Brexit: UK should 'behave like our country's size' says Adonis

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Plans for the national flagship, which will cost £200 million, were announced in May. It’s hoped the vessel will boost British trade in the post-Brexit era.

The last royal yacht, named Britannia, retired from service in 1997 and is currently in Edinburgh.

Construction of the vessel, which will form part of the Royal Navy, could begin as early as next year.

However, according to The Times there is a battle in Whitehall about which Government department will be paying.

The Cabinet Office, Department for International Trade and Ministry of Defence are all involved in the project.

However all three are reluctant to stump up the £200 million from their own budgets.

Speaking to The Times one Government insider said: “There is a huge row going on about the royal yacht and who is going to fund it.

“The seeds are being sown for an almighty set-to between Boris [Johnson] and Rishi [Sunak] over spending.”

Another added: “The royal yacht is a complete and utter s**tshow.

“When it was first floated, the PM wanted it to be built in Britain.

“It was given to [Michael] Gove to sort out, but it became clear that under procurement rules it could only be built here if it was a navy thing with a bunch of fake weapons on board.

“So Gove passed it on to the MoD. The Treasury stayed out of it.”

Competition rules mean the Government can only guarantee the ship is built in Britain if it has a military role.

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There were reports the new yacht could be named after the late Duke of Edinburgh.

However, there is reportedly scepticism about the project within the Royal Family, with an insider telling The Times: “It is not something we have asked for.”

Announcing the vessel in May Mr Johnson argued it will show “the UK’s burgeoning status as a great, independent maritime trading nation”.

He added: “Every aspect of the ship, from its build to the businesses it showcases on board, will represent and promote the best of British – a clear and powerful symbol of our commitment to be an active player on the world stage.”

However Labour asked to see evidence it will boost prosperity across the country.

Bridget Phillipson, shadow chief secretary to the Treasury, urged the Government to “focus on value for money at every stage”.

She added: “Right now our country faces huge challenges, and there’s no sign the government has a plan for the recovery.

“We want to see public money used for targeted investment in a green economic recovery, resources for our NHS, and supporting families to succeed.”

The Royal Yacht Britannia was launched by The Queen in 1953 from a shipyard in Clydebank.

It was in service for 44 years before becoming a major Edinburgh tourist attraction.
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