60 years after being awarded the freedom of #Plymouth a service has taken place – indoors because of the weather – to celebrate the city’s ‘enduring’ @RoyalNavy connection@plymouthcc @tudorev @LukePollard @JohnnyMercerUK @HMNBDevonport

More here: https://t.co/Nl0zAL7YeF pic.twitter.com/3KPVNXmsda

— Greatest Hits Radio Plymouth (@GhrPlymouth) September 20, 2023

As the Member of Parliament for Devonport, the dockyard, naval base and Stonehouse Barracks, it was a real privilege to attend the ceremony to renew the freedom of the city given to the Royal Navy in 1963.

60 years on the Royal Navy remains an integral part of the fabric of our city. As the son of the Royal Navy submariner I know how important the people of the Royal Navy and Royal Marines are to our city, our local economy and our culture.

The bad weather stopped the parade down Royal Parade but the event in the Guildhall featured sailors and Royal; Marines from 47 Commando, HMS Somerset, the Joint Hospital Group as well as personnel from HMS Drake and other parts of the Royal Navy.

As Devonport’s MP and as Labour’s Shadow Minister for the Armed Forces, I know how important our forces are. Since being elected in 2017, I have been proud to stand up for the Royal Navy and Royal Marines. I contribute regularly to defence debates in the Commons and visit military bases to speak to our serving personnel and their families. I take this responsibility seriously and should Labour have the opportunity to form the next Government I hope to continue this work as a Minister in the Ministry of Defence standing up for our forces and protecting our nation’s security.