In this episode of the Defence Connect Podcast, senior journalist Robert Dougherty is joined by UK member of Parliament for Plymouth Moor View, Fred Thomas, who has recently toured Australian defence facilities as part of a UK parliamentary delegation examining submarine infrastructure and AUKUS cooperation.

Thomas has previously served as a Royal Marines Officer across several security environments, including nuclear security, counter-terrorism, arctic warfare and on overseas operations. He remains an active Royal Marines Commando Reservist.

Thomas represents the recognised UK submarine hubs of Barrow and Plymouth, he has established the Defence Technology All Party Parliamentary Group, and has close links to the UK submarine enterprise, including facilities in Barrow-in-Furness and His Majesty's Naval Base Devonport.

During the podcast, the pair discuss development of submarine infrastructure in Australia and historical examples from the UK, including the following:

• Australia's efforts to develop infrastructure and a skilled workforce to support nuclear-powered submarines under AUKUS.
• Community perceptions of nuclear propulsion and the importance of regulation and training pathways.
• News from visits to facilities, including HMAS Stirling and the Australian Marine Complex, and a tour of HMS Anson during its maintenance period in Western Australia.

Enjoy the podcast, The Defence Connect team