Rishi Sunak announces construction of five more warships to be built on the Clyde in face of Russia threats

Rishi Sunak has announced the construction of five more British warships to be built on the Clyde after the Prime Minister responded to the global instability caused by Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.

The Prime Minister is attending the G20 summit in Bali, Indonesia, which looks set to be dominated by the fallout from Russia’s invasion of Ukraine as he declined to commit to boosting defence spending to 3% of GDP.

As part of steps the UK is taking to strengthen its security in the face of increased threats from Moscow, Mr Sunak announced that defence manufacturer BAE Systems has been awarded a £4.2 billion contract to build five more Type 26 frigates for the Royal Navy, on top of the three already under construction.

The ships will be built at the BAE Systems sites in Govan and Scotstoun.

BAE announced the construction of five more British warships, as he declined to commit to boosting defence spending to 3 per cent

The Prime Minister said: “Russia’s actions put all of us at risk.

“As we give the Ukrainian people the support they need, we are also harnessing the breadth and depth of UK expertise to protect ourselves and our allies.

“This includes building the next generation of British warships.”

The expansion of the programme to build the frigates, designed for anti-submarine warfare, follows the attacks on the Nord Stream gas pipelines, which have been blamed on the Kremlin.

Meanwhile, Mr Sunak again declined to commit to a promise from his predecessor Liz Truss to raise defence spending to 3% of GDP, compared to the Nato minimum of 2.5%, as he and Chancellor Jeremy Hunt seek to balance the books.

He downplayed concerns by some in the Tory party that ditching the target could be seen as a weakness by Russian President Vladimir Putin.

“We’ve got not just a current but a historic track record of being strong investors in defence and prioritising Nato,” the Prime Minister told reporters travelling with him to Bali.

“I think people can feel completely assured that we’re investing in our defences”.

He continued: “In terms of what does weaken Putin, I mean what he’s going to see from me is unequivocal condemnation of his actions at the G20.”

Mr Sunak also pointed to the UK’s “significant” financial and military assistance for Ukraine.

“I don’t think Putin or anyone else can look at that and say in any way that we’re weak,” he said.

The Prime Minister is preparing to confront Russia’s representative with allies at the summit, which starts on Tuesday.

The Ministry of Defence said the contract will support 1,700 jobs over the next decade at BAE Systems sites in Govan and Scotstoun.

The new ships are replacing the fleet of 12 retiring Type 23 frigates.

Defence Secretary Ben Wallace said: “We are investing in our fleet to ensure our Royal Navy maintains its world-leading capability to protect and defend our nation at sea.

“Supporting thousands of high-skilled jobs in Scotland, and more across the wider UK supply chain, this contract will continue to boost our British shipbuilding industry.”

Pamela Nash, chief executive of Scotland in Union, said: “It’s fantastic news that this part of the UK will benefit from such a significant and enduring investment.“Jobs on the Clyde are vital for the whole Scottish economy. “Projects like this will ensure Scotland remains the UK’s engine room for a long time to come."