James Duddridge, Member of Parliament for Rochford and Southend East, supports the campaign for the return of the Royal Yacht.
James said
“Brexit gives Britain a chance to not only conduct new trade deals and exploit growth markets, but to also extend our role as a humanitarian country of principles and compassion doing good across the globe. Now is the time to once again project the prestige of this nation across the globe.
Bringing back a privately funded Royal Yacht Britannia is the perfect start to achieving this.”
Whilst the role of the royal yacht has changed over the centuries, towards the end of her service Britannia was predominantly used to support British trade around the globe. On one of her most successful voyages, in excess of £1.3 Billion worth of contracts were signed supporting the UK and its economy. Recommissioning or rebuilding a new yacht, which would be the 85th royal yacht since the restoration of the monarchy in 1660, would also be a fitting tribute to the hard work and dedication of Her Majesty the Queen.
This is why James believes now is the time for the Government to set up a commission examining the contribution the return of a royal yacht can make, in order that she, together with our Royal Family, can help us shape our future as an optimistic global trading nation.