South East Cornwall MP Anna Gelderd has welcomed a £7.1-billion investment in HM Naval Base Devonport. She highlighted the major role the dockyard plays in supporting jobs and communities across the Tamar.
Ms Gelderd joined Defence Secretary Wes Streeting and Plymouth MPs Luke Pollard and Fred Thomas on a visit to Devonport on Monday, August 24. They saw key infrastructure works, including upgrades to submarine maintenance facilities.
The visit follows last month's announcement of the ten-year programme. It has been described as the largest naval infrastructure investment since the end of the Cold War. The funding will modernise Devonport and is expected to create thousands of jobs and opportunities.
The investment is significant for South East Cornwall, with a proportion of the dockyard workforce living across the Tamar. Ms Gelderd said almost a quarter of Babcock's workforce at HMNB Devonport live in her constituency. That means the investment could have an impact on families, businesses and the local economy.
She said: “South East Cornwall plays a vital role in our defence. Figures show 23 per cent of Babcock’s workforce at Devonport live in South East Cornwall, so the record investment into the naval base is a brilliant step towards providing high-quality local jobs and boosting our economy.”
She also raised the importance of connectivity across the Tamar. She argued that improved links between South East Cornwall and Plymouth will be essential if communities are to benefit from opportunities created by the dockyard's expansion.
“It was brilliant to have Wes down in the South West following this announcement,” Ms Gelderd said. “We also discussed how improving connectivity across the Tamar is crucial to driving our area forward and being able to reach our full potential.”
The £7.1-billion programme will see infrastructure at Devonport upgraded over the next decade. It will support the Royal Navy's future requirements and strengthen UK defence capability.
During his visit, Mr Streeting also highlighted the wider economic opportunities linked to Devonport. He met businesses working on new defence technologies and saw how the naval base is preparing for the future.
“Defence runs in the blood in Plymouth,” Mr Streeting said. “This city has a proud maritime history at the heart of our national security – and an equally exciting future. HMNB Devonport’s future is secure and bright as they push the frontiers of defence innovation to keep us all safe.”
The Defence Secretary also stressed the importance of ensuring the benefits of the investment reach communities surrounding the naval base. Ms Gelderd raised the need for better connectivity across the Tamar.
She said: “We also discussed how improving connectivity across the Tamar is crucial to driving our area forward and being able to reach our full potential.”
The visit also showcased the businesses helping the Royal Navy develop a hybrid force. This combines crewed ships with cutting-edge uncrewed surface and underwater technology.
Mr Streeting added that Plymouth's expertise and industrial base would be central to the future of British defence. The £7.1-billion programme begins to transform Devonport over the next decade.
South East Cornwall to Benefit from Devonport Investment