5. Championing Defence

Rebecca is proud to represent many serving personnel, veterans and 42 Commando Royal Marines at RM Bickleigh as the Member of Parliament for South West Devon and is an outspoken champion for Britain's Armed Forces in Parliament.

Born and raised in the historic naval city of Plymouth, she has fond memories of watching warships set sail from Plymouth Sound as a girl. Before being elected in July 2024, Rebecca spent more than six years working for the Commonwealth War Graves Commission (CWGC) in the South West, sharing its vital work preserving the memories of the fallen through walks and talks. She continues to support and raise awareness about the organisation in Parliament, chairing the CWGC and Commemorations All Party Parliamentary Group (APPG). The South West Devon MP also attends Remembrance services in towns and villages across the constituency every year, laying wreaths on behalf of her constituents.

Rebecca was the only Plymouth MP to speak out against the Government's decision to axe HMS Albion and Bulwark based at HMNB Devonport in November 2024. She has put significant pressure on the Government to provide a timeline for their replacements, quizzing the Defence Secretary in Parliament.

View recent articles on Rebecca's work to champion defence in South West Devon below.

News

Rebecca meets with Defence Secretary in cross-party local investment meeting

Earlier this week I joined the Defence Secretary, Housing Minister, Plymouth MPs and the Council in another cross-party meeting to discuss investment in Plymouth and the surrounding area.I recently spoke in Parliament about the need to work across government to ensure that Plymouth and the surroundi

Rebecca chairs cross-party group for War Graves

While for many Remembrance is reserved to two minutes a year, the work to preserve the memory of those who paid the ultimate sacrifice is year-round.Many of you will know that I spent some six years working for the Commonwealth War Graves Commission before serving as a MP.

Cross-party meeting brokered to discuss Devonport deal

I am grateful for the cross-party meeting with the Defence Secretary last week after I recently asked in Parliament about the need to secure cross-government working on a Devonport deal.It is clear from the meeting that there is cross-party agreement that Plymouth and the surrounding area need a com

Rebecca celebrates 100th birthday with local WWII veteran

On Saturday, I joined my constituent Suzanne Sparrow for her 100th birthday celebrations at the HMS Drake wardroom.Suzanne joined the Wrens at 17, witnessed the American troops depart from Saltash Passage in the build-up to D-Day and founded a language school later in life to help students improve t

Rebecca presses Defence Secretary for Devonport deal

On Wednesday I asked the Defence Secretary to confirm that he would work with other Ministerial colleagues on a ‘Devonport deal’. In response, he offered to meet with me, along with other local MPs.I am grateful for the Minister's cooperation.

Laying wreaths for the Great Western Railway Poppy Train in Ivybridge

As Armistice Day dawned this morning, I was on the platform at Ivybridge Station waiting for the Great Western Railway Poppy Train to Paddington Station.It was lovely to join the Chair of South Hams District Council, Cllr Bernard Taylor, Ivybridge Town Council Mayor, Cllr Alan Spencer and veterans f