Labour & Cooperative MP Linda Gilroy will tomorrow lead a delegation from the Devonport Strategy Group to meet with Armed Forces Minister Bob Ainsworth.

The delegation will consist of Plymouth MPs; the Leader, Shadow Leader and Chief Executive of Plymouth City Council; together with trade union representatives.

The meeting comes in the wake of the confirmation of the order for two new aircraft carriers (CVF) and subsequent merger of the shipbuilding assets of Vosper Thorneycroft and BAE Systems.

Rosyth business park will now be fully occupied assembling the carriers and so it is hoped that an additional stream of maintenance and refit work on surface ships can be diverted south to Devonport Dockyard.

Linda Gilroy said “We will be seeking an update on the progress of Surface Ship Support Alliance and clarification of the work that will come to Devonport now work on the carriers has begun”.

“I will be pressing the Minister to forge ahead with plans to move elements of the Royal Marines into the South Yard.

“I will also impress him of the importance of ongoing maintenance work in retaining dockyard skills in the periods between deep refits”

The Devonport Strategy Group was formed by Linda Gilroy to bring together representatives of Babcock, the Royal Navy, the Trades Unions and the local council to promote the interests of Devonport during last years Naval Base Review. Following the conclusion of the Review, the Group continues to meet to chart the way ahead for the dockyard and naval base. 

1 July 2008