Commenting as HMS Prince of Wales departs Portsmouth on a major deployment, Portsmouth South MP Stephen Morgan said:
“I join all Portsmouth people in proudly bidding farewell to HMS Prince of Wales as she departs from our city today on one of the biggest deployments yet.
“Our aircraft carriers show our nation’s Naval might and I know Portsmouth people will be feeling proud today of the vital role our city plays in pursuing peace and stability both at home and abroad.
“For some in our community, today will also be bittersweet as they say goodbye to their friends and loved ones who will be carrying out such courageous and important work on this deployment.
“On days like today, I am pleased at the action the government has already taken to support Portsmouth’s leading role in making Britain stronger and safer including through crucial new investment to upgrade His Majesty’s Naval Base Portsmouth.”
At the Spring Statement, the Chancellor announced a further £2.2 billion funding increase for defence from April, as she warned that Britain has to “move quickly in a changing world”.
The investment will help fund upgrades to infrastructure at His Majesty’s Naval Base Portsmouth, securing its ability to support Royal Navy operations into the future.
Mr Morgan has long campaigned for investment to protect the future of HMNB Portsmouth and last month hosted Defence Minister Maria Eagle in Portsmouth where they discussed investment opportunities at the Base to ensure it is fit for the future.
