Parliament to debate future of naval base
MINISTERS face a grilling on the future of Devonport next week amid continuing doubts over the naval base.
Tory MP for South West Devon Gary Streeter has secured a parliamentary debate on Tuesday, where he will demand the Ministry of Defence end ongoing uncertainty, which he argues is damaging the city's economy.
It comes amid concerns over the re-location of warships along with submarines to the UK's two other naval bases, which it is feared would impact on the workload of the Plymouth dockyard and its skilled workforce.
Earlier this week, Defence Secretary John Hutton sought to calm concerns by promising that a 'significant' amount of work for the dockyard would be announced shortly.
The pledge comes after Mr Hutton said in March that a decision on the naval base would be made 'within weeks'.
Mr Streeter said: "The Minister must come and give us answers. The damage to the local economy and uncertainty has got to stop."
The delay in an announcement has been blamed on continuing negotiations between the MoD and industry players including Devonport-based Babcock Marine.
5 Comments
by Tom, Yealmpton
Thursday, April 30 2009, 1:34PM
“I have it on very good authority that we can expect an announcement on or about the 5th of May. ;-)”
by Keith, Eggbuckland
Thursday, April 30 2009, 1:23PM
“Unfortunately there will no decision until after the elections, come on think about it.
We will get the old lip service ¿The future is looking very promising for Devonport and certain aspects of the governments defence strategy for security reasons cannot be discussed at this stage, but rest assured we are very optimistic of the continued partnership between the navy and Scotland¿.err sorry Plymouth¿”
by Lee H, London
Thursday, April 30 2009, 1:00PM
“I wonder if Alison Seabeck will bother to turn up for the debate? She has been very mute so far. But then it is only her constituency. All we have to do now is wait for Tudor Evans to come to her defence and blame the whole thing on the Tory Party.”
by Yardie, plymouth
Thursday, April 30 2009, 12:57PM
“I wouldn't give Gary Streeter too much praise just yet. I don't see him actually arguing the Naval Base should get plenty of work, he seems more intent on getting any "bad" news out in the open, which is fair enough. Would the Tory party put work into Devonport if they get elected at the next election, that is the question for him to answer !! Yardie”
by M John, Plymouth
Thursday, April 30 2009, 11:13AM
“I never thought i would say it to an (SDP) turncoat to Tory, but well done Gary Streeter. He has more guts than our two Labour MP's in securing a parliamentary debate on the biggest Plymouth Issue.
Who knows, i could become a (Labour) turncoat to Tory on the back of this upstanding Politician. He has certainly re-aligned my viewpoint.
I wish i was in his constituency.”