Member's statement: HMS Queen Elizabeth: Visit to Belfast

Member's statement by Ms Joanne Bunting on 12 October 2026.

MLA: Ms Joanne Bunting
Party at the time: Democratic Unionist Party
Date: 12 October 2026
Type: Member's statement
Business: Members' Statements
Heading: HMS Queen Elizabeth: Visit to Belfast
Assembly identifier: Official Report component 5785832

Text

I rise to acknowledge the historic four-day visit of the Royal Navy's flagship aircraft carrier HMS Queen Elizabeth to Belfast. Seeing that truly magnificent vessel, which is a titan of British engineering, standing proud against the Belfast skyline was phenomenal, as was borne out by the many — my husband included — who parked their cars along our roads and walked a considerable distance to take photographs of the massive super-carrier on that historic occasion. It was not just a routine port visit, however. It was a truly historic milestone for our capital city and, indeed, for Northern Ireland. It has been 61 long years since a Royal Navy aircraft carrier last graced the waters of Belfast harbour. HMS Centaur arrived here in 1965, when most of us were not even born. Northern Ireland has waited for over six decades, and what a sight it was. I was privileged to be invited to tour the ship by Brigadier Andrew Muddiman and to enjoy lunch aboard, but I was hugely disappointed — honestly, I was gutted — not to be able to avail myself of that kind invitation, especially having previously toured the historic USS Midway. I record my sincere thanks to Brigadier Muddiman and his team and to wish them well as they leave our shores today. Belfast — East Belfast in particular — has deep and unbreakable generational naval and maritime roots. We are the city that built the Titanic and whose world-famous shipyard built 140 warships during the Second World War. We are a city built on engineering brilliance, heavy industry and maritime heritage. The presence of that tremendous carrier should serve as a reminder of who we are and what our people can achieve when afforded the opportunity. It is so great to see our shipyard doing well again. The visit should also inspire us not simply to rely on past glories but rather to keep striving to ensure that Northern Ireland always punches well above its weight and lives up to its potential.
As the flagship of the Royal Navy and a vital command platform for NATO, HMS Queen Elizabeth represents the very best of British resolve, strength and security in an increasingly volatile world. Further, having her here reminds us of our enduring place within the United Kingdom and the security that the Royal Navy provides to these British Isles. It is as well that we are not relying on the Republic.
To Brigadier Muddiman, his officers and every member of the almost 800 crew, we hope that you were able to experience something of the legendary warmth and hospitality of the people of Northern Ireland during your stay. Belfast harbour, and the people of East Belfast and beyond, are proud to have had you here. We thank you for your service, we thank you for bringing that magnificent ship to our shores, and we wish you every success in your endeavours as you strive to keep us safe.

494 words. Text as published by the Northern Ireland Assembly.

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