Question to the Ministry of Defence:

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, with reference to the Government's press release, New national flagship to promote British businesses around the world, published 30 May 2021 and the Government's statement that the flagship will showcase cutting-edge British design, for what reason it is his policy that an international competition is required for the design of that ship.

As set out in the Prior Information Notice published on 2 July 2021, the National Flagship will be built in the UK. The Ministry of Defence will conduct an international competition for the design of the ship in order to ensure that we can procure a world-class design and UK companies will be encouraged to participate. The Prior Information Notice places no restriction on the nationality of the participants in the planned period of market engagement. This is an opportunity for talented British designers to work alongside international partners to develop a truly outstanding design for the National Flagship.