WMN Letters: Hammond poser on Type 26 frigates

On January 2, the WMN reviewed the latest edition of British Warships and Auxiliaries and noted Steve Bush’s concerns about where the Navy’s future frigates will be built in the event of Scotland voting for independence. On present plans, seven will be based at Devonport.

Following independence, under EU law, the UK Government would not be able to place orders for Type 26 frigates with Scottish shipyards, without first giving European shipyards an opportunity to tender.

As Defence Secretary Philip Hammond recently admitted to the Commons Defence Committee, European yards would inevitably undercut UK yards on price. It is Government policy not to build warships in foreign shipyards. That seems to me to put an end to the suggestion that the Type 26 can be built in Scotland, following independence.

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