Discussing the future of defence at the largest naval base in Western Europe.
I recently toured Devonport Dockyard with Babcock, viewing the Supercat ‘Jackal’ production line, the upgrade of the @Royal Navy's nuclear submarine support facilities at 10 Dock and heard about plans to house the eight new Type 26 Frigates.
I have spoken a great deal recently about Labour's axing of Plymouth warships HMS Albion and HMS Bulwark. On my site visit, we discussed the need to take a long-term approach to defence. While roughly 25% of funding is needed for the acquisition phase, 75% is needed in service for its maintenance. However, despite this 1:3 split, 85% of government funding is spent on acquisition, leading to underinvestment in service and ultimately the early retirement of warships.
The last Conservative Government announced a once-in-a-generation investment of £2bn in the dockyard. I was keen to raise the need for skills, transport, health and housing investment to keep the jobs local and ensure that it is Plymouth and the surrounding areas which benefit.
I look forward to working closely with service personnel and the defence industry to support our region's proud contribution to defence.
