VerbatimParliament, as it happens

Shipbuilding

Asked by Ben Obese-JectyConservativeMinistry of DefenceTabled Answered 19 October 2025UIN 79724

The question

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, what assessment he has made of the effectiveness of the National Shipbuilding Strategy.

Answered by Luke Pollard

The Government is committed to a successful shipbuilding and maritime technology sector. In 2024 alone, the sector contributed £3.5 billion in Gross Value Added (GVA) to the economy and employed approximately 50,000 people, with a median annual wage of £42,785—well above the national average of £37,430. In addition, the recent announcement of the UK’s biggest ever warship export deal with Norway worth £10 billion will support over 4,000 UK jobs and deliver on the Government’s Plan for Change.

The Government intends to publish a new Shipbuilding and Maritime Technology Action Plan to deliver the Government’s ambitions for national security and economic growth.

Verbatim has judged this answer against the question that was actually asked — answered, partly answered, or evaded. Sign in to see the verdict →

Open this question in Verbatim →

Every written question, searchable

155,000 questions tabled since the election, with the answer each department gave — and the ones still unanswered, with the clock running. Free to search.

Search written questions →Read on Verbatim