(7 years ago)
Commons Chamber Peter Heaton-Jones (North Devon) (Con)
        
    
    
    
    
    
        
        
        
            Peter Heaton-Jones (North Devon) (Con) 
        
    
        
    
         The Minister for the Armed Forces (Mark Lancaster)
        
    
    
    
    
    
        
        
        
            The Minister for the Armed Forces (Mark Lancaster) 
        
    
        
    
        The better defence estate strategy was published about two years ago, and the strategy remains in place as it stands. The strategy extends over some 20 years, and the Royal Navy continues to work to establish the amphibious centre of excellence in Plymouth.
(7 years, 4 months ago)
Commons Chamber Mark Lancaster
        
    
    
    
    
    
        
        
        
            Mark Lancaster 
        
    
        
    
        The EU has made it clear that we are not allowed to lead any operations after 29 March next year. However, we are continuing to negotiate how we might be able to take part—for example, Operation Sophia, Operation Atalanta or indeed, Operation Althea in the Balkans.
 Peter Heaton-Jones (North Devon) (Con)
        
    
    
    
    
    
        
        
        
            Peter Heaton-Jones (North Devon) (Con) 
        
    
        
    
        The Minister will be aware that I and the North Devon community have lobbied hard over the future of Royal Marines Base Chivenor. In the light of media reports over the weekend, is he able to confirm whether a decision is indeed imminent?