Plymouth's housing and transport challenges are addressed by Defence Secretary

The Defence Secretary has agreed to address Plymouth's housing and transport challenges as part of crucial talks over the city's future. Fred Thomas, MP for Plymouth Moor View, secured a cross-party meeting with the Secretary of State for Defence, John Healey, to discuss investment in Plymouth.

The meeting was held in the Ministry of Defence on November 28. Local MPs, Fred Thomas, Rebecca Smith and Luke Pollard, asked for a cross-departmental approach to investment, to ensure that Devonport has a bright and sustainable future, not just for defence, but for all who live, work and support our city.

The Secretary of State reaffirmed his commitment to Devonport and agreed to take a cross-government approach to addressing wider challenges such as housing, transport, and skills. The Secretary of State agreed that the Minister for Defence Procurement and Industry will oversee this crucial work with the Defence Secretary providing oversight.

John Healey, Secretary of State for Defence, said: "Plymouth plays a crucial role in supporting the UK Government’s strategic commitment to the Continuous At Sea Nuclear Deterrent. I understand the concerns raised by local MPs about how defence investment will impact the rest of the city. I’m committed to making sure investment is sustainable and deliverable, bringing growth to Plymouth and securing our nation’s defence.”

Following the meeting, Fred Thomas, MP for Plymouth Moor View, said: "Plymouth plays a critical role in our national security. To be successful, defence investment must be accompanied by investment in housing, transport, skills and more. I’m very pleased that the Defence Secretary understands this and has committed to cross-departmental work to make it a reality. This is a huge opportunity for Plymouth. I will continue to work with the Government to make sure we get it right and that investment delivers for everybody in Plymouth and beyond.”

Rebecca Smith, MP for South West Devon, said: "It is clear from the meeting that there is cross-party agreement that Plymouth and the surrounding area need a comprehensive plan on housing, transport and skills to enable the Dockyard to deliver its £1bn submarine maintenance role. Equally, to deliver on the Dockyard's potential, it is essential that departments across government are joined-up in their discussions at the highest level.

"I will continue to work cross-party with my neighbouring Plymouth MPs to elevate our city's voice in Westminster and make this case to government."

Luke Pollard, MP for Plymouth Sutton and Devonport, said: "As Devonport’s MP I have been campaigning for the investment we need to secure jobs for decades to come. To refit the submarines that keep our nation safe we need more homes for the 7,000 new jobs expected to be created in the coming years. That’s why I’m delighted to be working cross-party in support of a Devonport Deal that will see more jobs, more homes and more skills for our city. It’s a win-win for everyone involved and we are making good progress.”

Councillor Tudor Evans, Leader of Plymouth City Council, said: "Harnessing the future growth of the naval base is Plymouth's equivalent of an ‘Olympic bid'. It is a once in a generation opportunity. I am thrilled that the Government has agreed to work with us on what support the City will need to enable the successful expansion of the dockyard. It is important step in the right direction and is exactly how mission led Government should work.

“Plymouth City Council is ready, willing and keen to work with the Government, national agencies and partners across the wider city region to deliver both the defence outcomes needed and the wider city and sub-region transformation.”

Barrow, in Cumbria, had a similar concerns to Plymouth about broader investment to fulfill essential defence tasks. The government declared a national endeavour at Barrow, based around supporting investment into defence jobs with a wider investment into the area. Local MPs discussed with the Defence Secretary the possibility of replicating such a model in Plymouth.

Following the meeting, Fred Thomas MP wrote to the Defence Secretary, welcoming the meeting and further outlining its importance to Plymouth.

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