Labour promises UK industrialisation with £15bn shipyard upgrade
Plans include new floating docks and a marine research vessel, with £15m for worker training schemes.
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Shadow chancellor John Healey is set to announce plans for a "new age of industrialisation" for the United Kingdom during his Labour conference speech on Monday. He will outline a significant investment in the nation's shipbuilding and manufacturing sectors, aiming to modernise Britain's industrial base for contemporary challenges.
Naval Infrastructure and Research
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As part of a wider £15bn programme to upgrade Royal Navy shipyards, three new floating docks will be constructed in the UK for HM Royal Naval Base Clyde at Faslane. These facilities are intended to support the next generation of British submarines and are scheduled for service entry in the early 2030s. The government will also commission a new marine research vessel, with £115m allocated for its funding, also expected to be operational in the early 2030s. John Healey stated that by supporting British shipyards, the government is enhancing national security and building industries for future growth.
The announcement has been welcomed by the GMB union, with national secretary Charlotte Brumpton-Childs calling it a "massive boost" for the UK's shipbuilding sector. She noted that the move could revitalise domestic yards and the communities reliant on them, contrasting it with previous instances where contracts were awarded internationally.
Worker Training and Skills
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In addition to industrial investment, Healey will also detail plans to reinstate a training scheme for workers in England, supported by trade unions. The Union Learning Fund will receive £15m from existing government budgets to facilitate this initiative. The programme aims to help employees acquire new skills and adapt to technological advancements, including artificial intelligence, in the workplace. Participation is open to all employees, not exclusively union members, with training covering essential literacy, numeracy, digital skills, and pathways into growing sectors like advanced manufacturing.
Political Reaction and Economic Context
Shadow chancellor Andrew Griffith criticised the announcements as "reheated" and lacking clarity on funding sources. He suggested that Labour was avoiding difficult financial decisions. The Confederation of British Industry (CBI) has highlighted falling economic activity across various sectors, including retail and services, with manufacturing experiencing a more moderate decline. The CBI's deputy chief economist, Alpesh Paleja, cited rising energy and employment costs, alongside weak demand, as pressures on profit margins. Uncertainty surrounding the upcoming Budget is also reportedly impacting business activity.
Trade union leaders have also called for more direct support for workers. Sharon Graham, general secretary of the Unite union, urged Healey to address the cost of living crisis in his Budget by unfreezing income tax thresholds and taking further action on energy bills.
Questions this report answers
+What is Labour promising for UK industry?
Labour's shadow chancellor John Healey will promise a "new age of industrialisation" for the UK. This includes significant investment in shipbuilding and advanced manufacturing, aiming to modernise the country's industrial base for the future.
+What are the plans for the Royal Navy shipyards?
Three new floating docks will be built in the UK for HM Royal Naval Base Clyde at Faslane. This is part of a £15bn programme to upgrade Royal Navy shipyards and is intended to support future submarine capabilities.
+How much funding is allocated for worker training?
The Union Learning Fund will receive £15m from existing government budgets. This funding will support training schemes for workers to gain new skills and adapt to technological changes in the workplace.
+What is the expected cost of the new marine research vessel?
The government plans to allocate £115m in funding for a new marine research vessel. This vessel is part of the broader plans to boost Britain's maritime capabilities and is expected to come into service in the early 2030s.
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