Nuclear submarine project to “fuel growth”
The Defence Secretary has said that the UK will commit to a shared plan with Australia and the USA in creating a new fleet of nuclear-powered submarines. The AUKUS defence project would be a “fundamental” part of the nation’s future security, John Healey said, adding that it would fuel economic growth. He spoke while touring a military steel supplier in Sheffield with Richard Marles, Australia’s deputy prime minster and defence minister.
The programme is expected to bring an additional 7,000 jobs to the UK. Fresh from a NATO summit in Washington DC, Mr Healey visited Sheffield Foregmasters with his Australian counterpart. The firm is owned by the Ministry of Defence. He reaffirmed the country’s commitment to AUKUS as well as emphasising the part it plays in creating jobs.
“Working with allies and partners is fundamental to our security and so it is a pleasure to host my Australian counterpart within my first fortnight as defence secretary,” Mr Healey said. “The UK and Australia are the closest of friends and our work through Aukus is testament to this.”
“Sheffield Forgemasters is a shining light of UK industry that helps boost global security and employs skilled staff from the local community,” the MP for Rawmarsh and Conisbrough, in South Yorkshire, added. “This is just one example of how our hugely important partnership with our Australian and American partners can help drive jobs and growth across Britain.”
The visit came after prime minster Sir Keir Starmer spoke with the Australin prime minster Anthone Albanese as the leaders outlined their commitment to a partnership between the two countries.
The AUKUS submarines hope to counter Chinese influence in the Indo-Pacific region, being able to operate faster and further than the existing diesel-powered fleet that Australia currently uses. It would allow it to carry out long-range strikes against its enemies for the first time. As part of the deal, Australian sailors from its navy will be sent to both the UK and US for training on how to operate the nuclear-powered submarines.
