic impact extends far beyond Scotland. Over £1bn is being invested into the supply chain, and Gloucestershire will benefit.
That’s because we are home to several key suppliers and subcontractors. For example, Safran is involved in designing the next generation of defensive missile system. Meanwhile, other local precision engineering firms will produce components for the frigate’s engines.
Construction of this warship also secures the UK’s sovereign shipbuilding capability. Just ten years ago, Nicola Sturgeon seized on the dismantling of cranes on the Govan site to claim that this historic shipyard was doomed, and it was all somehow Westminster’s fault.
Not any longer. Over £100m is being invested into this iconic yard to build a second shipbuilding hall, making the yard even more efficient and competitive. The Type 26 design is being exported to Australia and Canada, and there is further international interest too, promising additional jobs in the UK.
In an increasingly unstable world, the ceremony sent a clear message that our country is growing its capability to uphold the international rules-based order. Might is not always right, and we will continue to defend our waters and stand up to those who seek to intimidate others.
The only disappointment was not being able to arrange a last-minute name change to HMS Cheltenham!
[Column published in the Glos Echo]