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.

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.

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.

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.

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 Alex Chalk assures swift dismantling of outdated submarines.

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.

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.

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.

Alex Chalk thanks the right hon. Gentleman for his remarks but reassures that the Government is fully behind Rolls-Royce’s SMR project.

Acknowledges Shelbrooke's contributions and knowledge. Emphasises the stealth capabilities of nuclear-powered submarines over conventional ones. Agrees to consider cooperation with PESCO nations.

Confirms that AUKUS does not involve nuclear weapons. States satisfaction of IAEA director general regarding safeguard standards met by AUKUS partners.

Pays tribute to submariners. Indicates that nuclear reactors will supply Australian SSN-AUKUS submarines, leading to thousands of high-skilled jobs.

Agrees with the importance of semiconductors and quantum technologies, offers to write a response.

Likely positive impact across the UK, stressing resilience of supply chains involving the US, Australia, and UK.

Stresses importance of interoperable presence in the Indo-Pacific, highlighting human rights concerns regarding China.

Rejects these claims strongly, criticising support for any country opposing the UK.

Acknowledges importance of supporting Ukraine while progressing AUKUS, highlights extensive support provided by the UK.