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Based in Liverpool and on the River Mersey, the contract – awarded to boatbuilders Marine Specialised Technology – will sustain 50 jobs and create a further 15 across the northwest of England, according to a Government statement.
The police patrol craft will play an “important role” in defence and will enhance the capability to “safeguard UK and Gibraltar waters”, the statement said.
It will also escort major Royal Navy assets in and out of Naval bases at home and overseas, the Government said.
Defence Minister Baroness Goldie said: “This £36 million investment allows our MOD Police and Gibraltar Defence Police Forces to enhance the vital security service they provide to our military bases at home and overseas.
“Designed and constructed by maritime experts in the UK, this contract reaffirms our commitment to invest in homegrown industry knowledge and support the protection and creation of skilled jobs.”
The 15-metre craft will be able to carry three crew members and up to four passengers while travelling up to 30 knots.
They will be fitted with a CCTV surveillance system, two Marine Jet Power waterjets and reinforced with bullet-proof protection against incoming fire.
MoD Police marine operations support lead, Inspector Brian McArdle, added: “The bespoke craft requirement compiled in collaboration with Defence Equipment and Support, will deliver a modern maritime craft enhancing the operational capabilities of the MoD Police.
“The craft procurement is part of an ongoing craft replacement project ensuring the MoD Police continues to support MOD and Royal Navy to achieve operational objectives.”
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The Carrier Strike Group 21, led by the Royal Navy, visited Gibraltar as part of the deployment alongside their Dutch and US counterparts.
The deployment was supported by the Gibraltar Defence Police (GDP).
Gibraltar is a British overseas territory but is also the subject of a territorial claim by Spain.
It was a subject of contention during the EU divorce talks where the Spanish government was accused of using Brexit to snatch back the territory.
It was captured in 1704 and by 1713 the Spanish Crown formally ceded the territory to the British Crown.
Spain attempted to recapture the territory twice.
It was a subject of contention during the divorce talks where the Spanish government was accused of using Brexit to snatch back the territory.
During the 2016 Brexit referendum, Gibraltar asserted its right to have its vote counted alongside the rest of the UK.
Gibraltarians voted to remain part of the European Union with 95.9 percent.
Back in November, Prime Minister Boris Johnson increased funding for the MoD by more than £24billion across the next four years.
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