AFTER a delay, the latest Astute-class submarine to be built in Barrow will be set for sea trials in a matter of weeks, a senior government figure has confirmed. 

Secretary of State for Defence Michael Fallon, who visited BAE Submarines Systems in Barrow last week, confirmed that HMS Artful will exit Barrow “within weeks”. 

His comments came during a House of Commons debate on defence after Barrow and Furness MP John Woodcock inquired if the delay launch would have any knock-on effect for the planned Trident successor programme. 

Mr Woodcock said: “I trust that the Secretary of State was impressed by the extraordinary engineering he saw in Barrow shipyard last week. 

“Will the delay in Artful’s exit have any impact on successor?"

In response, Mr Fallon said: “I was extremely impressed by my visit to Barrow to see HMS Artful, the latest of our super submarines, as she prepares to sail. 

“She will join Astute and Ambush to help to keep the sea lanes open and contribute where necessary to the fight against terrorism. 

“I hope the whole House will wish her well. We expect her to sail in the next few weeks.” 

Addressing Mr Fallon, Mr Woodcock also asked in the secretary of state will be attending a planned submarine manufacturing enterprise day on October 21. 

Mr Fallon replied: “I think I attended that event last year, and I look forward to attending it this year if I am invited.”

BAE Submarine Systems have not set an exact for the sea trials for HMS Artful but have previously stated they will take place some time this summer. 

Artful is the third submarine in the seven-boat Astute-class programme at Barrow shipyard. 

It was named in a traditional ceremony at BAE Submarine Systems on September 20 2013. 

It is the second Royal Navy submarine to hold the name. The first HMS Artful was constructed by Scotts Shipbuilding and Engineering in Greenock in 1947. 

The Astute-class submarines are replacing the older Trafalgar-class boats.