Nuclear submarine port to be granted royal title

The Port of Barrow is to be granted royal status over its "unique and critical contribution" to national security, the government has announced.

The title of the Royal Port of Barrow will be conferred in recognition of its nuclear submarine building programme.

During a visit to the town on Thursday, Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer confirmed King Charles III has agreed to confer royal status to the port in Cumbria.

A mark of royal favour for the whole of Barrow will also be given, a government spokeswoman said, with the King hoping to visit the town "in due course to mark its proud heritage and prosperous future".

Sir Keir said: "Each and every person living and working in Barrow is contributing to our nation's defence, whether that is building our world-class submarine programme or supporting the workforce here through vital public services or proud family businesses."

Barrow's BAE Systems site is building the Dreadnought-class submarines that will form the UK's at-sea nuclear deterrent.

The announcement was made during a keel-laying ceremony during which the prime minister laid the keel to the first boat - officially marking the start of construction.

Defence Secretary John Healey said all four submarines "built in Royal Barrow", represent "a generational commitment that is transforming this town".

Alexander Scott, HM Lord-Lieutenant of Cumbria - the King's official representative for the county - said the "recognition celebrates the port's enduring contribution to trade, industry, defence and the prosperity of our nation".

The prime minister's trip to Barrow came a few days after he and the defence secretary boarded a nuclear-armed submarine off the coast of Scotland as it returned from a tour of duty.

The government is increasing defence spending as the UK and allies look to bolster support for Ukraine in its war with Russia.

Following his time aboard the vessel, the Prime Minister said: "This week, I saw first hand the sacrifice our submariners are making every day to keep our country safe, but I know they are only able to do that because of the support of the town of Barrow.

"This is where the story begins. The submarine I was on was built right here.

"Those sailors depend on... the best engineering, the best design, the best assembling. That means you."

In 2023, the town's former Conservative MP, Simon Fell, launched a campaign for the town to achieve royal status.

In a letter to then-Prime Minister Rishi Sunak he emphasised the town's history and the pivotal part it had played in the UK's industrial and maritime achievements.

The keel for the first nuclear-armed ballistic missile submarine was laid in Barrow in 1959, before its launch in 1960.

Two years later, the UK declared its nuclear capability to Nato.

Labour MP for Barrow and Furness, Michelle Scrogham, told BBC Radio Cumbria she "couldn't be prouder".

"It's acknowledging that the people of Barrow-in-Furness play a huge role in the defence of our nation.

"To be given a royal title is a recognition of that dedication and commitment from the people of Barrow.

"It seems fitting that the recognition is for the port and what we have always delivered from that port and BAE systems," Ms Scrogham said.

Crediting her predecessor Mr Fell and Barrow Rotary, she added that she had "no doubt" the work they did helped earn the title.

Additional reporting by the Local Democracy Reporting Service.

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