Asked by: Lord Walney (Crossbench - Life peer)
Question to the Ministry of Defence:
To ask Her Majesty's Government, further to the Written Statement by Baroness Goldie on 2 November (HLWS537), what assessment they have made of the impact of the decision for AWE plc to "become an Arms-Length Body wholly owned by the MOD" on the timetable for their commitment to nuclear warhead renewal.
Answered by Baroness Goldie - Shadow Minister (Defence)
The change in the Atomic Weapons Establishment operating model will enhance the Ministry of Defence's (MOD) agility to manage the UK's nuclear deterrent and improve the delivery of core defence objectives, including the replacement warhead.
The change will also enable the MOD to invest in the development of the workforce, infrastructure and capabilities needed for the replacement warhead programme. I am withholding further information on the replacement warhead timetable for the purposes of safeguarding national security.
Asked by: Lord Walney (Crossbench - Life peer)
Question to the Ministry of Defence:
To ask Her Majesty's Government what plans they have to establish a working group reporting to the Committee on the Grant of Honours, Decorations and Medals to consider whether to introduce a special service medal for current and former submariners who have served on patrol in the ongoing Operation Relentless.
Answered by Baroness Goldie - Shadow Minister (Defence)
The Government appreciates the courage shown and sacrifices made by all our brave Service men and women, including those who have served in the Submarine Service as part of Operation Relentless. However, there are no plans to introduce a special service medal. Since 2010, our submariners receive the Deterrent Patrol Pin recognising the professionalism, dedication and commitment displayed by those who have deployed on ballistic missile submarine patrols. Former members of the Service are entitled, and encouraged, to apply for the pin in recognition of their previous service.
Asked by: Lord Walney (Crossbench - Life peer)
Question to the Ministry of Defence:
To ask Her Majesty's Government what assessment they have made of the Programme Design and Definition phase of the SSN(R) programme.
Answered by Baroness Goldie - Shadow Minister (Defence)
The programme to deliver the first of Class of an SSN Replacement for the Astute Class submarines is currently in the Programme Definition and Design Phase, which aims to identify potential capability solution choices. Therefore, it is too early to determine what the capability solution will be.
Asked by: Lord Walney (Crossbench - Life peer)
Question to the Ministry of Defence:
To ask Her Majesty's Government whether the replacement for the Astute-class SSN Royal Navy submarines will take the form of another submarine.
Answered by Baroness Goldie - Shadow Minister (Defence)
The programme to deliver the first of Class of an SSN Replacement for the Astute Class submarines is currently in the Programme Definition and Design Phase, which aims to identify potential capability solution choices. Therefore, it is too early to determine what the capability solution will be.
Asked by: Lord Walney (Crossbench - Life peer)
Question to the Ministry of Defence:
To ask Her Majesty's Government what are the expected dates for the Dreadnought-class of SSBN submarines to be in service.
Answered by Baroness Goldie - Shadow Minister (Defence)
As set out in the 2019 Annual Update to Parliament on the UKs future nuclear deterrent, the Dreadnought submarine programme is on track for the First of Class, HMS Dreadnought, to enter service in the early 2030s. The planned in-service dates of submarines are withheld as disclosure would, or would be likely to, prejudice the capability, effectiveness or security of the Armed Forces.