Source · Select Committees · Scottish Affairs Committee
Recommendation 1
1
Rejected
Paragraph: 17
The UK Government’s approach to procuring warships has shifted in recent years, and it is...
Conclusion
The UK Government’s approach to procuring warships has shifted in recent years, and it is no longer the default position that warships will be designed and built fully in the UK, which was of concern to some in the Scottish military shipbuilding sector.
Government Response Summary
The MOD disagrees that its approach has shifted away from designing and building warships fully in the UK. They state the DSIS provides flexibility and considers long-term industrial impact, and the Shipbuilding Tsar will maximize UK content where possible.
Paragraph Reference:
17
Government Response
Rejected
HM Government
Rejected
1: The MOD disagrees with the Committee’s first conclusion. The Defence and Security Industrial Strategy (DSIS) moved the MOD away from the policy of ‘global competition by default’ and set out that the procurement approach for each class of ship would be determined on a case-by-case basis, including for both warships and non-warships. This approach has created more flexibility in the MOD’s acquisition strategies and considers a broader range of factors, including the long-term industrial impact. Where appropriate, the Shipbuilding Tsar is also committed to making best use of National Security exemptions and will seek to maximise UK content wherever possible.