Oral Answers to Questions Debate

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Department: Ministry of Defence
Monday 8th January 2024

(11 months, 1 week ago)

Commons Chamber
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Lord Spellar Portrait John Spellar (Warley) (Lab)
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AUKUS has strong support from across the House, but although the time scales seem very long, in reality there is growing concern in the defence community that they may already be slipping, often because of bureaucratic inertia. What is being done to keep this vital project on track? How often is the Minister meeting his officials to monitor and chase progress?

James Cartlidge Portrait James Cartlidge
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I am not aware of any slippage. We meet frequently and discuss this incredibly important matter. I am pleased to hear his confidence that AUKUS has cross-party support. It is generating huge numbers of jobs for the future: an additional 1,700 jobs will be created in Raynesway to build the reactors for the UK and Australia. It is an incredibly exciting project and we are 100% committed to it.