Quin – New shipbuilding strategy laid out

In a statement to the House, defence minister Jeremy Quin outlined the “refreshed” national shipbuilding strategy, which encompasses the use of ships for defence as well as commerce.

The strategy will see a pipeline of “more than 150 vessels, accelerated innovation, greater financial support and talent development”, as set out in a five-point plan.

There are still concerns from the opposition, including that this is a “photo opportunity” as well as for reports that the Ministry of Defence “has given a £10 million contract to a Dutch yard”.