£8.4 Billion Investment in Nuclear Submarines
Despite the defence budget debate, the government confirmed an £8.4 billion investment in the Dreadnought class nuclear-armed submarine program.
Prime Minister Burnham announced the funding during a visit to Barrow-in-Furness, where the submarines are built.
The project currently supports 47,000 national jobs, projected to expand to 65,000 by 2030.
Burnham framed the defence enterprise as a driver for economic growth and youth employment.
“Keeping this country safe is the first responsibility of any Government,” Burnham said.
“But security is not only about what we build, it is about who builds it, and who benefits from it.”
“The submarines produced in Barrow will protect Britain for decades to come, and the 47,000 jobs and apprenticeships will change lives both in this town and in dozens of places like it,” he added.
“British money, spent on British workers, British firms and British skills, in the places that were written off for 40 years.”
Burnham also addressed young people directly: “To every young person across the country, I want you to know that there is a path for you into a reindustrialised Britain and it starts with the apprenticeships we are funding through this investment today.”
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The first Dreadnought class vessel, HMS Dreadnought, is scheduled to enter active service by the mid-2030s, replacing the aging Vanguard fleet that maintains the UK's continuous at-sea nuclear deterrent.
