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, what assessment his Department made of the potential defence benefits to be delivered (a) economically, (b) effectively and (c) efficiently by the (i) construction and (ii) operation of a National Flagship.

As set out in the Defence Command Plan, Defence plays a unique role in protecting and promoting the three fundamental national interests identified by the Integrated Review: sovereignty, security and prosperity. The National Flagship will support these national interests including by boosting trade and promoting the nation's economic security.

The National Flagship will be built in UK shipyards. It will create jobs and upskilling opportunities; help drive a renaissance in the UK's shipbuilding industry; and showcase the best of British shipbuilding and ingenuity around the world. The Flagship will also complement the vision we will set out in the refresh of the National Shipbuilding Strategy.

The operation of the vessel will provide valuable experience for our personnel and promote wider opportunities outside of Defence. It will also support other high-profile Defence Engagement tasking which our ships undertake in support of wider government objectives.