 Linda Gilroy MP Delivers Major Speech Devonport & the Royal Navy
Plymouth Sutton MP Linda Gilroy yesterday delivered a major speech in the House of Commons on Devonport and the future of the Royal Navy.
The speech aimed to quash once and for all rumours that the Government was letting the Royal Navy down and that Devonport Dockyard would close.
Linda told the House that the Royal Navy must be equipped and configured to meet the current threat and how this, in turn, provided opportunities that would ensure the future of both the Dockyard and Naval Base in Devonport.
She again underlined the continuing need for surface ship work in order to retain the skills required for nuclear submarines; she also emphasised the importance of maintaining the ‘nuclear covenant’ with the local community.
Linda also paid tribute to the work that is currently being undertaken by Royal Navy personnel throughout the world, especially in operations in Afghanistan and Iraq.
The speech was heard by Armed Forces Minister Bob Ainsworth MP. Linda asked the Minister for assurance the vacant land in the South Yard would be released for the use of the local community without delay. She also sought clarification of Devonport’s role in supporting the next generation of frigates – the Future surface Combatant (FSC).
Concluding, Linda Gilroy said “We have every reason to be confident not just about naval-base activity and our traditional role in submarines, but about new ways of supporting the Royal Navy and the many activities associated with its surface ships of today and tomorrow”.
In his response to the House, Bob Ainsworth emphatically restated the Government’s commitment to Devonport. He said: “Recent suggestions that we are planning to close the naval base at Devonport are without foundation and I can confirm there are no plans for Flag Officer Sea Training to move from Devonport.”
He added “Devonport, along with other naval bases at the Clyde and Portsmouth, will continue to provide the support that ensures that our Navy remains one of the best in the world”.
You can read the full version, together with the Minister's reply, here.
6 March 2008 | 
