Question to the Ministry of Defence:

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, with reference to the National Infrastructure and Service Transformation Authority Major Projects Annual Report 2025 to 2026, Tables, Type 31, whether he expects to be able to deliver the Type 31 programme by its scheduled end date of 31 May 2030.

The Type 31 programme continues to deliver five Inspiration Class frigates for the Royal Navy, with industry partners. As with all major programmes, schedule performance is kept under continual review through established Departmental governance and assurance processes. Any changes to approved programme schedules will be reported through the appropriate official channels.

The Type 26 programme remains focused on delivering a combined fleet of at least 13 frigates to hunt for Russian submarines in the North Atlantic, the biggest British warship deal in history and centrepiece of the Lunna House Agreement. This includes eight Type 26 ASW frigates for the Royal Navy, and at least 5 for Norway. All ships are expected to enter service from the late 2020s.