Latest news with #HMSVictorious
The Courier
3 days ago
- Business
- The Courier
Fife Planning Ahead: Starbucks approval and fresh Levenmouth rail bridge plan
New plans have been approved for a Rosyth memorial to a heroic wartime submarine crew. Sculptures and a garden will be created for ORP Orzel, which arrived at the dockyard in 1939 after escaping internment in Estonia. It carried out missions with the Royal Navy until it was lost at sea in 1940, with the loss of 63 lives. The memorial, between Castle Road and Ferry Toll Road, will tell the story of the meeting of ORP Orzel and HMS Victorious at the start of the Second World War. A former Kirkcaldy gin and cocktail bar will be transformed into a bridal shop. Planners have approved an application by Grande Dreams for the building last known as The Candy Bar. Grande Dreams has been operating at Mitchelston Drive since 2019, offering a range of products. Plans to convert a Kincardine pub into a house have been given the go-ahead. The Auld Hoose owner says the the smoking ban, a reduction in the drink drive limit and then covid lockdowns have affected custom. According to planning papers, the 'financial affordability of the pub has been stressed'. And conversion of the B-listed building would prevent it becoming derelict in future. The landlord describes the proposal as 'a back-up plan' should the pub become unviable. Plans for two-drive thru restaurants, including a Starbucks, have been approved for Dalgety Bay. The American coffee giant will be built on a vacant site at Hillend Industrial Estate, off Ridge Way. Developers are still in talks with companies over who will occupy the second building. However, the application was made by the Adil Group, which operates dozens of KFCs, Burger Kings, Costa Coffees and Taco Bells across the UK. Cardenden could be in line for hundreds of new homes. Miller Homes has submitted a planning of application notice (PAN) for a residential and commercial development west of North Dundonald Farm. Public exhibitions at Bowhill Community Centre on June 25 and August 20 will reveal more details. A previous application, later withdrawn, mooted 173 houses and 66 flats on the site. Fresh plans for an active travel bridge over the new Levenmouth rail link have been approved. A bridge between Aldi in Mountleurie, Leven, and Steelworks Brae in Methil, was originally approved in February last year. However, Network Rail then submitted amended designs. The 102-metre-long bridge is for walking, wheeling and cycling and will cross both the railway and the River Leven. It is hoped it will be open by spring 2026. Rosyth submarine memorial Kincardine pub conversion Dalgety Bay Starbucks drive-thru Kirkcaldy bridal shop Cardenden housing development Levenmouth rail bridge
Sky News
20-03-2025
- Politics
- Sky News
PM makes rare visit to nuclear-armed submarine to show UK's strength - but Putin will notice a potential weakness
Sir Keir Starmer has boarded a nuclear-armed submarine as it returned from a lengthy patrol - in a rare showcasing of the UK's deterrent that will catch Russia's attention at a time of growing tensions. While being reminded about British nuclear strength though, Russian President Vladimir Putin will also doubtless take note of a potential weakness. HMS Vanguard was kept patrolling at sea for more than 200 days - one of the longest-ever deployments that will likely have put a huge strain on the submariners and the vessel - as issues with maintaining the ageing fleet make it harder to rotate the boats more quickly. The Royal Navy must keep one nuclear-armed submarine at sea at all times. The so-called "continuous at-sea deterrence" is the cornerstone of UK defence strategy and the ultimate guarantor of the nation's security. It is the first time a prime minister has visited one of the Royal Navy's four top-secret nuclear-armed submarines as it returned from a deterrent patrol - a moment known as "Day Zero" - in more than a decade. The last time this happened was with David Cameron in 2013. Video released by the Ministry of Defence (MoD) showed Sir Keir, eyes pressed to pair of binoculars, and Defence Secretary John Healey sailing out to greet the ageing submarine - which had surfaced - as it re-entered UK waters off Scotland earlier in the week following what was reported to have been a 204-day patrol. The MoD declined to confirm the length of time the boat had been at sea. The longest known deployment - of 207 days - was carried out in 2021 by HMS Victorious. Patrols by one of the UK's nuclear-armed submarines - which used to last three months - have had to be extended in recent years because of prolonged periods of maintenance and repair work on the other boats. The fleet is operating well beyond its original in-service life of 25 years because of delays in the building of four replacement boats. In a show of support for what is known as the "silent service", the prime minister, dressed in a Royal Navy-style coat, could be seen in the footage stepping onto the topside of HMS Vanguard as it bobbed in the water. He was joined by Mr Healey as a line of submariners stood to attention, before they both clambered down a hatch into the vessel. The two men, followed by Admiral Sir Ben Key, the head of the Royal Navy, walked around inside the submarine and received what was described as a "hot" brief on the deployment. The official release of any information about the UK's nuclear deterrent is extremely rare. Filming of any of the boats is also highly unusual and strictly controlled. Britain's enemies will likely be scouring the images that were made public for any clues that might reveal any information about the military's most potent weapon and the ultimate guarantor of UK security. All audio was removed before release for security reasons. The decision to publish details and images about the visit appears designed to send a signal to Moscow that the UK remains a nuclear-armed power. It came as the prime minister and defence secretary prepared to visit a sprawling BAE Systems manufacturing site in Barrow, a port town in Cumbria, where the new generation of nuclear-armed submarines is finally being built to replace the Vanguard-class vessels. The whole programme to renew the UK's nuclear deterrent - the submarines, missiles and warheads - is expected to cost more than £30bn, with an additional contingency of £10bn - making it the UK's most expensive and important procurement programme. Sir Keir described Barrow as a "blueprint" for how defence spending can bolster security and boost economic growth by generating highly skilled jobs and opportunities. "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," he said, in remarks released in advance by the government. "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." In a sign of the importance of the programme, the prime minister will lay the keel to the first Dreadnought-class boat on Thursday afternoon. In addition, the King has agreed to give the "Royal" title to the Port of Barrow "in recognition of the town's unique and critical contribution to national security", the government said. The Royal Navy has maintained one of four submarines loaded with nuclear-armed missiles permanently at sea since the first patrol was launched in 1969. But the age of the current fleet and increased requirement for repair work raise the risk of failure. Any break in the continuous at sea deterrence would be a devastating blow, undermining the UK's ability to deter the most existential of threats. As well as visiting HMS Vanguard earlier in the week, the prime minister and defence secretary also spoke with family members of the submariners who have been at sea for more than half a year. Four crew members returned to meet newborn babies.
Sky News
20-03-2025
- Politics
- Sky News
PM makes rare visit to nuclear-armed submarine to show UK's strength - but Putin will take note of a potential weakness
Sir Keir Starmer has boarded a nuclear-armed submarine as it returned from a lengthy patrol - in a rare showcasing of the UK's deterrent that will catch Russia's attention at a time of growing tensions. While being reminded about British nuclear strength though, Russian President Vladimir Putin will also doubtless take note of a potential weakness. HMS Vanguard was kept patrolling at sea for more than 200 days - one of the longest-ever deployments that will likely have put a huge strain on the submariners and the vessel - as issues with maintaining the ageing fleet make it harder to rotate the boats more quickly. The Royal Navy must keep one nuclear-armed submarine at sea at all times. The so-called "continuous at-sea deterrence" is the cornerstone of UK defence strategy and the ultimate guarantor of the nation's security. It is the first time a prime minister has visited one of the Royal Navy's four top-secret nuclear-armed submarines as it returned from a deterrent patrol - a moment known as "Day Zero" - in more than a decade. The last time this happened was with David Cameron in 2013. Video released by the Ministry of Defence (MoD) showed Sir Keir, eyes pressed to pair of binoculars, and Defence Secretary John Healey sailing out to greet the ageing submarine - which had surfaced - as it re-entered UK waters off Scotland earlier in the week following what was reported to have been a 204-day patrol. The MoD declined to confirm the length of time the boat had been at sea. The longest known deployment - of 207 days - was carried out in 2021 by HMS Victorious. Patrols by one of the UK's nuclear-armed submarines - which used to last three months - have had to be extended in recent years because of prolonged periods of maintenance and repair work on the other boats. The fleet is operating well beyond its original in-service life of 25 years because of delays in the building of four replacement boats. In a show of support for what is known as the "silent service", the prime minister, dressed in a Royal Navy-style coat, could be seen in the footage stepping onto the topside of HMS Vanguard as it bobbed in the water. He was joined by Mr Healey as a line of submariners stood to attention, before they both clambered down a hatch into the vessel. The two men, followed by Admiral Sir Ben Key, the head of the Royal Navy, walked around inside the submarine and received what was described as a "hot" brief on the deployment. The official release of any information about the UK's nuclear deterrent is extremely rare. Filming of any of the boats is also highly unusual and strictly controlled. Britain's enemies will likely be scouring the images that were made public for any clues that might reveal any information about the military's most potent weapon and the ultimate guarantor of UK security. All audio was removed before release for security reasons. The decision to publish details and images about the visit appears designed to send a signal to Moscow that the UK remains a nuclear-armed power. It came as the prime minister and defence secretary prepared to visit a sprawling BAE Systems manufacturing site in Barrow, a port town in Cumbria, where the new generation of nuclear-armed submarines is finally being built to replace the Vanguard-class vessels. The whole programme to renew the UK's nuclear deterrent - the submarines, missiles and warheads - is expected to cost more than £30bn, with an additional contingency of £10bn - making it the UK's most expensive and important procurement programme. Sir Keir described Barrow as a "blueprint" for how defence spending can bolster security and boost economic growth by generating highly skilled jobs and opportunities. "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," he said, in remarks released in advance by the government. "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." In a sign of the importance of the programme, the prime minister will lay the keel to the first Dreadnought-class boat on Thursday afternoon. In addition, the King has agreed to give the "Royal" title to the Port of Barrow "in recognition of the town's unique and critical contribution to national security", the government said. The Royal Navy has maintained one of four submarines loaded with nuclear-armed missiles permanently at sea since the first patrol was launched in 1969. But the age of the current fleet and increased requirement for repair work raise the risk of failure. Any break in the continuous at sea deterrence would be a devastating blow, undermining the UK's ability to deter the most existential of threats. As well as visiting HMS Vanguard earlier in the week, the prime minister and defence secretary also spoke with family members of the submariners who have been at sea for more than half a year. Four crew members returned to meet newborn babies.
