The Westminster lensArchive · Written questions · 386 tabled · 366 answered

Written questions by Downie.

Every parliamentary written question tabled by Graeme Downie this session, with the full answer and department. Back to the MP page.

Department:All (386)Ministry of Defence (136)Department for Work and Pensions (40)Department for Science, Innovation and Technology (25)Home Office (24)Department for Transport (24)Department of Health and Social Care (23)Department for Energy Security and Net Zero (19)Treasury (17)Department for Business and Trade (17)Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (15)Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (11)Scotland Office (10)

Showing 381386 of 386 · this parliament

← PreviousPage 20 of 20
10 Oct 2024·Ministry of Defence·Answered
Asked

Whether his Department plans to publish a timetable for the implementation of the Submarine Dismantling Project.

Reply

Swiftsure, the first submarine to be fully disposed of, is being used as a demonstrator to refine the dismantling and recycling processes under the Ministry of Defence's Submarine Dismantling Project. There will be a continual process of learning as Swiftsure dismantling progresses. This will inform a baseline approach and schedule for all current decommissioned Royal Navy submarines. Swiftsure dismantling is on track and due to complete in 2026, achieving the commitment given to the Public Accounts Committee in 2019. Over 90% of the submarine will be recycled. We are currently working with Babcock in Rosyth to plan for the next two boats in sequence, with a view to being on contract next year.

10 Oct 2024·Ministry of Defence·Answered
Asked

What assessment he has made of the potential impact of the Submarine Dismantling Project on the economy in (a) Scotland and (b) the UK.

Reply

The Ministry of Defence regularly engages with Scottish Government officials on the Submarine Disposals Programme, allowing constructive dialogue on a wide range of issues including jobs. Swiftsure, the first vessel to be disposed of, is being used as a demonstrator to refine the dismantling and recycling processes under the Ministry of Defence's Submarine Dismantling Project. Learning from this, alongside market engagement, is informing our approach to both current and future submarine disposal plans. The Submarine Dismantling Project currently sustains more than 500 jobs across the Defence Nuclear Enterprise and, so far, has invested upwards of £200 million into Babcock International Group's Rosyth dockyard and the wider UK supply chain. It continues to provide a source of highly skilled jobs in Scotland and the rest of the UK.

10 Oct 2024·Ministry of Defence·Answered
Asked

What his Department's timetable is for deciding on the next steps for the Submarine Dismantling Project.

Reply

Swiftsure, the first submarine to be fully disposed of, is being used as a demonstrator to refine the dismantling and recycling processes under the Ministry of Defence's Submarine Dismantling Project. There will be a continual process of learning as Swiftsure dismantling progresses. This will inform a baseline approach and schedule for all current decommissioned Royal Navy submarines. Swiftsure dismantling is on track and due to complete in 2026, achieving the commitment given to the Public Accounts Committee in 2019. Over 90% of the submarine will be recycled. We are currently working with Babcock in Rosyth to plan for the next two boats in sequence, with a view to being on contract next year.

10 Oct 2024·Ministry of Defence·Answered
Asked

What locations are being considered for the (a) build and (b) assembly of the fleet solid support ships.

Reply

Successful delivery of the Fleet Solid Support (FSS) Ships project remains a priority. On current plans, the three FSS ships will be assembled from blocks which are expected to be built in Harland & Wolff (H&W) shipyards in Belfast and Appledore in Devon and Navantia's shipyard in Cadiz, Spain. Assembly and integration of the ships is planned to take place in Belfast. Following a review of H&W's financial situation, the Government is clear that the market is best placed to address the challenges the company is facing. We continue to work extensively with all parties to find an outcome for the company that continues to deliver shipbuilding and manufacturing in the UK.

10 Oct 2024·Ministry of Defence·Answered
Asked

What discussions he has held with international (a) allies and (b) partners on the Submarine Dismantling Project.

Reply

The Ministry of Defence (MOD) continues to engage with industry partners to ensure we can deliver an optimised submarine dismantling programme. The Swiftsure demonstrator project serves as a proof of concept and benchmark against which market testing of future dismantling proposals can be assessed. The MOD has also engaged with our international allies including the USA and France, sharing information and learning, to aid the acceleration of the UK's dismantling programme.

4 Oct 2024·Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office·Answered
Asked

Commonwealth and Development Affairs, whether he plans to sanction the sale of jet fuel to Myanmar.

Reply

The UK strongly condemns the Myanmar military's airstrikes on civilian infrastructure, including schools, hospitals and places of worship. This is unacceptable. To date, the UK has imposed six sanctions targeting the import of aviation fuel, focusing on three individuals and three entities. The UK remains committed to sanctions that directly impact the military without adversely affecting the wider population, and this will be a key consideration in any future designations.

← PreviousPage 20 of 20
Sources
SourceUK Parliament Members API
MethodQuestion and answer text as published. Question preamble (“To ask the…”) trimmed for readability; answers shown in full.