£642 million investment in nuclear submarines

Defence Secretary Michael Fallon has announced an investment of £642 million for the Successor submarine programme to progress the work on the next generation of nuclear submarines.

The funding will assist in replacing the Vanguard class, due to change over from the 2030s, as well as design work and new parts.

The investment will also include £225 million for new facilities at BAE Systems at Barrow-in-Furness, where the submarines will be assembled. That investment will ensure that the submarines are built with maximum efficiency.

Fallon said: “Our nuclear deterrent provides the ultimate guarantee of our security and our way of life. That’s why we are getting on with this investment.

“This money will support further design work, new infrastructure and the purchase of key parts such as engines and gearboxes, as well as jobs across the UK.”