Question to the Ministry of Defence:

To ask Her Majesty's Government what action they are taking to find (1) a new operator for the Appledore Shipyard, and (2) new orders from the defence and commercial sectors to maintain shipbuilding in that shipyard.

The Ministry of Defence (MOD) and Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy (BEIS) remain closely engaged with Babcock and relevant stakeholders regarding the closure of Appledore shipyard. While the future of the shipyard will be a matter for the site owner, BEIS is working with the local council, which is considering options for the future of the yard.

The MOD explored a range of options with Babcock to protect Appledore, including potentially bringing forward a £60 million package of work at Devonport to provide further employment for Appledore workers. This was not, however, enough to secure the long-term future of the yard.