Last week the Ministry of Defence published plans for "A Better Defence Estate". This includes the disposal of 91 sites, including HMS Sultan and Fort Blockhouse. In the statement I published 7 days ago, I made clear that while I appreciate the economic case for the sale of Fort Blockhouse, I firmly believe that it would be to the detriment of both Gosport and the Royal Navy to lose the outstanding training at Sultan.
With this in mind, I intend to provide a rolling update on the action I take over the weeks and months ahead in an attempt to plot the best possible future for HMS Sultan and Gosport.
Last week I met with the Chief Executive of the Solent Local Enterprise Partnership, Anne-Marie Mountifield. We agreed to work together to develop a business case for the economic impact Sultan's closure would have on the Gosport constituency as well as exploring alternative uses for the site.
I also met with the First Sea Lord, Admiral Sir Philip Jones over in Whale Island. He explained how he has worked hard to keep most of the jobs at Sultan in the local area at HMS Collingwood. While I am very grateful for this, it doesn't change my position – I still believe there is a strong business case for keeping Sultan open. At the weekend, I caught up with the Commanding Officer of HMS Sultan, Captain Towell.
Today, I am meeting with the BEIS Minister and Solent Growth Champion, Jo Johnson MP, to raise my concerns about the cumulative effect of cross-departmental Government land disposal in our local area. I will be also speaking to the Vice Chancellor of the University of Portsmouth as I believe it is important to seek their input in backing up our business case with sound academic research.
On Friday I am gathering a small taskforce of influential stakeholders to draw upon their considerable expertise as we plot our way forward.
