Source · Select Committees · Public Accounts Committee
Recommendation 8
8
The Department told us that a key factor in its thinking going into the Review...
Conclusion
The Department told us that a key factor in its thinking going into the Review had been to ensure Carrier Strike has appropriate support to operate on a global scale.17 It said that the Prime Minister has given it a clear instruction that he expects defence to be actively deployed in a greater number of situations around the world to promote British values, and that Carrier Strike would be an important part of that.18 However, we remain very frustrated that the Department has been left with an overall budget that is under significant pressure and an equipment programme that is unaffordable because of the government’s continued delays in conducting a strategic review of funding.19
Government Response
Not Addressed
HM Government
Not Addressed
6. 1 The government agrees with the Committee’s recommendation. Target implementation date: June 2021 6.2 The department will address the capabilities required to support the carriers as part of the Integrated Review, reporting in the first quarter of 2021. Although taut and requiring mitigation in 2022 when RFA Fort Victoria undergoes maintenance, the support shipping needed to keep the carriers supplied with fuel, munitions and stores is in place for the period up until Full Operating Capability for Carrier Strike in 2023. To allow declaration of the wider Full Operating Capability for Carrier Enabled Power Projection from 2026, and the associated routine operating model, the Fleet Solid Support requirements have been informed by operating experience and a new competition will be launched in the first quarter of 2021. Building on the success of the Type 31 Programme, the department intends to allow international partners to work with UK firms to bid for this British-led shipbuilding project.