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 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

Rebecca visits the team at G&H Artemis

Ever wondered where the lens in a periscope comes from?Last week I visited G&H Artemis and had a tour of the site to see some of the fantastic work happening behind the scenes.

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.