Delighted to report that Albermarle Barracks will stay open after the basing review that will take place in 2015 following the return of troops from both Afghanistan and Germany. In 2015 we will be wishing a sad farewell to 39 RA but will be welcoming the 3rd regiment of the Royal Horse Artillery, who are returning from Germany. This is good news also for the civilian staff on the base. Yesterday I raised this in the House of Commons with the Secretary of State and stressed the need for the upgrade of existing and future facilities at the base. The full statement to the House of Commons and debate is here: http://www.theyworkforyou.com/debates/?id=2013-03-05a.845.0&s=speaker%3A24962#g860.1
My contribution was as follows:
Guy Opperman (Hexham, Conservative)People in Northumberland will be delighted that our long campaign to retain Albemarle barracks has been successful, for which I thank the Secretary of State. We will welcome the 3rd Regiment Royal Horse Artillery, as much as we have supported the 39th Regiment Royal Artillery. I visited Albemarle again only three weeks ago. Will the Secretary of State meet me again to ensure that the present troops have the broadband, local transport and mobile facilities they need and that future, post-2015 troops will have the facilities they should enjoy as well?
Philip Hammond [Secretary of State for Defence]
I am sure that my right hon. Friend the Minister for the Armed Forces, who has responsibility for such matters, will be very happy to meet my hon. Friend to talk about those issues.
For those who are interested in the basing review the full details are here: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/regular-army-basing-plan