To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, what progress he has made on agreeing a contract for the Type 26 frigate.

On 2 July, I announced the signature of a contract with BAE Systems worth around £3.7 billion to start the manufacture of the first batch of three Type 26 Frigates with the first steel to be cut later this month. This is an excellent deal for the taxpayer and a momentous commitment for Scotland that will strengthen and secure our shipbuilding industry on the Clyde for the future.