Tri-Service

Osborne: UK Will Have World's Most Modern Navy

The Chancellor says the government will build the most modern navy in the world.

George Osborne announced the new national shipbuilding strategy prior to a decision later this year on orders for the brand new Type 26 Global Combat Ship, on a visit to Portsmouth Naval Base.

He added that the multi-million pound ships will be based at the Navy bases in Portsmouth and Plymouth and that he is looking at the potential to build a new complex warship every two years.

The Chancellor also announced around £100 million of infrastructure development in new dock facilities at Portsmouth Naval Base to support the arrival of the Queen Elizabeth Class Aircraft Carriers.

The new work will encompass berthing and jetty improvements, new power supply and distribution, and significant dredging in the approach to the harbour to enable the base to accommodate the largest warships ever built for the Royal Navy.

Mr Osborne said: “Ensuring a better and more secure future for Britain means equipping our Royal Navy for the challenges of the 21st century. It is only because we have a long term economic plan that we able to invest in our national security.

“Our ambition is to deliver the most modern Navy in the world, which this Government believes is a national necessity. It will maintain and create jobs and deliver a more secure future for Britain.”

Responding on behalf of the Royal Navy, the First Sea Lord Admiral Sir George Zambellas said:

“I am delighted by the Chancellor’s announcement today. The commitment to a new national shipbuilding strategy is not just a very significant investment in the UK’s shipbuilding future.

"It is also a powerful statement that our nation’s global interests will be protected by a credible, world class Navy – equipped with fast-jet aircraft carriers, submarines, destroyers and frigates which will be the best and most modern in the world.”

The Chancellor, meanwhile, has told Forces TV he remains committed to maintaining defence spending.

Mr Osborne told Tim Cooper that Britain is spending two per cent of its GDP on defence, according to the latest figures.

His comments came as NATO's Secretary General expressed concern about falling levels of defence spending across Europe.