Frigates and Destroyers 2020-02-03
2020-02-03
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Response quality
Questions & Answers
Q1
Direct Answer
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Context
The MP raises concerns about the number of ships available to protect two new aircraft carriers simultaneously.
What plans does he have to increase the number of Royal Navy frigates and destroyers? While welcoming the commitment, I raise concerns that there are not enough ships to protect both aircraft carriers if they were to go to sea at the same time. Is it still the commitment of the Government to deploy two wholly UK sovereign deployable carrier groups simultaneously?
The Government will undertake a review of Britain's security, defence and foreign policy. Although it has never been the policy to deploy two carrier groups simultaneously, both aircraft carriers are brought into service to ensure that one is always available 100% of the time. The Royal Navy will draw from a range of highly capable vessels for deployment within maritime task groups.
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Q2
Direct Answer
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Context
The MP speaks about the importance of shipbuilding skills in his constituency, noting that Fleet Solid Support Ships could create work across yards not currently involved in other projects.
Will the Minister assure me that he will maximise public delivery by taking it across and keeping it within the UK?
In November, the Secretary of State agreed to stop the competition for Fleet Solid Support Ships as it became clear that a value-for-money solution could not be reached. The Department is now considering the most appropriate way forward.
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