Portsmouth MPs Stephen Morgan and Amanda Martin have warmly welcomed the Government’s announcement of a £3.9 billion investment in His Majesty’s Naval Base Portsmouth, as part of the largest investment in the UK’s naval bases since the end of the Cold War.
The funding forms part of Project Royal Oak, a £26 billion programme to modernise the Royal Navy’s three major naval bases over the next decade, strengthening national security while supporting skilled jobs and economic growth.
For Portsmouth, the investment will help transform the Naval Base through upgraded jetties and berthing facilities, modern support infrastructure, a new Skills Development Centre for apprentices and adult learning, expansion of the Royal Navy Warfighting Centre and new facilities to accelerate cutting-edge defence technology.
The announcement delivers on years of campaigning by Portsmouth’s MPs for greater investment in the city’s naval infrastructure, recognising Portsmouth’s central role in defending the nation and supporting thousands of local jobs.
Stephen Morgan, Labour MP for Portsmouth South, said:
“For years, I have campaigned for greater investment in Portsmouth’s Naval Base because I know just how vital it is to our city’s identity, our local economy and our national security. Today’s announcement is a landmark moment.
“This record £3.9 billion investment will modernise the base, support highly skilled jobs, create new training opportunities and ensure Portsmouth remains at the heart of the Royal Navy for generations to come. After years of underinvestment, Labour is backing Portsmouth and backing our Armed Forces.”
The £3.9 billion investment in Portsmouth forms part of the Government’s wider commitment to strengthen Britain’s defence, improve military readiness and support defence as a driver of economic growth, ensuring the city continues to play a leading role at the heart of the UK’s national security.
