Lib Dems Propose Six New Frigates Amid Rising Russian Threat

• •Liberal Democrats propose six new frigates to enhance Royal Navy capabilities.
• •Plans include establishing four new shipyards to boost UK shipbuilding capacity.
• •Polling shows 60% of the public feels the government is insufficiently addressing Russian threats.

The Liberal Democrats have announced plans to order six additional Royal Navy frigates and establish four new shipyards to bolster UK shipbuilding capacity in response to perceived threats from Russia. This proposal includes three Type 26 anti-submarine warfare frigates and three Type 31 general-purpose frigates, aimed for delivery by the mid-2030s. The estimated cost for the additional Type 31 frigates is around £1.2 billion, while the Type 26 frigates are projected to cost approximately £2.85 billion. The party's Defence Spokesperson emphasized the urgency of enhancing national security as public concern grows over Russian activities near UK waters. Recent polling indicates that 60% of the public believes the government is not doing enough to protect critical infrastructure from Russian threats. The announcement follows a Defence Committee report highlighting serious capability gaps in British operations in the High North.