The Government has pledged to fund the 'next generation' of nuclear submarines in a boost for Barrow's shipyard.

Barrow's MP welcomed the 'black and white commitment' by the Government as it announced plans for the future of defence spending across the country.

Following the Government's announcement of the results of its integrated defence review last week, a paper entitled Defence in a Competitive Age spelled out the Government's spending plans on nuclear submarine programmes.

It said: "We remain committed to building seven Astute class submarines, four of which have already been delivered into service.

"The Trafalgar class has been extended to ensure a seamless transition to the Astute class.

"We commit to funding for the next generation of nuclear submarines to guarantee our security well into the second half of the century."

The paper also said the Trident nuclear deterrent 'remains essential as the ultimate guarantee to our security, and that of our allies'.

"Armed with strategic nuclear missiles, these submarines have acted as the nation’s continuous nuclear deterrent against the most extreme threats to the UK and our allies, by sending a clear message to would-be aggressors," it said.

"Extreme threats to the UK and our allies have not gone away."

Mr Fell said: "I'm very glad to see a clear, black and white commitment to the deterrent from the Government in the command paper.

"This programme of work not only secures the nation but also our local area's future.

"I'm delighted by the emphasis that is being put on supporting supply chains and ship-building – it's great news not just for BAE but for our many supply chain businesses too."

HMS Audacious, the fourth of the seven Astute-class attack submarines being built by BAE Systems for the Royal Navy, set sail from Barrow in April 2020.

BAE chief executive Charles Woodburn said the Dreadnought programme of nuclear submarines was making 'good progress'.

The project is worth more than £30 billion, with an extra £10 billion available in contingency funding.

The Labour party has also said it would continue with the project were it to gain power.