London:
Britain will create what it is calling a new “national flagship” vessel to host trade events and market its post-Brexit interests about the world, Prime Minister Boris Johnson announced Saturday.
The ship will provide a worldwide platform for higher level trade negotiations as nicely as British businesses’ items, his workplace mentioned, as the United Kingdom seeks new trading ties right after leaving the European Union last year.
It will also be anticipated to play a function in delivering the country’s foreign and safety policies, which includes by hosting summits and other diplomatic talks.
It will be the 1st so-referred to as national flagship in service due to the fact 1997, when the Royal Yacht Britannia was decommissioned.
However, Johnson insisted the new vessel’s function will be “distinct” from these of forerunners, “reflecting the UK’s burgeoning status as a great, independent maritime trading nation”.
“Every aspect of the ship, from its build to the businesses it showcases on board, will represent and promote the best of British — a clear and powerful symbol of our commitment to be an active player on the world stage,” he mentioned in a statement.
The ship’s building is anticipated to commence in 2022 and be completed inside 4 years, with its fees confirmed following a competitive tendering course of action, according to Johnson’s workplace.
The vessel, however to be named, will be crewed by the Royal Navy and earmarked for about 30 years’ service.
The government is probably to face calls to name it right after Prince Philip, Queen Elizabeth II’s late husband and a former navy commander, who died in April aged 99.
Britain formally left the EU right after practically 5 decades of membership in January 2020, and quit its single market place and customs union at the get started of this year.
It has replicated or rolled more than current trade agreements with the bloc, Japan and various other nations, but is however to strike an totally new deal with any nation.
London is at present in sophisticated discussions with Australia and has held initial talks with India, New Zealand and the United States about future pacts.
()