🇬🇧 UK Submarine Fleet

Westminster Hall

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The UK Parliament held a spirited discussion on the vital role and future of the UK’s submarine fleet, highlighting its historical significance and current challenges. MPs lauded the bravery and dedication of submariners, while addressing issues like recruitment, retention, and the need for investment in new technologies and infrastructure. The debate underscored the economic benefits of the submarine industry, with calls for enhanced support for related jobs and skills development across the UK. There was a strong consensus on maintaining the UK’s nuclear deterrent and advancing international collaborations like AUKUS to ensure national and global security.

Summary

  • Historical Significance: The UK submarine fleet, which began with the Holland class in 1900, has played a crucial role in national defense and deterrence. Scotland has been central to the fleet’s operations, with historical bases in Dundee and Rosyth.

  • World War Contributions: Submarines were pivotal in both World Wars. During World War I, the service earned five Victoria Crosses, while in World War II, submarines like HMS Upholder were crucial in the Mediterranean, sinking significant enemy tonnage.

  • Cold War and Beyond: The fleet was essential for intelligence gathering and deterrence during the Cold War, and has continued to be vital in conflicts like the Falklands War and operations against al-Qaeda in Afghanistan.

  • Current Fleet: The Royal Navy currently operates nine submarines, including four Vanguard-class ballistic missile submarines for nuclear deterrence and five Astute-class nuclear-powered attack submarines for various missions.

  • Geographical Distribution: The fleet is based at Faslane in Scotland, with major refit, maintenance, and decommissioning at Devonport, and new submarines built at Barrow-in-Furness. Rosyth is involved in submarine dismantling.

  • Challenges and Recruitment: The submarine service faces recruitment and retention challenges, with the First Sea Lord noting a “war for talent.” Efforts are being made to support submariners and their families during their extended deployments.

  • Future Capabilities: Concerns exist about whether the current Astute fleet can sustain future deployments, including to Australia under the AUKUS agreement. The Defence Committee has questioned their capacity amidst increasing global threats.

  • Nuclear Deterrent: The independent nuclear deterrent is a cornerstone of UK security, but faces challenges including a funding deficit as reported by the National Audit Office. The government remains committed to maintaining this capability.

  • Submarine Dismantling: Rosyth is currently dismantling HMS Swiftsure, the first Royal Navy nuclear submarine to be fully dismantled, aiming for 90% reuse or recycling. There are plans to accelerate the dismantling of 23 retired submarines, offering economic benefits and jobs.

  • Economic Impact and Skills: The submarine industry supports thousands of jobs and drives economic growth, particularly in areas like Barrow-in-Furness and Faslane. There is a focus on developing skills and apprenticeships to ensure future capabilities.

  • International Collaboration: The AUKUS agreement with Australia and the US offers opportunities for new jobs and strengthens UK’s role in global defense partnerships, though concerns about shifts in US policy linger.

  • Undersea Infrastructure: Submarines are crucial for protecting undersea cables and infrastructure, with increased threats from states like Russia and China.

  • Commitment to Defence: There is a strong consensus across parties in the House for maintaining the UK’s nuclear deterrent and supporting the submarine fleet, recognizing its role in national and global security.

Divisiveness

The session displayed minimal disagreement among the participants. Throughout the debate, there was a strong consensus across party lines in support of the UK submarine fleet, its role in national defense, and the importance of maintaining and investing in it. Speakers from various parties, including Labour, DUP, Liberal Democrats, and Conservatives, all expressed appreciation for the submarine service and its contributions to national security and the economy. The only slight point of clarification came from an intervention by Luke Akehurst seeking confirmation on the Liberal Democrats’ stance on the continuous at-sea deterrent, which was clarified by Helen Maguire to be supportive, aligning with the general consensus. There were no instances of significant opposition or heated debates on the topic, leading to a rating of 1 for disagreement.