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 visits Devonport Naval Base's Open Day

Well done to the team at Devonport Naval Base for hosting their Open Days!It was wonderful to visit Devonport and know that I was one of around 14,000 to visit over the two days. These events are a fantastic showcase of many of the teams that call Devonport Naval Base home, including the Royal

Rebecca speaks out for our armed forces veterans

Yesterday, Labour MPs voted to put British Army veterans back in the dock for the crime of serving their country.The Northern Ireland Troubles (Legacy and Reconciliation) Act 2023, delivered in large part thanks to the work of Johnny Mercer, was there to protect them.

Rebecca presses for the Defence Investment Plan

Where Is the Defence Investment Plan?You may have seen me talk a lot in recent weeks about the Defence Investment Plan and today shows exactly why.The Defence Investment Plan is now around nine months late.

Rebecca shares the Government's response to her PMQ

Some of you may remember the question I asked the Prime Minister back in February about marine autonomy, particularly around the need for primary legislation to support the sector. I’ve now received a response, but it falls short of what is needed.

Rebecca talks local defence initiatives with defence Minister

Making the most of the half term recess!This morning I had breakfast at the Naval Base with Defence Minister, Lord Coaker, Devonport MP, Luke Pollard and the new Naval Base Commander, Commodore Jane Roe.Lord Coaker is the Defence ministerial lead for Team Plymouth and in the city to meet all those i