Defence funding shows 'confidence' in Plymouth

Groups including defence company Babcock have praised the decision

New defence funding for Plymouth will create "unprecedented opportunities", the city's university has said.

Plymouth was named as one of five areas to benefit from the £250m Defence Growth Deal as part of the UK government's new defence industrial strategy.

It is hoped the fund will increase the number of people training in fields such as electrical engineering and nuclear operations while "driving innovation" in marine technology.

The University of Plymouth said the funding showed the government "has confidence" in the city.

"This investment will create unprecedented opportunities for the university and everyone living and working in our city," said Professor Richard Davies, the university's vice-chancellor.

"We are perfectly placed to tackle the complex and varied threats the UK is currently facing and to inspire and train those who will be critical to its future security."

He added: "This places us even closer to the heart of the UK's national resilience and we – and our partners – are ready to seize the opportunities that brings."

Plymouth City Council described the announcement as "huge for Plymouth".

Council leader Tudor Evans OBE said: "Families of today and tomorrow will benefit from this announcement and the opportunities it will open up far into the future."

To coincide with the awarding of new funding, the council said it had created a collaboration of groups called Team Plymouth to help with the rollout of the government's defence strategy.

The groups include Babcock, Plymouth University and City College Plymouth.

"This is a proud moment for Plymouth's defence sector," said Harry Holt, chief executive of Babcock's nuclear sector.

"Babcock is committed to working with colleagues across the city, and with local and national government, to ensure this momentum delivers lasting benefits within the region and strengthens the defence dividend in our communities."

Monday's announcement follows promises to invest £4bn into Devonport naval base and the Devonport Royal Dockyard over the next decade.