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Question
The Labour shadow minister inquired about the specific financial allocations for Barrow-in-Furness and Derby from the £3 billion investment in defence nuclear enterprise, as well as when Australia's proportionate financial investment would begin.
Minister reply
The Minister responded by affirming that details on funding commitments to specific sites like Barrow and Derby are yet to be finalised but will involve significant financial support. He also highlighted the importance of Australian investment in UK industrial bases.
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Question
The Labour shadow minister requested information on the strategic objectives, timelines, and prioritised technologies within pillar 2 of AUKUS, which covers hypersonics, cyber, AI, and quantum computing.
Minister reply
While specifics were not provided due to security sensitivities, the Minister emphasised ongoing discussions and outlined the importance of these advanced technologies for future defence capabilities.
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Question
I thank the Minister for the advance copy of his statement... [20 sentences]
Minister reply
I thank the right hon. Gentleman for his remarks. This is an announcement of such moment that it will require cross-party and generational support. It is about not simply the sale of a weapons system, but the growth of capability across continents and generations. In the last financial year, £2 billion was invested into Barrow-in-Furness and Raynesway. There will be further investment to come as a result of the AUKUS announcement. The Australians have indicated their agreement to make a proportionate investment in UK infrastructure. Australian experts who need to develop expertise spend time in the UK—in Barrow and Raynesway. This Thursday, I am going to Barrow with the Premier of South Australia—South Australia being where the first SSN-AUKUS for the Royal Australian Navy will be built.
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Question
I welcome this landmark announcement of ever greater collaboration between three trusted allies. If we are to commit to the Indo-Pacific tilt, does the Minister recognise the urgent need to increase the surface fleet so that we can meet our responsibilities there?
Minister reply
My right hon. Friend’s point about the surface fleet is absolutely right. The approach taken on Type 31 is encouraging as it is deliverable, affordable and configurable to a mission. We have to move beyond a situation where exquisite and highly expensive capabilities are not necessarily operating on a particular mission to their full specification. Type 31s can be reconfigured for anti-piracy missions, war-fighting missions or humanitarian missions.
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Question
Acknowledging the engineering prowess in Scotland supporting attack submarines, Dave Doogan questions the UK's assurances to Australia about delays and cost overruns with Astute-class SSN. He raises concerns regarding submarine disposal funding and consistency between advice given to Australia and current UK practices.
Minister reply
Alex Chalk reassures that detailed discussions on radioactive waste management are included in official documents, highlighting collaboration across nations for refitting submarines. He commends Scottish expertise while warning of the consequences of independence. Alex Chalk assures swift dismantling of outdated submarines.
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Question
Expressing gratitude to the Defence Secretary and Prime Minister for the AUKUS deal, Simon Fell praises it as a win-win for jobs and investment in Barrow. He asks if the Minister agrees that Australia's choice of British design demonstrates confidence in British expertise.
Minister reply
Alex Chalk acknowledges the international scale and British know-how contributing to the project. He emphasises the importance of future generations benefiting from this partnership.
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Question
Welcoming the announcement, Kevan Jones notes Australia's national approach in implementing the programme. Concerned about skills development and investment hesitance by the Business Department, he asks how UK will match Australian endeavour.
Minister reply
Alex Chalk welcomes the right hon. Member’s approval and reassures that steps are already being taken to grow the skilled workforce needed for future projects.
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Question
Welcoming the announcement, John Redwood asks about the first phase of roll-out and how many submarines will be built, including those potentially for the Royal Navy.
Minister reply
Alex Chalk confirms that the first submarine will be built in Barrow with procurement of long-lead items already underway. Future numbers depend on Australian industrial base maturation.
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Question
Welcoming the development and unity between parties, John Spellar expresses concern over lack of clarity leading to delays. He raises issues regarding nuclear aspects and Treasury's stance on Rolls-Royce SMR.
Minister reply
Alex Chalk thanks the right hon. Gentleman for his remarks but reassures that the Government is fully behind Rolls-Royce’s SMR project.
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Question
Congratulates the Minister on his work with his Department, team, and Ministry of Defence. Notes the importance of a silent capability in the Pacific due to geopolitical changes. Questions whether the UK and AUKUS members have considered working with PESCO nations.
Minister reply
Acknowledges Shelbrooke's contributions and knowledge. Emphasises the stealth capabilities of nuclear-powered submarines over conventional ones. Agrees to consider cooperation with PESCO nations.
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Question
Welcomes AUKUS partnership, seeks assurance that initiative complies with international law on non-proliferation.
Minister reply
Confirms that AUKUS does not involve nuclear weapons. States satisfaction of IAEA director general regarding safeguard standards met by AUKUS partners.
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Question
Welcomes the economic boost for Derby and Derbyshire from the announcement, asks about the assessment made on its economic impact.
Minister reply
Pays tribute to submariners. Indicates that nuclear reactors will supply Australian SSN-AUKUS submarines, leading to thousands of high-skilled jobs.
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Question
Supports the announcement but seeks strategy on semiconductors and quantum technologies.
Minister reply
Agrees with the importance of semiconductors and quantum technologies, offers to write a response.
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Question
Welcomes economic benefits for UK, including Northern Ireland. Asks if there will be extra high-value jobs in engineering and defence.
Minister reply
Likely positive impact across the UK, stressing resilience of supply chains involving the US, Australia, and UK.
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Question
Asks about China's condemnation of AUKUS agreement and its implications for our relationship with Beijing.
Minister reply
Stresses importance of interoperable presence in the Indo-Pacific, highlighting human rights concerns regarding China.
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Question
Concerns that AUKUS undermines non-proliferation treaty and risks stoking a cold war with China.
Minister reply
Rejects these claims strongly, criticising support for any country opposing the UK.
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Question
Asks if major defence announcements should be considered in isolation from Russian invasion of Ukraine and its sanctions impacts.
Minister reply
Acknowledges importance of supporting Ukraine while progressing AUKUS, highlights extensive support provided by the UK.