Defence Secretary John Healey visited Sheffield Forgemasters on Saturday to “reaffirm” the Government’s commitment to an international partnership which is expected to create 7,000 jobs in the UK.

The trilateral AUKUS (Australia, the United Kingdom and the United States) partnership is seen by the Ministry of Defence as being critical for the UK’s national security and as a key driver of UK jobs and growth.

The submarine programme will provide Australia with nuclear-powered submarines and be part of the UK’s strategy in the Indo-Pacific region.

Healey visited Ministry of Defence-owned Sheffield Forgemasters with Australia’s Deputy Prime Minister and defence minister, Richard Marles, to see the operations of one of the key parts of the supply chain.

“We’re here to reaffirm this Government’s total commitment to the AUKUS partnership and to see steel cast here that will be a part of the new AUKUS submarines and a part also of our UK nuclear deterrent,” said Healey.

“Sheffield Forgemasters is a shining light of UK industry that helps boost global security and employs skilled staff from the local community.

“This is just one example of how our hugely important partnership with our Australian and American partners can help drive jobs and growth across Britain.”

Australia’s Deputy Prime Minister Richard Marles added: “Australia and the United Kingdom’s relationship is enduring and forged in deep history.

“Be it under the defence and security cooperation agreement, or the work we continue to achieve under AUKUS, we are modernising our partnership.”