Thsi week, Luke Pollard MP met with Stuart Andrew, Minister for Defence Procurement.

At a cross-party meeting including Gary Streeter MP, Luke met with Defence Minister Stuart Andrew to discuss the future of the Royal Marines in Plymouth.

Following the successful campaign to save the amphibious landing warships HMS Albion and HMS Bulwark, Luke is continuing to fight for the Royal Marine’s future in Plymouth.

Luke Pollard MP said:

“While we are  happy about the decision on HMS Albion, HMS Bulwark and the Type 26 Frigates the fight for Devonport isn’t over.

 

There has been speculation that the Ministry of Defence plans to cut a commando and reduce the strength of Plymouth’s Royal Marines by a thousand people. I made it clear to the Defence minister that this would not only be bad for the local economy, but also detrimental to the nation’s defence capabilities.

 

I’ve called on the Government to confirm that the Royal Marines will stay in the Plymouth area, and in this meeting reinforced that Plymouth City Council is ready to work with the Ministry of Defence should a Plymouth-based decision be announced.”

At Defence Questions on Monday 22 October Luke Pollard urged the Secretary of State, Gavin Williamson MP for reassurance for workers in Devonport. While the Secretary paid tribute to Plymouth’s campaign to save the amphibious warships, he declined to comment on any future basing arrangements.

As the UK’s finest regular fighting force, the Royal Marines provide 45% of the personnel for the country’s elite special forces.