AUKUS Submarine Project 2023-05-15
2023-05-15
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Response quality
Questions & Answers
Q1
Partial Answer
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Context
The AUKUS partnership involving nuclear-powered submarines is a multi-decade undertaking.
What recent assessment has the Department made of the adequacy of progress on the AUKUS submarine project?
I recently accompanied Prime Minister Albanese to Barrow-in-Furness, where the next generation of AUKUS nuclear submarines will be built for the Royal Navy—a testament to our joint commitment. This multi-decade undertaking will create thousands of jobs in the UK, delivering on the Prime Minister's priority to grow the economy, and demonstrating the experience and skill that is embodied in British industry.
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Assessment & feedback
The answer did not provide a specific assessment of progress or adequacy but highlighted commitments and benefits.
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Response accuracy
Q2
Partial Answer
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Context
The AUKUS partnership involves the design of submarines based on the SSN-AUKUS model.
What assessment has my right hon. Friend made of the benefits of AUKUS and the design being made in this country to the supply chain across the United Kingdom?
Building complicated machines such as submarines has the benefit of a long and broad supply chain. The AUKUS model will be truly collaborative: while based on a UK submersible ship nuclear replacement, I expect it over time to be built by Australian hands and with United States skills and supply chains, which will provide opportunities to both countries, alongside ourselves. That is good news for British industry, for skills in places such as Barrow-in-Furness, and for our alliances with Australia and the United States.
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Assessment & feedback
The answer did not directly address the supply chain impact but highlighted collaboration benefits.
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Response accuracy
Q3
Partial Answer
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Context
The AUKUS partnership is a significant national endeavour involving skills and technology.
Is the Secretary of State confident that in the UK, the Department for Business and Trade and others realise that if we are to get the benefit of this exciting project, we need that national endeavour here, especially on skills and technology across Government?
The right hon. Gentleman will know that getting sign-off on a project such as this involves engagement across Government, including getting the Treasury's buy-in. Once that has been locked in, we can progress. I am confident that the whole of Government stand behind the project, which is important not just to regenerate places such as Cumbria and the north-west but to lock in the skills base that we need for our future. This is a very exciting project. It will be building long after the right hon. Gentleman and I have probably left this House, in many decades to come.
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Assessment & feedback
The answer did not directly address confidence within Government but highlighted commitment and skills base.
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Response accuracy
Q4
Direct Answer
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The AUKUS agreement promises a jobs bonanza for generations to come in places such as Derby and Barrow-in-Furness.
Will the promise of contractual guarantees ensure that future generations are trained in the skills needed for this vital programme?
It is already underwritten by contractual guarantees. In Barrow-in-Furness, BAE is recruiting for 11,000 to 17,000 jobs. Derby is investing for the next generation of reactor, and that is starting. The key point about AUKUS is that it not only gets a commitment from the Treasury and the Government for the British replacement of the Astute class but locks in the potential of the Australian supply chain and working together collaboratively on skills in both countries. That process is already under way, with £2 billion recently unlocked to start building the infrastructure needed in both Derby and BAE in Barrow.
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