UK government to invest £7.1 billion in Devonport naval base

The UK government is preparing a £7.1 billion investment to upgrade HMNB Devonport, the largest naval base in Western Europe. Defence Secretary Wes Streeting visited the Plymouth facility to inspect infrastructure works designed to support future submarine operations, including the deep maintenance and defuelling of the Royal Navy’s nuclear submarine fleet.

The project is part of Royal Oak, a £26 billion ten-year programme aimed at modernising naval infrastructure, described as the largest of its kind since the Cold War. Additional funding includes £500 million for modernising UK Commando Forces and £50 million via the Plymouth Growth Deal to support local defence technology and jobs.

Local officials, including South East Cornwall MP Anna Gelderd, noted the economic impact on surrounding communities. Approximately 23 per cent of Babcock’s Devonport workforce resides in South East Cornwall, meaning the investment is expected to support thousands of jobs and boost the regional economy across the Tamar.