UK: Construction of New OPVs Put under Spotlight

Mike Hancock (MP for Portsmouth South) wrote a letter on April 4 to the Prime Minister to attempt to settle once and for all the questions over the new Offshore Patrol Vessels.

The two new vessels had initially been planned to be built at BAE’s base in Portsmouth, but this idea was later scrapped leaving a two year gap in work at the factory until work begins on the Type 26 frigates. However, the OPVs have reappeared on the radar in recent weeks and there have been rumours that an announcement is forthcoming.

After speaking with senior naval officials and Ministers and writing to various government departments, Mike has received many ambiguous or contradictory responses. In one such letter from Phillip Dunne at the MoD, he states that although the department ‘does not anticipate operating any additional OPVs… no decisions have yet been taken’.

In his letter Mike has sought a clear answer from the Prime Minister as to whether the vessels will be built. Mike wrote:

 ‘I have now written to the Deputy Prime Minister, BIS, the MoD and DEFRA – who are rumoured to be footing the bill for the OPVs – and spoken to senior officials in the Navy to try and determine exactly what the situation is with regard to these ships. Worryingly, I have received mixed messages from all sides and I am asking that you settle this issue once and for all. Will the Government be placing an order for two Offshore Patrol Vessels?’

Another equally important issue is, should the order be placed, where exactly the ships should be built. Mike continued in his letter:

 ‘ Will the Government be placing an order for two Offshore Patrol Vessels… and what steps [will you] take to protect the jobs of people in Portsmouth?’

It is thought the other option, should the OPVs be given the green light, is for building to commence on the Cyde, Scotland, possibly as a bargaining chip for a ‘No’ vote in the upcoming independence referendum.

 Mike said: “It makes plain sense for the OPVs to be built in Portsmouth. We have an 18 month gap to fill following on from the carriers and this would be the perfect solution. Peoples’ livelihoods are depending on this and we need to keep these skilled jobs in Portsmouth. I hope we can persuade the Prime Minister to take action to help us and not use this as something with which to gain political favour from voters in Scotland.”

[mappress]

Press Release, April 9, 2013; Image: UK Navy