Gosport MP Caroline Dinenage has welcomed the announcement that Michael Fallon MP has been appointed the brand new Minister for the Portsmouth area.
Caroline met with Mr Fallon in December to explain the impact of BAEs decision to cease shipbuilding in Portsmouth on the area, so was pleased to hear that the Prime Minister has created a new ministerial post to ensure that the city and it's surrounds are well supported through a difficult period of structural and economic transition.
Mr Fallon will be responsible for representing Portsmouth's interests in Whitehall and making sure that every effort is made to create new jobs in the local maritime sector.
Speaking after the announcement, Caroline said:
"Closures at Portsmouth dockyard have had a huge impact locally and particularly in Gosport where a large number of its workers live. I met the Minister late last year to explain how this recent bad news is just the latest chapter in recent decades which have seen continued decline in the Navy's local footprint. I'm pleased that the Government have appointed a taskforce to plot a better future and I am confident that with ministerial support, great things will be achieved in the Portsmouth region.
I will be working hard over the coming months to ensure that Gosport is involved in future developments and that our local economy is able to benefit from Mr Fallon's assistance."
Since BAE's decision was made public, Caroline has held meetings with company bosses, trade union representatives & Government Ministers and will continue to do so. She remains committed to standing up for the local naval community and boosting the fortunes of Gosport's economy.