I have a personal
interest in the future of the Harland and Wolff shipyard in Belfast, which is
under threat, as the founder of the company, Sir Edward Harland, was from
Scarborough.
The overriding reason why it must be preserved is that it contains the biggest
dry dock in Britain, and the only one capable of handling our two new aircraft
carriers (apart from the commercial dock in which they were constructed). There
has been almost no joined-up thinking in British naval affairs for four
decades.
The Type 26 frigate is finding much favour in export markets. Our own order for
the Navy should be increased to 16 vessels without delay, with one hull
entering the water every year from 2023 onwards. Will it happen? Probably not,
as we have been governed by sea-blind inadequates since Sir James Callaghan –
the last premier to truly appreciate the value of British sea power.
Mark Harland (UKIP Treasurer), Scarborough North Yorkshire