“Up to” 28 ships and submarines will be built under Tory plans, says Grant Shapps

Grant Shapps claimed that the UK was experiencing a "golden age" of shipbuilding, with up to 28 Royal Navy ships under construction or planned.

The Defense Secretary confirmed that up to six Multi-Purpose Support Ships (MRSS) – designed to send commandos to shores around the world to carry out special operations – would be built.

New drone-carrying ships for the Royal Marines will draw on lessons learned from the war in Ukraine and the Houthis attack ships in the Red Sea.

Meanwhile, Type 23 frigates HMS Argyll and HMS Westminster will be withdrawn.