Gosport MP Caroline Dinenage discussed local military matters with brand new Defence Minister, Anna Soubry MP, during her visit to Gosport this afternoon.
Caroline held a meeting with the Minister and Ian Lycett, the CEO of Gosport Borough Council and Cllr Mark Hook, Council Leader, to discuss the future of various military and ex military sites and the experiences of serving personnel. Caroline also took the Minister on a tour of Gosport to allow her to see for herself the extent of Gosport's ties to the Armed Forces.
Speaking after the event, Caroline commented:
"21% of Gosport is owned by the MOD and we have the 2nd highest population of veterans in the UK, so was thrilled to be able to show the Minister around our town. I was grateful for her interest in the important role that the Armed Forces, particularly the Navy, plays in our local area.
During our meeting, the representatives of Gosport Borough Council & I shared with the Minister some of the projects involving current and ex-military sites in the area that are key to Gosport's future economic prosperity."
Since becoming Gosport's MP, Caroline has worked hard to ensure that the area is able to capitalise on the huge number of opportunities offered by its military estates. She is also committed to getting a better deal for service personnel & veterans and frequently raises local issues with her ministerial colleagues in the Ministry of Defence.
