Question to the Ministry of Defence:
To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, whether his Department's definition of Carrier Enabled Power Projection, to be achieved by 2026, will include at least one new Fleet Solid Support ship being operational.
The definition of Full Operating Capability of the core Carrier Enabled Power Projection programme does not include provision of a new Fleet Solid Support ship.
However, the Ministry of Defence has been undertaking work to assess the way ahead for the Fleet Solid Support Programme and a Prior Information Notice was published on 22 July 2020 inviting potential suppliers to participate in a period of market engagement prior to the commencement of a new competition. The results of which will be analysed in due course.