Boris Johnson used a ship built in South Korea to promote his idea for British shipbuilding

The Confederation of Shipbuilding and Engineering Unions’ general secretary Ian Waddell said: “It speaks volumes that the Prime Minister chooses to launch the much-trumpeted shipbuilding strategy in front of a ship that was built in Korea.

“There could not be a clearer signal that this Government could not care less about levelling-up UK shipbuilding communities and supply chains, and would far rather spend UK taxpayers’ money in foreign shipyards.”

Prospect union senior deputy general secretary Sue Ferns said: “Announcing a strategy for shipbuilding in front of a ship that was built in South Korea sadly tells you all you need to know about this Government’s commitment to British shipbuilding jobs.”