Portsmouth's council leader pledges to fight to keep Type 26 frigates in the city
THE leader of Portsmouth City Council has pledged to keep fighting for the city's role in defence.
Speaking at full council yesterday Cllr Gerald Vernon-Jackson believed there was still hope that new Type 26 frigates could be based at the city's naval base, despite an announcement last week that the ships would go to Plymouth.
He said: '˜I don't think this needs to be a final decision.
'˜We know that it makes economical sense for the government to use our base, not just to work on their maintenance but as their home.
'˜We have to stand together to speak up for what is in the best interest of the people of Portsmouth.'
Labour councillors proposed an amendment to Cllr Vernon-Jackson's motion, asking that Portsmouth only be considered as a maintenance site rather than the ships' base. However, they were outvoted.
Councillors then unanimously agreed to lobby the government to make Portsmouth the base of the frigates.