Plan to keep Royal Navy base HMS Sultan open is welcomed - but long term future still in doubt

The west gate at HMS Sultan in Gosport. Picture: Ian Hargreaves (150176-1)

In 2019, the Ministry of Defence (MoD) made the decision to close HMS Sultan in Gosport, but not before 2029. Now, the government has decided that the naval base will remain open for the forseeable future.

The news has come following years of fierce campaigning from both politicians and the Royal Navy – with everyone seemingly delighted by the outcome.

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The MoD’s change of heart was announced in its new publication, A Better Defence Estate, which planned to dispose of 91 military sites across the UK. Alec Chalk KC MP, minister of state for defence procurement, confirmed the decision.

Gosport MP Caroline Dinenage said: ‘I’m delighted that the Ministry of Defence have finally concluded what local people have always known, that closing HMS Sultan would be a huge mistake for the MoD the Royal Navy and Gosport. This area has a proud history of serving our Armed Forces and excellent facilities such as these are vital to ensuring that our personnel are equipped with the skills they need to defend our country.’

Ms Dinenage formed a Gosport ‘taskforce’, made up of local and national stakeholders to provide alternatives for HMS Sultan closing.

Leader of Gosport Borough Council, Councillor Peter Chegwyn, is less convinced, saying that the decision has not changed much in the long-term.

He said: ‘It was secured until 2029 regardless. We want a clear and secure future for the naval base but at the moment we still don’t know what will happen in the long-term.

‘HMS Sultan was set to remain open for the next seven years anyway – and the MoD has not clarified what they would consider to be the ‘forseeable future’ either.

‘In theory it is welcome news because the naval base is so important to Gosport, but I would still have concerns about the long-term future. We need the government to be open and honest with us, for the sake of both the Royal Navy and the people of Gosport.’

The MoD has also been approached for comment.