Barrow is a blueprint for how defence spending can boost communities up and down the country, the Prime Minister will say while on a visit to the town today.
It comes as he announces the King has agreed to confer the Royal title to the Port of Barrow in recognition of the town’s unique and critical contribution to national security as home of nuclear submarine building in the UK.
King Charles also hopes to visit the town in due course.
The visit follows the Prime Minister secretly joining submariners returning home to loved ones a few days ago, hearing first hand the ‘hot’ debrief of their long operational tour keeping the UK and NATO Allies safe.
The Prime Minister boarded the boat as it returned to UK waters, known as a Day Zero, to thank submariners for their months of silent service deep under water. He is the first Prime Minister to join a Day Zero since 2013.
The Prime Minister also met families waiting for their relatives to return from sea, many of which had experienced significant life milestones while their loved ones were on deployment, including four submariners who returned home to newborn children.
Since 1969, the nuclear deterrent has been the cornerstone of UK security and continuously delivered by the Royal Navy – with at least one nuclear-armed ballistic missile submarine patrolling the seas undetected at all times.
The keel for the first nuclear-armed ballistic missile submarine was laid in Barrow in 1959, before its launch in 1960. Two years later, the UK declared its nuclear capability to NATO.
This afternoon, the Prime Minister will lay the keel to the first boat of the next generation nuclear armed submarines, knowns as the Dreadnought class.
Dreadnought will deliver the next generation of our nuclear deterrent, to protect our people and allies from the most extreme threats to our national security and way of life for decades to come.
It is also expected to support more than 30,000 jobs across the country, from the heart of BAE Systems in Barrow, to small and medium enterprises up and down the country.
Barrow will also play a vital role in delivering the AUKUS programme – a joint endeavour between Australia, the United States and the UK – with the first SSN-AUKUS attack submarines being built at the BAE Systems site.
Last month, the Prime Minister announced that this government will increase defence spending to 2.5% of GDP from 2027, with an ambition to reach 3% in the next parliament.
The Barrow submarine workforce alone has grown by more than 1,000 people in the past six months, with those working in the defence nuclear sector earning approximately 20% above the national average wage.
Defence spending here is supporting highly skilled jobs, driving opportunities for young people and delivering world class capabilities to keep us all safe, but it’s also crucially putting money in the pockets of hardworking people.
“This week, I saw firsthand the sacrifice our submariners are making every day to keep our country safe, but I know they are only able to do that because of the support of the town of Barrow,” Sir Keir said.
“Each and every person living and working in Barrow is contributing to our nation’s defence, whether that is building our world-class submarine programme, or supporting the workforce here through vital public services or proud family businesses.”
Defence Secretary John Healey said: “Our triple lock pledge for Britain’s nuclear deterrent will see all four Dreadnought-class submarines built in Royal Barrow – a generational commitment that is transforming this town.
“This is one of the most complex projects ever undertaken in this country, representing the very best of British engineering.
“Our commitment to the nuclear deterrent is unshakeable – it is the ultimate guarantor of our national security and the security of our NATO allies. And this national endeavour is also an engine for jobs and growth in Barrow and beyond.”
The Prime Minister will also announce that the King has agreed to confer the title Royal to the Port of Barrow in recognition of the town’s role in guaranteeing the nation’s security.
The title is a recognition of the dedication and commitment of the people of Barrow in delivering the submarines that protect the nation, now and for decades to come.
The King hopes to visit the town in due course to mark the town’s proud heritage and prosperous future.
It comes after former MP for Barrow and Furness Simon Fell launched a campaign in 2023 for the town to achieve royal status.
In a letter to then Prime Minister Rishi Sunak, the town’s Conservative MP at the time emphasised the town’s history and the pivotal part it has played in the UK’s industrial and maritime achievements.
The letter added: “Granting Royal Town status to Barrow-in-Furness would not only be a symbolic recognition of our town’s rich history, but also a catalyst for economic and cultural rejuvenation.
“The enhanced status would undoubtedly attract investment, stimulate tourism and provide hope and optimism for our tight-knit community.”
As part of recognising that contribution, and ensuring the community is able to continue delivering the nuclear deterrent for generations to come, new funding to support the wider community will be announced by the Prime Minister.
That will include a new £28 million funding package for T-levels, delivered by providers across England including Furness College in Barrow.
The funding will help to equip and inspire students to be the next generation of submarine builders, with industry-relevant skills and knowledge, and leading to skilled employment, apprenticeships, or higher education both in the defence sector and beyond.
This is on top of the Barrow Transformation Fund, a £200 million government package to strengthen the local economy, support sustainable growth and boost opportunities for the people of Barrow.
As part of that fund, a £5 million pot to invest in schools to boost aspiration and support the needs of the young people of Barrow will also be opened.
The funding priorities will be co-designed with representative leaders from across Barrow’s schools, ensuring the money is spent by the people who know best about how to improve the future of young people in the town.
The fund also delivers on the government’s commitment to ensure those on the frontline of public services are empowered in decision making.
A further £5 million will be provided for grants to community and voluntary organisations to allow local people to improve their local area.
