HMS Sultan Saved from Shutdown in MoD U-turn
The Ministry of Defence has scrapped plans to close HMS Sultan, one of the UK’s key Royal Navy engineering training bases. This reversal comes after a fierce local campaign and years of uncertainty.
Planned Closure Sparks Outcry
Back in 2016, the MoD’s “A Better Defence Estate” strategy announced the disposal of 91 military sites across Britain — including HMS Sultan. The plan caused uproar in Gosport and beyond, sparking fears of losing vital training and damaging the local community.
MP Campaigns Win the Day
Local MP Caroline led the charge against the closure. She met key Defence figures, including former Secretary Michael Fallon and Minister Tobias Ellwood, bringing them to see HMS Sultan’s importance firsthand. Despite an official 2019 update delaying closure to post-2029, Caroline didn’t let up.
Her efforts paid off recently when Defence Procurement Minister Alec Chalk KC MP confirmed the MoD’s change of heart: HMS Sultan will stay open.
Local Hero Caroline Praises Victory
“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 1, and Gosport. This area has a proud history of serving our Armed Forces, and excellent facilities such as these are vital to ensuring our personnel have the skills they need to defend our country.”
Thanks to local pressure and determined campaigning, HMS Sultan remains a cornerstone of British naval defence and Gosport’s proud military heritage.
