Would surviving Force Z bring the Lion class into service?

Would the Lion-class battleships be completed in this timeline or remain stuck in development?

They remain stuck in development, although HMS Vanguard might receive a stronger push toward completion.

The Lion-class battleships are unlikely to emerge from development limbo in time for this scenario. Their unfinished state remains a harder constraint than the theater's need for modern capital ships. A stronger Far Eastern requirement might instead increase pressure to accelerate HMS Vanguard. Urgency can change construction priority, but it cannot instantly produce ships whose designs and building programs are not ready.