GMB, the union for shipbuilders, has said it is the time for the government to commit to new Royal Navy Type 31 frigates and RFA support vessels, after the HMS Queen Elizabeth set sail.

The flagship aircraft carrier began sea trials today, and on the back of its launch, the union has called on the government to make a long-awaited decision on the construction of the new vessels.

Earlier this year, a report by John Parker urged UK ministers to start work on a new warship, the Type 31, arguing construction should be built and shared among UK yards in an alliance similar to the work on the aircraft carrier.

The UK Government had been due to give its official response on the Parker Report but it was delayed in light of the General Election.