Chancellor’s announcement on shipbuilding must be followed by commitment to 3.5% on defence spending

In his speech today Chancellor John Healey announced several important policies including on UK shipbuilding, and the reinstatement of the Union Learning Fund.

On ships the government announced:

• A multi-billion pound investment in three major maritime projects to strengthen national security, support skilled jobs and drive growth in every part of the UK.
• Three new floating docks for the Royal Navy’s submarine service at HM Naval Base Clyde will be built in Britain supporting Britain’s defence industrial base and securing key sovereign capabilities.
• A new marine research vessel to be built in a British shipyard, backing coastal communities, sustainable fishing and long-term economic growth.

Mike Clancy, General Secretary of Prospect, said:

“The Chancellor highlighted the importance of trade unions as industrial partners, and the role of union reps in the workplace, something that will critical in navigating an era of unprecedented challenges and change.

“Focussing a new Union Learning Fund on managing the transition caused by the introduction of AI was the right choice to help support working people.

“Announcing that new floating docks and a new research vessel will be built in the UK was also an important signal of support to shipbuilding communities. This will need to be followed up at the Budget and Spending Review with a commitment to growing defence spending towards the 3.5% target. That target will allow the government to invest in more and larger programmes especially the Common Combat Vessel. It’s clear that a reindustrialised Britain must be built through good union jobs in sectors of strength not least in the defence sector.”