Question to the Ministry of Defence:

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, pursuant to the Answer of 16 June 2021 to Question 11489 on Royal Yacht: Procurement, if he will list the merits of (a) constructing and (b) operating a National Flagship as identified by cross Government discussions conducted by the Cabinet Office.

The National Flagship will showcase cutting-edge British shipbuilding, engineering and green technology, giving British business a new global platform to promote their products and technology. The National Flagship will have wide utility including supporting trade and investment in the UK.

The construction of the vessel will create jobs and upskilling opportunities, help drive a renaissance in the UK's shipbuilding industry and promote the best of British shipbuilding and ingenuity around the world.

The National Flagship will promote the UK's diplomatic and trading interests. It will provide a unique convening power to British exporters and a secure sovereign hub for diplomatic events. The operation of the vessel will support the UK's soft power capability and provide at sea training capabilities to the Royal Navy.