Sky News
20-03-2025
- Politics
- Sky News
Sir Keir Starmer visits nuclear-armed submarine as tensions grow with Russia
Sir Keir Starmer has boarded a nuclear-armed submarine as it returned from a lengthy patrol - in a rare showcasing of the UK's deterrent that will catch Russia's attention at a time of growing tensions. While being reminded about British nuclear strength though, Russian President Vladimir Putin will also doubtless take note of a potential weakness. HMS Vanguard was kept patrolling at sea for more than 200 days - one of the longest-ever deployments that will likely have put a huge strain on the submariners and the vessel - as issues with maintaining the ageing fleet make it harder to rotate the boats more quickly. The Royal Navy must keep one nuclear-armed submarine at sea at all times. The so-called "continuous at-sea deterrence" is the cornerstone of UK defence strategy and the ultimate guarantor of the nation's security. It is the first time a prime minister has visited one of the Royal Navy's four top-secret nuclear-armed submarines as it returned from a deterrent patrol - a moment known as "Day Zero" - in more than a decade. The last time this happened was with David Cameron in 2013. Video released by the Ministry of Defence (MoD) showed Sir Keir, eyes pressed to pair of binoculars, and Defence Secretary John Healey sailing out to greet the ageing submarine - which had surfaced - as it re-entered UK waters off Scotland earlier in the week following what was reported to have been a 204-day patrol. The MoD declined to confirm the length of time the boat had been at sea. The longest known deployment - of 207 days - was carried out in 2021 by HMS Victorious. Patrols by one of the UK's nuclear-armed submarines - which used to last three months - have had to be extended in recent years because of prolonged periods of maintenance and repair work on the other boats. The fleet is operating well beyond its original in-service life of 25 years because of delays in the building of four replacement boats. In a show of support for what is known as the "silent service", the prime minister, dressed in a Royal Navy-style coat, could be seen in the footage stepping onto the topside of HMS Vanguard as it bobbed in the water. He was joined by Mr Healey as a line of submariners stood to attention, before they both clambered down a hatch into the vessel. The two men, followed by Admiral Sir Ben Key, the head of the Royal Navy, walked around inside the submarine and received what was described as a "hot" brief on the deployment. The official release of any information about the UK's nuclear deterrent is extremely rare. Filming of any of the boats is also highly unusual and strictly controlled. Britain's enemies will likely be scouring the images that were made public for any clues that might reveal any information about the military's most potent weapon and the ultimate guarantor of UK security. All audio was removed before release for security reasons. The decision to publish details and images about the visit appears designed to send a signal to Moscow that the UK remains a nuclear-armed power. It came as the prime minister and defence secretary prepared to visit a sprawling BAE Systems manufacturing site in Barrow, a port town in Cumbria, where the new generation of nuclear-armed submarines is finally being built to replace the Vanguard-class vessels. The whole programme to renew the UK's nuclear deterrent - the submarines, missiles and warheads - is expected to cost more than £30bn, with an additional contingency of £10bn - making it the UK's most expensive and important procurement programme. Sir Keir described Barrow as a "blueprint" for how defence spending can bolster security and boost economic growth by generating highly skilled jobs and opportunities. "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," he said, in remarks released in advance by the government. "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." In a sign of the importance of the programme, the prime minister will lay the keel to the first Dreadnought-class boat on Thursday afternoon. In addition, the King has agreed to give the "Royal" title to the Port of Barrow "in recognition of the town's unique and critical contribution to national security", the government said. The Royal Navy has maintained one of four submarines loaded with nuclear-armed missiles permanently at sea since the first patrol was launched in 1969. But the age of the current fleet and increased requirement for repair work raise the risk of failure. Any break in the continuous at sea deterrence would be a devastating blow, undermining the UK's ability to deter the most existential of threats. As well as visiting HMS Vanguard earlier in the week, the prime minister and defence secretary also spoke with family members of the submariners who have been at sea for more than half a year. Four crew members returned to meet newborn babies.
