Recommendation 54

In its response to this report, and in its annual shipbuilding update to the Defence Select Committee, the UK Government should provide an update on the current status of the military shipbuilding pipeline for Scottish naval yards. In particular, it should confirm whether the MOD still intends to order the Type 32 frigates as set out in the National Shipbuilding Strategy Refresh, and whether the timeline for the Type 32s has changed as a result of concerns about the affordability of the initial plans. The MOD should also set out whether the cancellation of the National Flagship has created a gap in the pipeline, and if so how this gap will be filled. 86 Q129 87 Q133 88 Q87 89 The Times, Fears for Scots shipbuilding as prime minister prepares to scrap £2.5bn frigate order, 15 January 2023 24 Defence in Scotland: military shipbuilding Type 26 frigate contract