The Courier & Advertiser (Angus and Dundee)
Fife-built ship makes UK a ‘global power’, says PM
May hails £3bn aircraft carrier a ‘stunning’ piece of engineering as vessel berths in her home port
The UK’s new Fife-built £3 billion aircraft carrier is a clear signal the country will remain a global power, Theresa May said as the ship arrived in Portsmouth.
Tens of thousands of people lined the harbour to welcome Rosyth-constructed HMS Queen Elizabeth, which has berthed at its home port for the first time.
The Prime Minister hailed the ship as a symbol of the UK as a “great global maritime nation”. Speaking on board, she said: “Britain can be proud of this ship and what it represents.
“It sends a clear signal that as Britain forges a new, positive, confident role on the world stage in the years ahead, we are determined to remain a fully engaged global power, working closely with our friends and allies around the world.”
Mrs May said the “mighty ship” was a “stunning piece” of 21st Century engineering that had involved more than 10,000 people in its construction.
Discussing Britain’s carrier programme, she said: “As highly versatile and potent assets, they will be able to meet the widest range of challenges around the world.
“Whether the task be high intensity war fighting, targeted action to fight terrorism, or humanitarian relief to save lives overseas, these ships will transform the UK’s ability to project power around the world.
“Alongside her supporting task group, including state-of-the-art aircraft, helicopters and escorts, HMS Queen Elizabeth and HMS Prince of Wales will, in time, give the UK a truly world-class carrier strike capability for decades to come.”
The 919ft (280m), 65,000 tonne vessel has been undergoing training and tests at sea after setting out from Rosyth dockyard in June.
Those on board and watching from the shore were treated to two separate flypasts of Royal Navy helicopters, which were then joined by two Hawk jets for the second.
A flotilla of craft followed the behemoth aircraft carrier as she sailed into the Solent before heading into Portsmouth, where, at its narrowest point, there was less than 66ft (20m) clearance on each side.
All the ship’s available company stood at the edge of the vessel as she arrived in the harbour and naval base.
As eager crowds waved and welcomed her in, Commander Darren Houston could be heard saying over the public address system to those on the shore “Good morning, Portsmouth”.
Some of the well-wishers had camped out over on the Round Tower, the traditional spot in Old Portsmouth to view navy ships leaving and arriving at the base, in order to get a good view.
An 820ft (250m) exclusion zone, enforced by armed police in small boats, meant the port was effectively closed to the flotilla of boats which had turned out to greet the Queen Elizabeth.
Navy officers and family members also lined the jetty to welcome the ship, while the band of the Royal Marines played to entertain the crowds.