Commons Sense

House of Commons · Westminster Hall

UK Submarine Fleet

15 January 2025 · 11 other contributors · 9,351 words

Opened by Graeme Downie Lab Dunfermline and Dollar

Responding minister: Maria Eagle

Defence

Summarised by AI from the official record, so it can contain mistakes.

Read the full transcript on Parliament.uk

At a glance

Graeme Downie raised concerns about uk submarine fleet in Westminster Hall. A government minister responded.

Key points

  • The UK submarine fleet includes four Vanguard class ballistic missile submarines and five Astute class nuclear-powered submarines.
  • Concerns have been raised about recruitment and retention due to social isolation issues faced by submariners.
  • The Defence Committee's 'Ready for War' report highlighted potential equipment shortages in the Astute fleet.

Key requests to Government

What measures are being taken to support submariners and their families? What assessment has been made of the Astute fleet's capability to sustain its current tasks and additional deployments?

How the debate unfolded

MPs spoke in turn to share their views and ask questions. Here's what each person said.

Opened the debate

Graeme Downie Lab Dunfermline and Dollar

The UK submarine fleet has a long history dating back to 1900, with key roles in WWI, WWII, the Cold War, and modern conflicts. The fleet currently comprises nine submarines, including four ballistic missile submarines of the Vanguard class and five nuclear-powered Astute class submarines. However, concerns exist about recruitment and retention due to social isolation issues faced by submariners, as well as potential equipment shortages highlighted by Dr Rowan Allport in the Defence Committee's 'Ready for War' report.

Other contributors (11)
  • Anna Gelderd Lab South East Cornwall

    Highlighted the critical role of HMNB Devonport in South East Cornwall's national defence strategy, supporting high-quality jobs and local communities with over 14% veterans population in Torpoint. The hon. Member for South East Cornwall mentioned the contributions of her constituents at Devonport to the national endeavour.

  • Catherine Atkinson Lab Derby North

    Agreed with Paul Foster on the need for skills investment, highlighted Rolls-Royce Submarines in Derby's expansion and apprenticeships.

  • Chris McDonald Lab Stockton North

    Discussed Admiral Lord West and General Lord Houghton's warnings about underfunding and the hollowing out of forces, emphasised the importance of supply chains for new submarine projects.

  • Douglas McAllister Lab West Dunbartonshire

    Emphasised the strategic and economic importance of HMNB Clyde in West Dunbartonshire, home to over 6,000 military and civilian personnel directly employed. Encouraged government investment for future submarine fleet expansion. The hon. Member for West Dunbartonshire thanked those involved in maintaining and serving on the submarine fleet, emphasizing the importance of Faslane.

  • Graeme Downie SNP West Dunbartonshire

    Thanked everyone who participated in the debate and highlighted the consensus on supporting submariners, maintaining the independent nuclear deterrent, and recognising its value to local economies.

  • Helen Maguire LD Epsom and Ewell

    Discussed the importance of the UK submarine fleet for national security, economic development, and defence of international order. Emphasised the challenges faced by the Royal Navy's submarine fleet in terms of manpower shortages, maintenance delays, and ageing infrastructure.

  • James Cartlidge Con South Suffolk

    The hon. Member for South Suffolk echoed the commitment to the UK’s independent nuclear deterrent, highlighting the importance of constructing Dreadnought-class submarines at Barrow-in-Furness. Highlighted that there is a blockage in infrastructure caused by the backlog of submarines awaiting disposal and urged for an open look at potential places across the country to add capacity.

  • Jim Shannon DUP Strangford

    Discussed the importance of submarines for national security and highlighted Northern Ireland's history with naval service and shipbuilding. Expressed interest in the potential for Northern Ireland, particularly through Harland & Wolff, to be part of the submarine dismantling process.

  • Luke Akehurst Lab North Durham

    Supported the Government’s nuclear triple lock for maintaining a strong strategic nuclear deterrent, highlighting benefits for Barrow-in-Furness and its supply chain with 42,000 jobs across 2,500 suppliers. Asked Helen Maguire to confirm Liberal Democrats' support for continuous at-sea nuclear deterrent after her speech.

  • Paul Foster Lab South Ribble

    Commemorated the submarine fleet's importance, praised BAE Systems and submariners in Barrow-in-Furness, supported the nuclear deterrent and replacement Dreadnought programme.

  • Torcuil Crichton Lab Na h-Eileanan an Iar

    Welcomed the announcement by the Secretary of State for Defence regarding monitoring Russia's shadow fleet in the Baltic and called for extension to the north Atlantic.

Government Response

Maria Eagle

The Minister for Defence Procurement and Industry

The Government is fully committed to maintaining the UK’s independent nuclear deterrent, constructing Dreadnought-class submarines, and delivering future upgrades. The minister acknowledged ongoing efforts to resolve the backlog of decommissioned submarines stored in Rosyth and Devonport. Stressed that the Government is committed to defueling, dismantling, and disposing of submarines in a responsible manner. The programme at Rosyth aims to identify methods to deal with decommissioned submarines swiftly and safely. The Minister confirmed willingness to look into potential places for additional capacity and stated the Astute fleet's capability. She mentioned steps taken following NAO findings to ensure effective delivery and provided details on budget allocations, including £298 million for the submarine dismantling project.

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