The Defence Secretary, Sir Michael Fallon, has revealed the Ministry of Defence spends billions of pounds with industry and supporting 30,000 local jobs in the South West, underlining the region’s importance to the UK’s security.
Sir Michael revealed the figures during a visit to the Royal Marine’s base at Chivenor, where he met with personnel from 24 Commando who have recently been engaged in climatic training, including deploying to Belize on exercise and a winter deployment to Norway.
He was also on hand to award two Long Service and Good Conduct medals to 3 Commando’s Lance Corporal Kenny McBain and Staff Sergeant Daniel Moseley, from the Army’s Royal Electrical and Mechanical Engineers in recognition of their hard work and 15 years of exemplary service.
Sir Michael was able to use the visit as opportunity for further discussion with community members to ensure the release optimises the opportunities for employment, housing and economic benefits to the local area.
Defence Secretary Sir Michael Fallon said: “Creating an economy that works for everyone means investing and supporting jobs across the UK. Backed by a rising defence budget, we spent more than £4Bn with industry in the South West last year to help keep Britain safe.
“Our commitment to the future of defence in the south west is enduring, a region that is vital to the Royal Navy and for the many serving personnel that live and work there.”
24 Commando Royal Marines will remain in the South West when they relocate from RM Chivenor by 2027 as part of the Better Defence Estate strategy.
image © E.Kryzhanivskyi / Shutterstock.com
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