AUKUS Submarines 2023-01-30
2023-01-30
TAGS
Response quality
Questions & Answers
Q1
Partial Answer
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Context
The MP raises concerns about the impact of AUKUS deal on UK job creation and seeks specific information.
Whether he is taking steps to ensure that AUKUS submarines are built in the UK. I am concerned about ensuring that the AUKUS deal leads to highly skilled jobs in Scotland, England, and Midlands as promised.
We said there would be an 18-month study programme. We are waiting for the Australian Government's decision on AUKUS. I am confident that all statements made about job creation in Barrow-in-Furness will turn out to be true. The number of jobs in Barrow is increasing from 10,000 to 17,000 to fulfill both the Dreadnought programme and Britain's attack submarines.
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Assessment & feedback
Did not specify timeline for job creation
Response accuracy
Q2
Partial Answer
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Context
The MP seeks specific locations and timing of job creation under AUKUS deal.
I am grateful to the Secretary of State for that answer. He will be aware that when the former Prime Minister made his statement on the AUKUS deal back in September 2021, he promised hundreds of highly skilled jobs in Scotland, England and Midlands. When does the Secretary of State think these jobs will be created?
We said at the time that there would be an 18-month study programme where we work out both design and work share for this submarine. We are waiting for Australia's decision on AUKUS. I am confident that all statements made about job creation in Barrow-in-Furness will turn out to be true.
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Assessment & feedback
Did not specify timeline for job creation
Response accuracy
Q3
Direct Answer
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Context
The MP highlights the strategic importance of AUKUS and its role in securing a new geo-political agreement with Australia.
I thank my right hon. Friend for the considerable effort that his Department, the Government and the Navy have put into securing this important agreement. It was heartening to see representatives from the Royal Australian Navy at the commissioning of HMS Anson and to hear the announcement that Australian submariners will be training on that vessel. Does my right hon. Friend agree that this agreement is crucial for a new geo-political and strategic agreement with Australia?
Barrow-in-Furness, Devonport and Faslane are key components in delivering our nuclear submarine capability. When Australia chose to go for nuclear submarines as an option, it did so because there were about five countries that could do this. We recognise the importance of retaining a strategic edge in the Pacific.
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Q4
Partial Answer
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Context
The MP questions the feasibility of achieving the UK's aim to be the European partner with the broadest presence in the Indo-Pacific.
The AUKUS deal was supposed to be the defining agreement for the Indo-Pacific tilt. Given today's news and the fact that historic defence cuts and inflation make high hopes harder to fulfill, will it still be the UK's aim to be the European partner with the broadest presence in the Indo-Pacific?
It is our ambition. Two of the planks of AUKUS are already in place. The US investment has lasted 70 years, and we plan another carrier strike group visit in 2025.
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Assessment & feedback
Did not specify if it will still be an aim
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Q5
Partial Answer
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The MP asks about the steps being taken to strengthen and broaden the AUKUS alliance.
What steps is my right hon. Friend's Department taking to further strengthen and broaden the AUKUS alliance?
The second pillar of AUKUS includes things such as artificial intelligence, hypersonics, cyber and all sorts of other technologies critical not only to complement the deployment of submarines but to further engage our collective security.
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Assessment & feedback
Did not specify concrete steps being taken
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Q6
Partial Answer
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Context
The MP discusses the importance of AUKUS for deepening alliances, strengthening security in Indo-Pacific, and bringing investment to Britain.
This week I will be meeting the Australian Defence Minister discussing AUKUS with him. I want him to know that while there may be a change of UK Government at the next election, there will be no change in Britain's commitment to AUKUS. What priority has the Defence Secretary given to building the first subs here and when will the build plan be announced?
AUKUS makes good security sense, even if past Labour Government did not recognise it. Australia's decision on time, capability, location for building subs will come in March or February.
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Assessment & feedback
Did not specify UK priority or timeline
Response accuracy