Plymouth Sutton MP Linda Gilroy has welcomed today's announcement that the Ministry of Defence and Babcock Marine have finalised the Terms of Business Agreement (TOBA) concerning the running of Devonport Dockyard.

This sets the framework for Babcock Marine's fifteen year exclusive relationship with the MOD to provide fleet maintenance.

The announcement confirms the role earmarked for Devonport under the Maritime Change Programme as the lead yard for deep maintenance on submarines and surface ships by effectively guaranteeing Devonport Dockyard work for the next 15 years.

Linda Gilroy said:

"Today's news cements the importance of Babcock to the dockyard and to Plymouth. It guarantees over the coming years the continuation of our historic and mutually beneficial relationship with the Royal Navy and is an important milestone for the City's defence sector. Babcock Marine have their headquarters in the City which puts Devonport at the forefront of their operations".

"Devonport is set to become the Royal Navy's lead yard for deep maintenance and major refits. Long complex overhauls are precisely the kind of operations that account for the most jobs. I know from my conversations with representatives from Babcock and the dockyard trade unions that this outcome from Naval Base Review was highly prized".

"Devonport's future workload relies on Labour's commitment to replace Trident and build new aircraft carriers. The Conservatives are examining break clauses in the carrier contracts and the Lib Dems have said they will not renew Trident. Only a Labour Government has a clear commitment to both projects. A Tory Government on May 7th would be a black day for Devonport and the Navy with this hard won clarity, and its importance to the skilled work force, all back in the melting pot of uncertainty. Devonport's future is only safe in Labour hands".

News of the agreement comes in the same week as it was announced Babcock will acquire engineering support service company VT (Vosper Thornycroft), setting it on the path to fulfilling its ambition to enter the FTSE 100.

Babcock Marine has its headquarters in Devonport. As well as running Devonport dockyard the company is also responsible for building elements of the new aircraft carriers at Appledore shipyard in North Devon.

For further information please visit www.lindagilroy.org.uk/defence