Local MPs Stephen Morgan and Amanda Martin have hosted Chair of the Defence Select Committee Tan Dhesi MP in Portsmouth to discuss the Labour Government’s plans to invest in the city.
In June the Government announced its Strategic Defence Review marking a new era for UK Defence which will make Britain secure at home and strong abroad, while delivering a defence dividend of well-paid jobs here in Portsmouth.
On the visit, the group toured local defence company SubSea Craft to see their ground-breaking maritime technology and discuss the opportunities for SMEs in the defence industry.
The group also met with the Naval Children’s Charity to discuss their work providing support and guidance for the wellbeing and development of children from serving and veteran Royal Navy families.
Earlier this year the Chancellor announced a further £2.2 billion funding increase for defence, 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.
Alongside Amanda Martin MP, Mr Morgan recently hosted a ‘Defence is an Engine for Growth’ Roundtable with local businesses and trade unions to contribute to the Labour Government’s defence policy plans.
The Portsmouth MPs agreed to continue working with local businesses and unions to ensure Portsmouth receives the investment it deserves and defence jobs continue to come to the city.
Commenting on the visit, Portsmouth South MP Stephen Morgan said:
“It was brilliant to welcome Chair of the Defence Select Committee Tan Dhesi MP to Portsmouth to discuss how the Strategic Defence Review and Labour’s investment in Portsmouth will make our city and country safe and secure.
“I want to thank SubSea Craft for hosting us and showing us how Portsmouth is leading the way on ground-breaking maritime technology.
“The Government is investing record amounts in defence to keep Britain secure at home and strong abroad, and I will keep working to ensure Portsmouth is an engine for growth as part of those plans.”
Commenting on the visit, Chair of the Defence Select Committee Tan Dhesi MP said:
“It was a pleasure to visit Portsmouth, the heart and home of the Royal Navy, to discuss the impact of this new era for UK defence.
“In Stephen and Amanda, Portsmouth has two strong advocates who speak up for their home city.“
“I’d like to thank them for hosting and introducing me to local people and businesses to hear their views on the Government’s plans to make Britain secure at home and strong abroad.”
Andrew Sturman, Deputy Director, Business Development at SubSea Craft said:
“We are grateful for the support of our local MPs, who recognise the importance of a strong defence SME industrial base, both for the local economy and the wider UK defence industry”, said.
“As SSC enters its most exciting phase of growth – with headcounts having grown to over 150 in the last few years alone – we are keen to support SME growth initiatives within the defence sector and continue to deliver positive impacts on both regional innovation and job creation. We look forward to working with Stephen, Amanda and Tan to further drive UK defence innovation and support the objectives of the UK Armed Forces and its allies.”
Commenting, Portsmouth North MP Amanda Martin MP said:
“It’s fantastic to see Portsmouth companies like SubSea Craft at the forefront of defence innovation, particularly as Labour delivers on its commitment to the biggest increase in defence spending since the Cold War.
“This government is rightly focusing on increasing SME involvement in the defence sector, and I welcome new initiatives to support smaller contractors like SubSea.
“Portsmouth has always been at the heart of UK defence, and I’m delighted to support local businesses that are not only strengthening our national security but also creating high-skilled jobs for my community.”
