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UK Submarine Fleet
15 January 2025
Lead MP
Graeme Downie
Dunfermline and Dollar
Lab
Responding Minister
Maria Eagle
Tags
DefenceEmployment
Word Count: 9351
Other Contributors: 11
At a Glance
Graeme Downie raised concerns about uk submarine fleet in Westminster Hall. A government minister responded.
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:
Lead Contributor
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.
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.
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.
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.
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
Government Response
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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Assessment & feedback
Summary accuracy
About Westminster Hall Debates
Westminster Hall debates are a chance for MPs to raise important issues affecting their constituents and get a response from a government minister. Unlike Prime Minister's Questions, these debates are more in-depth and collaborative. The MP who secured the debate speaks first, other MPs can contribute, and a minister responds with the government's position.