Plymouth’s two Labour MPs – Alison Seabeck and Linda Gilroy – yesterday met with Armed Forces Minister Bob Ainsworth to further discuss issues raised on his visit to Devonport last week. 

Both MPs were keen to ensure the Minister understood that winning maintenance work on surface-ships was essential for the survival of technical and managerial skills associated with Devonport’s nuclear work. They also wanted to impress on him the extent to which basing ships in Devonport benefits both the Plymouth – and the South West. 

Alison Seabeck, MP for Plymouth Devonport, said “Last week the Minister indicated that elements of the Royal Marines may move to the South Yard. We must now hold the Ministry of Defence - and the Treasury - to making this happen, so that Devonport can become an unrivalled centre of excellence for amphibious warfare”. 

Linda Gilroy MP for Plymouth Sutton said “It was clear from today’s meeting that the Minister understood the strategic importance of Devonport’s highly skilled work force.If this is to be maintained, he must now work to ensure that the Naval Base Review safeguards Devonport’s role in refitting surface ships and as an operational base port for the fleet”. 

Both MPs were satisfied that the Ministry of Defence would fully consider Devonport’s case and that it was committed to the Yard’s long term future. They will now be seeking a meeting with Treasury Minister Andy Burnham to stress the need for full and proper ongoing consideration of relative socio-economic factors.

Above: Linda Gilroy, Alison Seabeck and Bob Ainsworth.

11 October 2007