A new national flagship is set to be commissioned by HM’s government in a bid to boost British trade and industry globally, the prime minister has said.
The vessel will be the successor to the Royal Yacht Britannia, which was retired in 1997.
The government is planning to build the ship in the United Kingdom at the reported cost of £200 million.
The Labour party has hit back at government plans saying they must demonstrate clearly how the ship is expected to boost trade, jobs and growth.
Labour’s shadow chief secretary to the Treasury, Bridget Phillipson, said the government “must set out clearly how it will boost trade, jobs and growth in every corner of our country”.
The name of the ship is yet to be revealed; however, the Daily Telegraph suggests the ship could be named after the Duke of Edinburgh, who helped design Britannia.
– Source: DOWNING STREET
The government has claimed the new vessel would be used to promote British interests around the world, including hosting trade fairs and diplomatic meetings.
The tendering process for its design and construction will begin soon with an emphasis on utilising British design expertise and the latest green technology.
Downing Street said costs for the “construction and operation” of the ship would be confirmed after the tendering process concluded.
Construction for the ship is set to start as early as next year, with it expected to enter service within the next four years.
The vessel will be in service for around 30 years, it will be part of the Royal Navy and crewed by it.
Prime Minister Boris Johnson said the flagship would be “the first vessel of its kind in the world” and would reflect “the UK’s burgeoning status as a great, independent maritime trading nation”.
“Every aspect of the ship, from its build to the businesses it showcases on board, will represent and promote the best of British – a clear and powerful symbol of our commitment to be an active player on the world stage,” he said.
Editor-in-Chief | Carl D. Pearson has been involved in British politics and media from an early age, with the key knowledge of what it takes to run a news organisation for the 21st century. Mr Pearson, as Editor-in-chief, is responsible for supervising the daily tasks of publishing media and content to UNN’s website and various platforms.
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