Aukus submarine deal: Australia expected to choose UK design, sources say

A submarine at the BAE Systems shipyard in Barrow-in-Furness, Cumbria. The deal would safeguard the long-term future of the shipyard. Photograph: BAE Systems/PA

An enthusiastic Rishi Sunak has told ministers to expect a positive outcome next week when he travels to San Diego to unveil a deal to supply nuclear-powered submarines to Australia as part of the Aukus pact with the US.

Multiple sources said they believed the UK had succeeded in its bid to sell British-designed nuclear submarines to Australia, a deal that will safeguard the long-term future of the shipyard at Barrow-in-Furness.