Written question asked by Mark Francois (Conservative) on Monday, 27 January 2025, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Wednesday, 29 January 2025. It was answered by Luke Pollard (Labour) on Friday, 7 February 2025 on behalf of the Ministry of Defence.

HMS Achilles

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, whether his Department held consultations with (a) navy stakeholders and (b) Royal Navy representatives on the decision to rename the new attack submarine HMS Achilles.

Answer: Potential ship names are proposed by the Royal Navy's Ships Names and Badges Committee who make suggestions based on historical information and civic affiliations. The seventh boat in the Astute class is to be called “Achilles”. The name was proposed by the Royal Navy Ships Names and Badges Committee, shared with Ministers and approved by His Majesty the King. As Minister for the Armed Forces, following approval by his Majesty the King, I issued Official Direction to implement the change. There will be a small cost (less than £1000) for the renewing of the Achilles badge. No other costs have been identified for the name change.

Secondary information