Cammell Laird Welcomes Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer.

APCL Cammell Laird welcomed Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer to its facility yesterday following the Government’s announcement that it will be increasing defence expenditure to 2.5 % of GDP by April 2027.

The Prime Minister saw at first hand the programmes APCL delivers and found out about APCL Cammell Laird’s shipbuilding and ship repair capabilities – which are more vital than ever before.

Sir Keir Starmer enjoyed a tour of APCL Cammell Laird’s facility where he met with apprentices who are working on the Royal Navy’s Type 26 Frigates and the first Mersey Ferry to be built in 60 years, followed by a visit to RFA Tidespring.

APCL Cammell Laird currently has 171 apprentices in training – this figure will grow to 200 by September 2025. We were delighted to hear commitment from the Prime Minister that apprenticeships and training are at the forefront of his agenda.

Sir Keir then invited the workforce for a Q&A where staff had the opportunity to ask questions about the future of UK Shipbuilding, defence spending and his plan for ensuring young people and women are encouraged into the industry.

APCL Group Chief Executive David McGinley hosted the visit and is pictured below with the Prime Minister and Cammell Laird's apprentices.