In a letter to the local MP, Sheryll Murray, Dr Liam Fox MP, Secretary for State for Defence, has confirmed that “none of the options being considered include the closure of HMS Raleigh”
In his letter he confirmed his statement to Mrs Murray in October last year “that there are no plans to close HMS Raleigh” but admits in the longer term that the base’s role may change with the possibility of it being the new home of Royal Marine Commandos.
In a statement Sheryll said, “I am pleased that, following press speculation, the Secretary of State has written to confirm what he told me last year, that the base is not under threat. Torpoint has a great naval history. HMS Raleigh has been a base since during the Second World War and Torpoint grew from housing workers supplying the Navy over the last couple of centuries. Torpoint is proud of its naval heritage and I promise to continue to push the government to ensure that this link with our Navy is not diminished in any way.”
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Notes to Editors
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The full letter is available here. (pdf)
For further information please contact Sheryll’s office on 01579 344428.