Oral Answers to Questions

Chris McDonald Excerpts

Wednesday 15th January 2025 Commons Chamber

[Chris McDonald (Stockton North) (Lab)]

12. What progress his Department has made on securing the future of Harland and Wolff in Northern Ireland.

[The Secretary of State for Northern Ireland (Hilary Benn)]

I welcome the industry-led deal that will see Navantia UK purchase Harland and Wolff’s four shipyards in the UK, including that in Belfast. The Government have worked closely with Navantia UK to secure the future of the yards, the fleet solid support ship programme, and around 1,000 jobs across the UK.

[Chris McDonald]

Does my right hon. Friend share my optimism that now that the future of the Harland and Wolff yard has been secured, the yard will be able to secure future orders?

[Hilary Benn]

I certainly do. That is one of the great benefits of the commercial agreement that has been reached with Navantia on buying Harland and Wolff, and the adjustments made to the contract to ensure that the fleet solid support ships could go ahead. This is a great facility, and it is open for business, including for other orders.