Healey to promise 'new age of industrialisation' for UK in conference speech

John Healey will pledge a “new age of industrialisation” for the United Kingdom when he delivers his inaugural Labour conference speech as chancellor on Monday. He told delegates that the country’s coal mines are not returning, but Labour intends to remake Britain’s economy for the modern era by backing advanced manufacturing. He also announced plans to strengthen the UK shipbuilding sector, including new orders for Royal Navy floating docks and a maritime research vessel. With only days remaining before his first Budget, the chancellor faces pressure to cut spending or raise taxes to curb the growing cost of government borrowing. Nevertheless, he is not expected to reveal any specifics of his Budget proposals during the Labour annual conference in Liverpool. Instead, he will outline an optimistic vision for British industry, which he described as a “new confidence in Britain.” The former defence secretary said three new floating docks at HM Naval Base Clyde, Faslane, will be constructed in the UK rather than outsourced to international tender. Plans for the docks were first set out in 2023 and are intended to upgrade Faslane’s facilities for the next generation of British submarines. The docks form part of a wider £15 billion upgrade programme for the Royal Navy’s shipyards and are slated to enter service in the early 2030s. First Secretary of State Louise Haigh said on Sunday that the government will also commission a new marine research vessel as part of a “new epoch of reindustrialisation.” Healey is expected to earmark £115 million in funding for the ship, which is likewise scheduled to become operational in the early 2030s. Ahead of his speech, Healey remarked: “By backing British shipyards, we are not only boosting national security but also securing resilience in the industries that will drive growth today while building the capabilities the state needs for the future.” Shadow chancellor Andrew Griffith criticised the announcements as “reheated announcements” with “no clarity on where the money is coming from.” He added: “Labour are moving frightened of making the tough choices needed to pay for Britain’s defence. All they can offer is reannounced docks and more hot air from Healey. Only the Conservatives will cut the bill to fund defence.” Charlotte Brumpton‑Childs, national head of the GMB union, which has campaigned for the move, said it would be a “massive boost” for the UK’s shipbuilding sector. “For too long lucrative contracts have been sent overseas – often subsidised – yards.” “This policy could reinvigorate UK yards and the communities that depend on them,” she added. Prime Minister Andy Burnham, who is due to deliver his major conference speech on Tuesday, has previously spoken of his ambition to “reindustrialise” Britain, including in talks last week with US President Donald Trump. However, a survey to be published on Monday by the Confederation of British Industry (CBI) will show declining economic activity across key sectors such as retail and services in the three months to September, with manufacturing falling more moderately. CBI deputy chief economist Alpesh Paleja said rising energy and employment costs combined with weak demand continue to pressure profit margins. He added: “Uncertainty ahead of next month’s Budget is also holding back activity in some sectors. Against the backdrop of renewed fiscal pressures, the Budget must draw a clear line under any further rises in the cost of hiring, investing and doing business.” The chancellor is also under pressure from some of Labour’s trade‑union backers to do more to address the cost of living. Sharon Graham, general secretary of the Unite union, has urged Healey to “do something for workers and the working class” in his Budget. She called on him to unfreeze income‑tax thresholds “to put money back into people’s pockets” and to take further action on energy bills. In his conference speech, Healey will also announce plans to revive a training scheme run by trade unions to help workers in England acquire new skills and adapt as technology, including AI, transforms the workplace. The Union Learning Fund will receive £15 million of taxpayers’ money, drawn from existing government budgets. Employees do not need to be union members to benefit, with options ranging from basic English, maths and digital skills to training for jobs in growing industries such as high‑tech manufacturing.