The House of Commons vote on 18 July in favour of new Successor-class submarines to replace the existing Vanguard-class submarines was widely welcomed by business groups.

Terry Scuoler, CEO of the EEF, said: “The vote for Successor is a vote for UK manufacturing’s future success — a critical message, particularly in light of the challenges our industry faces with the UK leaving the EU.

Building and maintaining four new submarines will support over 30,000 jobs in the UK and provide valuable long-term business opportunities for up to 1,000 supply-chain firms across the UK.

“This project could also be a ‘game-changer’ for the UK steel sector, if mandatory steel-policy guidance is adhered to and the use of British steel content is maximised. With so much to play for, it is clear that this programme demonstrates the type of strategic investment required if Britain is to achieve its ambition of being a major player on the global stage.”

Andy Collier, director of the NDI defence group, said: “The Successor programme is a major national investment programme on a scale similar to HS2.

“It will ensure that Britain’s 115-year record of making submarines continues, supporting jobs and ensuring that we retain vital skills in our economy. Now that we have the ‘green light’, it’s critical that the wealth of opportunity is made open and accessible to firms of all sizes across the UK.”

Tony Johns, managing director of BAE Systems Submarines, said: “Parliamentary approval for the Successor programme is excellent news for BAE Systems and the hundreds of UK organisations in our supply chain. We now move ahead into the construction phase of the four-boat Successor programme, with a highly mature design and significant investment in operating systems, facilities and skills.

"We are incredibly proud of the role we play in delivering nuclear submarines to the Royal Navy to help protect our national security and our interests around the world.”