Local MP Caroline Dinenage welcomed today's statement by the Defence Secretary and in particular the positive impact the news will have on Gosport and the surrounding area.
Following the statement in the House of Commons, Caroline sought more information regarding the delivery times of the contracts for the Chinooks and Type 26 Global Combat Ship.
The increase in the MoD’s future equipment budget will ensure the Government honours its pledge to make significant investments when it comes to safeguarding our interests at home and abroad. The increased funding will help deliver 14 extra Chinook helicopters, new Joint Strike Fighter fast jets, allow major improvements in Unmanned Air Vehicles and ensure the Queen Elizabeth aircraft carrier conversion (to catapults & traps) is completed.
The statement that 14 extra Chinook helicopters will be ordered recognises the expertise of Gosport’s very own Vector Aerospace and will allow the long standing partnership it has had with Boeing to service, maintain and repair the Chinook fleet to go from strength to strength.
The Defence Secretary said “the increased budget would end a decade of uncertainly by only ordering what we can afford to buy, build for the future and not repeat the mistakes of the past”.
The statement follows a long and committed campaign that began as soon as Caroline entered office and one that she has relentlessly pursued with her Ministerial colleagues in Westminster.
Caroline said: “I welcome the recent announcements from the Ministry of Defence. The increased spending and proposed Chinook helicopters are great news for Gosport, as they will generate further jobs and growth in our area.”
“While I welcome the latest news on Defence spending, I will continue to push to secure the future of HMS Sultan in the long term and fight for the contracts to be awarded to firms in the constituency”.