City MP Stephen Morgan has said Portsmouth’s ability to support Royal Navy operations long into the future has been secured following today’s 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.
On the visit, joined by Labour MP for Portsmouth North Amanda Martin, the group toured some of the ageing facilities and infrastructure at the base and discussed opportunities to invest in innovation and skills needed to meet future challenges and to secure the Base’s long-term future.
Mr Morgan said the naval base should serve as an engine for jobs and growth, strengthening our nation’s security and economy.
The investment announced today will also be used to provide better homes for military families across the country by refurbishing the defence estate – including over 36,000 homes recently brought back into public ownership from the rental sector.
In addition to this, the funding will unlock rapid preparatory work, such as site surveys, planning and architecture, for the major redevelopment of Armed Forces housing through the Defence Housing Strategy.
The funding will also be invested in advanced technologies so that Britain’s armed forces have the tools they need to compete and win in modern warfare. This includes guaranteeing the investment to fit Royal Navy ships with Directed Energy Weapons by 2027. These weapons can hit a £1 coin from 1km away and take down drones at a distance of 5km.
Commenting, Portsmouth South MP Stephen Morgan said:
“As the heart and home of the Royal Navy, Portsmouth has played a leading role in our nation’s defence for centuries. Today’s announcement will help ensure that remains the case long into the future.
“I have long campaigned for investment in the Naval Base so I’m delighted to see this Labour government delivering this at the Spring Statement. The Chancellor’s announcement will make our city an engine for growth, delivering major infrastructure improvements, new buildings, housing and jobs of the future.
“We are living in uncertain times, but this Government has made clear today that Portsmouth’s leading role in making Britain stronger and safer is secure.”
The plan will include action to harness the ingenuity of Britain’s leading manufacturing and technology sectors, creating jobs across the country and putting more money into people’s pockets.
The increase set to be announced today follows the extra £2.9 billion announced for defence in the Autumn Budget and takes spending as a proportion of GDP to 2.36 per cent in 2025/26 – up from 2.3 per cent in 2024/25.
Commenting on the increase in defence spending, Defence Secretary John Healey said:
“National security is the bedrock of a successful economy and our Plan for Change. This significant increase in defence spending, on top of the £2.9bn announced by the Chancellor at the Budget, means an extra £5 billion for our Armed Forces next financial year.
“This investment will make Britain stronger and safer in a more insecure world. And it will ensure defence is an engine for growth, creating good jobs across the nation.
“These are the bold first steps of the largest sustained increase in defence spending since the Cold War announced by the Prime Minister last month. Our government is delivering for defence and investing in the outstanding men and women who keep Britain secure at home and strong abroad.”
Further detail on the Ministry of Defence’s investment plan will be set out via the Strategic Defence Review in the Spring and the Spending Review in June.
