Barrow, Death = New Life ( Sub )

Labour’s defence pledge breathes new life back into Barrow. The surge in

security spending means one of Britain’s poorer towns has been guaranteed
jobs for the next 60 years – and locals are beginning to reap the benefits.
In the dock at Barrow-in-Furness, the nuclear-powered submarine rises out
of the water like a giant blue whale. Its curved back and blunt conning
tower are just visible but most of its vast metal body is submerged. This
is Agamemnon, the sixth of seven Astute-class attack boats that have been
built by BAE Systems in the Cumbrian town. It was named not with the
traditional bottle of champagne but with a keg of locally-brewed beer
smashed against its side. Inside the cathedral-sized Devonshire Dock Hall,
four Dreadnought submarines that will carry Britain’s Trident nuclear
weapons are being built under the highest security. Each is more than 150
metres long, weighs 17,200 tonnes and will have a crew of 130 men and women
committed to maintaining the continuous at-sea deterrent. The shipyard will
also construct up to 12 conventionally-armed nuclear-powered submarines for
the Royal Navy, as well as contributing to the Aukus programme, the joint
endeavour between Australia, the US and the UK. The scale and length of
these contracts mean jobs are guaranteed for the next 60 years.

The Observer 19th Aug 2025

https://observer.co.uk/news/national/article/labours-defence-pledge-breathes-new-life-back-into-barrow