Devonport’s MP Luke Pollard today welcomed the Defence Secretary’s announcement that the UK is set to purchase two Littoral Strike warships. But after months of continued uncertainty about the future of the Royal Marines in Plymouth, Devonport’s MP has demanded the Government release the full details of this announcement as soon as possible and answer questions over cost, role and construction of the new ships. He has also called on the Defence Secretary once again to announce the long term basing arrangements of the Royal Marines, that was absent from his speech at RUSI today.

Commenting on the Defence Secretary’s announcement that the UK is set to purchase two Littoral Strike Ships, Luke Pollard MP said:

“It was only a few months ago that we stopped the Government scrapping Devonport’s amphibious ships and so I am very pleased to hear the Defence Secretary announce the potential for new British Littoral Warships today. This could be a huge win for Plymouth. However such a big procurement announcement should really be set out in a thorough strategy document rather than as a passing comment in a speech to grab headlines.

 

It is obvious the only place to base these ships is in Devonport and as Devonport’s MP that is the case I will be making to Ministers. But it seems there are more questions than answers at present. We’ve been stung by inflated promises by Ministers before so I will be pressing the MOD for details not just headlines and soundbites that we have today.

 

I will be pressing the Defence Secretary for the full details immediately on these new warships. Without proper detail on their funding, role and building and basing arrangements this will do little to reduce the levels of uncertainty in our armed forces. One thing we are still desperately waiting for the Defence Secretary to confirm is the long-term basing arrangement of Plymouth’s Royal Marines and that didn’t happen in his speech or his weekend visit to Plymouth. We need action and decisions not headlines and vague soundbites.”

Notes

• UK to purchase two Littoral Strike Ships for special forces – 11 February 2019
  https://ukdefencejournal.org.uk/uk-to-purchase-two-littoral-strike-ships-for-special-forces/