The Secretary of State confirmed that Crowsnest radar is now operational but did not specify full combat readiness status due to ongoing tests. He also stated that the cost of this year's deployment totals £60 million and acknowledged current Royal Navy personnel shortages, yet stressed Britain’s commitment to NATO and regional security despite these challenges.

I echo what the right hon. Gentleman said about this being a proud moment for this nation: a British made carrier deploying overseas, protecting Britain’s interests and supporting our allies.

I turn to the right hon. Gentleman’s questions about sovereign capability. It is perfectly possible; we have 18 F-35s and we could put all 18 now on the aircraft carrier—we could have just had a UK sort of 2 squadron—and deploy without other ships alongside if we wished to, but as I said at the beginning of this exercise, this is about the fact that our strength, compared with that of our adversaries, is that we have friends and alliances. To attack us is to attack NATO. To attack us is to attack our allies. That is our real strength globally—it is what the Australians would say, what the United States would say, and what all our European friends would say. When countries were ringing up saying, “We’d like to join you,” it would have been wrong to miss the opportunity. More countries offered than we took that wanted to sail with us and stand up for our common values.

There are plenty of covid safeguards in place. We are all very mindful of the need to protect our sailors. All our sailors will be vaccinated and protected on the deployment. By the time they go into the Mediterranean, they will all be properly doubly vaccinated to make sure that we can give our friends and allies the assurance that the crew are protected.

I went to Portsmouth today and stood on a brand-new carrier deck, looking at a number of Type 45s ready to accompany the group, but some of those other ships tied alongside were a sorry sight. People have lots of money to buy ships, but not a lot to maintain them. They were hollowed out year on year.

Finally, on NATO, absolutely it is our cornerstone. Our home beat, as I often call it, is the Atlantic. That is where our most aggressive adversary is active.

Agrees that the world is becoming more unstable and unpredictable, emphasising the need for strengthening alliances rather than focusing solely on one threat. The carrier group's deployment includes meeting US carrier groups in the Pacific, exercising together, and supporting NATO missions in the Black sea.

Emphasises the importance of securing trade through defence and mentions ongoing capabilities like Type 23s, Type 45s, P-8s, and submarines based at Faslane. Plans to stick with scheduled Black sea deployments and not be intimidated by recent friction in Ukraine.

Agrees that strategic allies like the US are crucial for deterring adversaries. The US commander on HMS Queen Elizabeth praised its capabilities and the partnership is about defending mutual interests.

Acknowledges the challenge posed by small drones but reveals limited details on protective measures due to security concerns. Emphasises that the ship will be bristling with sensors during deployment.

Agrees that the carrier group will provide long-term operational flexibility. The ships are designed for a wide range of tasks beyond peer-to-peer conflict, including counter-terrorism duties.

The Minister acknowledged the concern and expressed that keeping an eye on supply chain issues is crucial, noting that a significant part of every F-35 plane is made in Lancashire, highlighting UK's tier 1 partnership status.

The Minister confirmed the importance of learning from past experiences for future combat air system projects. Regarding fleet solid support ships, he mentioned delays but anticipated innovative methods to ensure best value and skills base improvement, aiming for early publication of the competition.

The Minister confirmed that technically it is possible but not envisaged unless during war or significant stress; currently, preparations focus on individual carrier operations.

The Minister expressed hope in strengthening ties with Japan, mentioning upcoming operations involving Japanese F-35s. He acknowledged Japan's strategic importance but did not commit to immediate Five Eyes membership.

The Minister emphasised the importance of joined-up working both internally and internationally, highlighting recent efforts in responding to India's needs and stressing the need for better integration within international bodies.

The Minister acknowledged concerns about Chinese behavior but emphasised the importance of upholding international law and human rights while engaging in strategic deployments through carrier groups.

On the carbon footprint and the environment, as shipbuilding tsar, I am part of steering initiatives right across Government to invest in alternative energy or alternative fuels. There are a number of initiatives, including helping British shipping to lead in this area, thereby gaining an advantage over competitors. The cost includes marginal and real costs, and all different costs set out, which will be detailed in a letter to the hon. Gentleman.

Yes, absolutely. The generation has traits such as situation awareness, data processing capabilities and stealth, which do not stand still; we are already committed to a sixth generation fighter programme (FCAS) for the RAF.

We are on the cusp of issuing the full competition and I am reclassifying it as a warship with conditions in the contract aimed at increasing skills and supporting the British shipbuilding industry. The details will be revealed when the tender is put out.