5. Championing Defence

Rebecca is proud to represent many serving personnel, veterans and 42 Commando Royal Marines at RM Bickleigh as the Member of Parliament for South West Devon and is an outspoken champion for Britain's Armed Forces in Parliament.

Born and raised in the historic naval city of Plymouth, she has fond memories of watching warships set sail from Plymouth Sound as a girl. Before being elected in July 2024, Rebecca spent more than six years working for the Commonwealth War Graves Commission (CWGC) in the South West, sharing its vital work preserving the memories of the fallen through walks and talks. She continues to support and raise awareness about the organisation in Parliament, chairing the CWGC and Commemorations All Party Parliamentary Group (APPG). The South West Devon MP also attends Remembrance services in towns and villages across the constituency every year, laying wreaths on behalf of her constituents.

Rebecca was the only Plymouth MP to speak out against the Government's decision to axe HMS Albion and Bulwark based at HMNB Devonport in November 2024. She has put significant pressure on the Government to provide a timeline for their replacements, quizzing the Defence Secretary in Parliament.

View recent articles on Rebecca's work to champion defence in South West Devon below.

News

Rebecca Joins Community Leaders for Ivybridge Poppy Train Tribute

As we start Remembrance Day, I was pleased to join with the Chair of South Hams District Council, Cllr Bernard Taylor, and the Mayor of a Ivybridge, Cllr Philip Dredge, and veteran Mick Handley from Royal British Legion: Ivybridge branch to lay poppy wreaths on the 06:51 Ivybridge to London Paddingt

Rebecca Places Poppy Cross in Houses of Commons Garden of Remembrance

Earlier today, I was honoured to place a poppy cross in the Houses of Commons Garden of Remembrance on behalf of South West Devon. Remembrance is more than a tradition – it is a commitment to reflect on the courage and sacrifice of those who have served.

Rebecca discusses military safety with local entrepreneur

Fantastic to meet with constituent Mark Smith, the founder of BCE Defensive earlier this month!Mark asked to meet with me to discuss his product development to enhance military protection whilst prioritising the wellbeing of serving personnel.

Rebecca marks a brilliant start to Devonport Naval Base open days!

Congratulations to the team at HM Naval Base Devonport for a fantastic Day 1 of the Naval Base Open Days!It was great to see so many Naval Base staff, military personnel, Babcock International Group staff and others from across the Base community there and loads of local community groups too.

Rebecca champions high-tech jobs and innovation for South West Devon!

I’m thrilled to see that defence tech company Helsing is opening the UK’s first Resilience Factory within South West Devon!This investment will bring high-quality jobs, innovation, and growth to our community, strengthening the South West’s position as a leader in defence technology and marine auton