John Healey to pledge ‘new age of industrialisation’ in Labour conference speech

John Healey will pledge a “new age of industrialisation” for Britain in his speech to Labour conference.

The chancellor is expected to confirm that three new floating docks for the Royal Navy’s submarine service at HM Naval Base Clyde will be built through a UK-only competition. The project, known as Programme Euston, will provide maintenance for the UK’s fleet of nuclear submarines, including inspections, upgrades and repairs.

Healey is expected to draw on his South Yorkshire roots in his first address to Labour conference as chancellor. “My politics were shaped by the industrial heartlands of South Yorkshire”, he is set to say. 

“Today, on the site of the Orgreave pit, is Rotherham’s Advanced Manufacturing Park. Our coal mines are not coming back. But this is how Britain’s industrial past is being remade now for the modern world.

“This is the new age of industrialisation. A new confidence in Britain.”

The chancellor will also commit at least £115 million to a new marine research vessel, which is due to be operational in the early 2030s.

Both projects will be delivered by British companies, as part of what Labour describes as a greater focus on using taxpayers’ money to boost national security while supporting British jobs.

Healey said: “Britain has a proud shipbuilding heritage, and every pound of this strategic investment in a critical sector is backing British jobs on the Clyde and businesses across the UK, supporting growth in every postcode.

“By backing British shipyards, we are not only boosting national security but also securing resilience in the industries that will drive growth today while building the capabilities the country needs for the future.”

Wes Streeting, the defence secretary, said defence spending “should make Britain stronger in every sense”.

He said: “That means backing British by buying British wherever our industry can deliver.

“HM Naval Base Clyde is at the heart of our submarine service. Programme Euston will modernise it for decades to come, while backing British shipyards, workers and engineering.

“That is defence driving the reindustrialisation of Britain and strengthening our sovereign capability.”