The MP for Taunton and Wellington, Gideon Amos, welcomed Lord Vernon Coaker, Minister of State for Defence, to the county town on Thursday 27th February.
The pair attended a round-table meeting with representatives of defence companies from across Somerset.
The meeting – held in the Great Western Hotel – was also attended by delegates from Somerset Council, the University of Somerset and the Armed Forces. Lord Coaker and Mr Amos later went to the UKHO Hydrographic Office where they were given a tour of the facility.They also called in at the Firepool Centre for Digital Innovation.
Mr Amos said afterwards: “I’m delighted the Minister accepted my invitation and appreciate him giving up his valuable time.“The timing of his visit couldn’t have been better – it came the day after the government announced plans to increase defence spending to 2.5% of national income by 2027.
“Our message to Lord Coaker was that the South West is the second biggest region in the country for defence.
“At its centre, Taunton – with the world-renowned UK Hydrographic Office – is superbly located, only 99 minutes from central London but with the best countryside there is.
“Our garden town is the right place for more investment to bring jobs and prosperity to our area.
“The Minister agreed to follow up on a range of issues and it was great to see our local community coming together to put Taunton and Wellington first.”