The UK Government has reaffirmed its commitment to supporting job creation and long-term growth in the shipbuilding sector, with a clear focus on both national security and economic prosperity.

In response to questions from James Cartlidge, MP for South Suffolk, regarding government policies on job creation in shipbuilding and the 30-year shipbuilding pipeline, Maria Eagle, Minister of State for Defence, provided detailed insights into the government’s approach.

Eagle highlighted the importance of the shipbuilding industry to the UK, stating, “This Government recognises the vital role shipbuilding and its skilled workforce plays, not only in our national security but also in the economic prosperity and growth of the United Kingdom (UK).”

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She also mentioned the role of the National Shipbuilding Office, which provides strategic oversight of all government shipbuilding activity and is driving transformative change across the sector.

The government’s 30-year shipbuilding pipeline, part of the refreshed National Shipbuilding Strategy, is central to this effort. According to Eagle, this long-term pipeline is designed to offer “clarity and certainty for UK industry and supports the creation of UK jobs.”

It provides a clear signal of demand from the public sector, enabling the industry to plan investments in research and development, infrastructure, and workforce development.

In response to Cartlidge’s additional question about the shipbuilding strategy, Eagle reiterated the government’s commitment to delivering a thriving shipbuilding sector.

She explained, “The National Shipbuilding Office provides strategic oversight of all Government shipbuilding activity, driving forward transformative change in the sector. This includes a 30-year pipeline of Government shipbuilding opportunities which gives industry a clear demand signal from the public sector, supporting them to invest in research and development, infrastructure and people.”