Future of defence training base fears raised by MP

Concerns over the future of two naval training bases have been raised by an MP.

Dame Caroline Dinenage has spoken in the House of Commons about fears for HMS Sultan in Gosport and HMS Collingwood in Fareham.

The Conservative MP for Gosport asked for reassurance on their future, after the government published its review of strategic defence and security which states Royal Navy training estate needs "were being reconsidered".

The secretary of state for defence, John Healey, said further work on "the nature and needs of our defence estate" was being carried out.

Speaking in the House of Commons, Ms Dinenage asked the defence secretary to confirm the local bases are not under threat.

Ms Dinenage said: "This line, page 105, reconsidering training estate needs, will concern many.

"Could he confirm that the outstanding training establishments at HMS Sultan and HMS Collingwood, which employ so many, will not be under threat?"

In response Mr Healey said further work on "the nature and needs of our defence estate" was being carried out.

He added: "It's right that we do that because we have a long-term view now, we'll be able to take better long-term decisions on that."

In a statement, Ms Dinenage later said the review was "very concerning".

She added: "HMS Sultan and HMS Collingwood not only offer an incredibly high standard of training and value-for-money for the Royal Navy, but they also create many high skilled jobs in the Gosport peninsula.

"I will continue to campaign to ensure that the government recognises the contribution of these outstanding establishments."

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