Royal Marines and Royal Navy Service Cuts (Minute 105 / 27 April 2017)
To receive and consider the recommendation of the Cabinet (Minute 8) relating to the following Notice of Motion submitted previously to the County Council by former Councillor Younger-Ross and referred thereto in accordance with Standing Order 8(2); namely.
‘This Council notes the announcement of the First Sea Lord, Admiral Sir Philip Jones to cut the Royal Marines by 200 personnel.
This Council further notes that these cuts are to be made to transfer funds to other parts of the Navy.
This Council recognises the important roll the Royal Marines play in defence of the UK. That they are a world class fighting force, providing a fast, flexible and mobile force and that members of the Royal Marines make up nearly 50% of our elite fighting forces such as the SAS and SBS.
This Council is proud of the association Devon has with both the Royal Navy and the Royal Marines.
This Council is concerned that these cuts will have a detrimental effect on the defensive capabilities of the UK and calls upon the Council Leader to make representations to the Government to reconsider these proposed cuts to the Marines and to look at the priorities for the Royal Navy and how it is to be funded’.
Having had regard to the aforementioned, any factual briefing/position statement on the matter set out in Report CSo/17/19 and other suggestions or alternatives considered at that meeting the Cabinet subsequently resolved:
(i) that, in accordance with Standing Orders 6 & 8, the County Council be recommended to note the Notice of Motion, acknowledging that while the proposed changes alone may not impact significantly on the local economy, it was not possible to comment on the effect they would have on the defensive capabilities of the UK; the Council should monitor the situation and reconsider its position if and when further announcements of changes are made;
(ii) that, nonetheless, representations be made to:
(a) the Prime Minister and the Secretary of State, urging HM Government to maintain and retain all existing military bases in Devon to ensure the continuation of strong and robust Armed Forces, capable of delivering the range of defence, security and humanitarian services required, and
(b) the Navy - as partners in the Council’s Armed Forces Covenant - seeking assurances on the impact of proposed reductions on service personnel, and their families as well as the wider community in Devon.
Additional documents:
Minutes:
(Councillor Trail declared a personal interest in this matter by virtue of being a former Marine and currently working with the Royal Marines and withdrew from the meeting during its consideration).
Pursuant to County Council Minute 105 of 27 April 2017 relating to the Notice of Motion set out below as previously submitted and formally moved and seconded by Councillor Younger Ross that:
This Council notes the announcement of the First Sea Lord, Admiral Sir Philip Jones to cut the Royal Marines by 200 personnel.
This Council further notes that these cuts are to be made to transfer funds to other parts of the Navy.
This Council recognises the important roll the Royal Marines play in defence of the UK. That they are a world class fighting force, providing a fast, flexible and mobile force and that members of the Royal Marines make up nearly 50% of our elite fighting forces such as the SAS and SBS.
This Council is proud of the association Devon has with both the Royal Navy and the Royal Marines.
This Council is concerned that these cuts will have a detrimental effect on the defensive capabilities of the UK and calls upon the Council Leader to make representations to the Government to reconsider these proposed cuts to the Marines and to look at the priorities for the Royal Navy and how it is to be funded.
and having had regard to the advice of the Cabinet set out in Minute 8a of 31 May 2017:
Councillor Hart MOVED and Councillor Clatworthy SECONDED that the Cabinet’s advice be accepted and that the Notice of Motion be noted, acknowledging that while the proposed changes alone may not impact significantly on the local economy, it was not possible to comment on the effect they would have on the defensive capabilities of the UK; the Council should monitor the situation and reconsider its position if and when further announcements of changes are made but nonetheless, representations be made to:
(a) the Prime Minister and the Secretary of State, urging HM Government to maintain and retain all existing military bases in Devon to ensure the continuation of strong and robust Armed Forces, capable of delivering the range of defence, security and humanitarian services required, and
(b) the Navy - as partners in the Council’s Armed Forces Covenant - seeking assurances on the impact of proposed reductions on service personnel, and their families as well as the wider community in Devon.
The amendment in the name of Councillor Hart was then put to the vote and declared CARRIED and subsequently thereafter also CARRIED as the substantive motion.