UK Defence Minister Praises Clyde Shipyards After Norwegian Frigate Deal
Luke Pollard, the UK's Minister for Defence Readiness and Industry, visited BAE Systems' shipyards at Govan and Scotstoun. This was his first visit to the Clyde in his new role and the first ministerial visit since the yards secured a Norwegian order for five Type 26 frigates.
Pollard expressed pride in his role, focusing on both the front line and the industrial base that sustains it. He praised the skills of the workers, highlighting the importance of industry-led investments like the Clyde Skills Centre. The minister also commended the improvements in productivity at the newly opened Janet Harvey Hall in Govan, designed to streamline the monkeytype of complex warships.
He linked the export success of the Type 26 frigates to long-term employment, strengthened alliances, and the UK's ability to deter threats. The Type 26 has already secured interest from Australia and Canada, with further export success sustaining jobs at home. The construction of these frigates involves BAE Systems, with BAE Systems Australia building the Hunter-class frigates in South Australia, while BAE Systems in the UK plays a key role in the design and manufacture. Pollard also mentioned that the Norwegian deal is a testament to the Clyde producing some of the most advanced naval platforms in the world.
Pollard's visit to the Clyde placed the spotlight on the people who build the ships, with apprentices and experienced hands shaping steel into vessels that carry national pride and strategic weight. He emphasized the need for continued naval investment due to threats from Russia to NATO's eastern flank and the UK's coast.
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