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HMS Bangor

Asked by Ben Obese-JectyConservativeMinistry of DefenceTabled Answered 8 September 2026UIN 22802

The question

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, with reference to his Department's Annual report and Accounts 2025-2026, HC 389, published on 15 July 2026, what the nature is of the fruitless payment for HMS Bangor.

Answered by Ministry of Defence

MOD incurred a £5M fruitless payment after cancelling a standard heavy lift contract to return HMS BANGOR from Bahrain to the UK. The cancellation followed a rapid escalation in regional security risks in June 2025, which led to a pause in UK military activity in the Gulf to protect personnel and assets. MOD negotiated to avoid further charges, including demurrage, limiting the cost to £5M.

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