Question to the HM Treasury:

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, what recent discussions (a) he and (b) his officials have had with relevant stakeholders on the levels of investment required to refresh the National Shipbuilding Strategy.

The Prime Minister has appointed the Defence Secretary as Shipbuilding Tsar. As you will no doubt be aware, on 16 March 2021, the Defence Secretary outlined in his speech to the Society of Maritime Industries that he is working to refresh the National Shipbuilding Strategy to deliver a successful and sustainable UK shipbuilding enterprise.

The Chancellor is in regular contact with Cabinet colleagues, including the Defence Secretary, on investment priorities. Officials are likewise closely engaged with counterparts across government on matters of public spending.