Gosport Says No to Small Boat Landings
Following the events of 22nd September, Gosport Conservatives are continuing to call on the Government to rule out Gosport as a routine or planned location for small boat landings.
On 22nd September, a significant local response was put in place in anticipation of a possible small boat landing in Gosport. The vessel was ultimately taken by sea to Dover, but the events demonstrated the very real practical challenges that would come with using Gosport as a disembarkation location.
Gosport is a peninsula with a highly constrained road network and limited routes in and out. Any operation of this kind also has implications for our emergency services, local infrastructure and the safe movement of people and vehicles.
These concerns are particularly acute around Fort Blockhouse and the Haslar Peninsula, where access is extremely restricted and where we also need to consider the area's important heritage, marine and regeneration opportunities.
Dame Caroline Dinenage MP has repeatedly raised these concerns with the Home Office, including directly with Ministers and the Home Secretary. On 22 September, Caroline pressed the Home Office throughout the day to ensure those on board were taken to Dover by water rather than brought ashore in Gosport.
Gosport Borough Council Leader Cllr Zoe Huggins BEM has also written to the Home Secretary raising concerns about the potential use of Gosport and seeking answers following the events of 22 September.
We will continue working with Caroline, Hampshire and Isle of Wight Police and Crime Commissioner Donna Jones and others to press the Government for answers and make the case that Gosport is not a suitable location for routine or planned small boat disembarkations.
We are equally clear that concerns must always be expressed lawfully and peacefully. There is no place for violence, intimidation or inflammatory language, and we thank our police, emergency services and maritime rescue organisations for the work they do to protect life and keep our communities safe.
If you agree that, due to the reasons identified above, Gosport should be ruled out as a routine or planned location for small boat landings, please sign our petition and share it with other local residents.