The final design for Britain’s new national flagship is to be unveiled ahead of the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee celebrations.
According to reports in the Telegraph, a new national shipbuilding strategy published by Boris Johnson on Thursday commits to unveiling the design for the ship, which is seen as a replacement for the Royal Yacht Britannia.
Officials are hoping to do the grand reveal of the new £250 million ship before the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee weekend, marking her 70 years on the throne.
Working trade ship
Early designs are said to show that this will be a working trade ship, not a royal yacht.
The shipbuilding strategy describes it as “a visible demonstration of the UK’s commitment to enhance and strengthen trade with our key export markets around the world”, adding: “It will provide a unique convening power to UK exporters and a secure sovereign hub for diplomatic events.
“The design and construction of the new national flagship will be a national endeavour and a chance to show off the very best of UK shipbuilding.”
Boris Johnson
Johnson is expected to say today: “Shipbuilding has been in our blood for centuries and I want to ensure it remains at the heart of British industry for generations to come.
“The national shipbuilding strategy will transform this important and crucial industry, creating jobs, driving technology development and upskilling the shipbuilders of tomorrow, ensuring we are levelling up across every dock, port and shipyard in the UK.
“This will ensure the UK is rightly seen as a shipbuilding power across the world.”
Reaction
But reaction to the move hasn’t all been positive.
Here’s what people had to say:
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