New research ship could be named RRS Boaty McBoatface
Scientists could be sailing in a laboratory ship named RRS Boaty McBoatface after nearly 16,000 people and counting voted for the new name in an online poll. The Natural Environment Research Council (NERC) invited people to suggest names for the £200m research vessel, planned for launch in 2019 after construction in Merseyside. The final decision will be made by a panel – so the poll isn’t binding. Lord West, ex-First Sea Lord spoke to Nick Robinson about the name. (Photo: Polar research ship. Credit: Press Association)