Today, Portsmouth South’s Stephen Morgan MP was onboard HMS Queen Elizabeth to greet the new Prime Minister of the United Kingdom and the President Zelenskyy of Ukraine, along with the Foreign Secretary of each nation.
This follows the Prime Minister’s reaffirmation of his and the UK’s resolute commitment to the people of Ukraine, underscoring that there is absolutely no change in the UK’s approach as a result of the UK’s change in political leadership, including when it came to bearing down on Russia.
Following an introductory call between the two world leaders last week, where the Prime Minister offered his deepest condolences to the families and loved ones of the Ukrainians who lost their lives in the recent Russian attacks, the Prime Minister was keen to secure President Zelenskyy’s visit to the UK to discuss how the two nations can strengthen defence for both Ukraine and Europe as a whole.
The pair visited His Majesty’s Naval Base (HMNB) Portsmouth this afternoon, accompanied by Mr Morgan and Portsmouth North’s Amanda Martin MP, to meet service personnel from UK and Ukrainian armed forces on board HMS Queen Elizabeth.
Service personnel present included those involved in Operation Seabreeze, a multinational maritime military exercise co-hosted by the U.S. Sixth Fleet and Ukraine, focusing on mine countermeasures, dive operations, and regional maritime security. The recent exercise was hosted by the Royal Navy at Portland Port, drawing over 2,000 personnel for complex maritime mine-hunting and salvage training.
The visit coincided with a series of international engagements for the new Prime Minister in his first few weeks in office.
Mr Morgan had previously encouraged the Prime Minister to visit the Naval Base in recognition of the contribution that Portsmouth plays in the defence of the UK, and following the recent announcement of investment by the Government to secure the future of the Royal Navy in the city.
As part of a £26 billion ‘Project Royal Oak’ programme, HMNB Portsmouth is receiving a £3.9 Billion investment via a 10-year Ministry of Defence (MOD) infrastructure programme to rebuild and modernise the UK’s three principal naval bases.
Mr Morgan campaigned to secure this vital funding for the city to encourage growth and jobs within the community.
Joining the UK Prime Minister and Ukrainian President on board HMS Queen Elizabeth, Stephen Morgan, Member of Parliament for Portsmouth South, said:
“The frontline in Ukraine is the frontline for our freedom and democracy.
“As we heard today, the UK’s commitment to supporting Ukraine - both in the fight now, and in preparation to secure the peace we want to see – remains steadfast and will not waver.
“I am proud of the contribution our nation’s armed forces personnel have played, and continue to play, in supporting our Ukrainian friends”.
On the new PM’s visit to Portsmouth, the city MP added:
“I am delighted the new Prime Minister accepted my invitation to visit the heart and home of the Royal Navy here in Portsmouth so early into his tenure, to meet serving personnel in the Naval Base alongside President Zelenskyy.
“This Government takes very seriously the contribution Portsmouth people play to the defence of our nation, and the work we do with international partners to bring security, sovereignty and stability around the world. That’s why I am pleased to have helped secure £3.9 billion to maintain our Naval Base and provide jobs and growth for our community.
“As the Prime Minister has said, the UK will continue to work closely with our Ukrainian and international partners to help support a just and lasting peace in Ukraine.
“Our proud city and our nation’s armed forces stand ready to play their part in making that happen”.
At a time of continued Russian aggression against Ukraine, the UK’s work demonstrates the enduring commitment of participating nations to Ukraine’s long-term security, sovereignty and stability.
