The Defence Secretary, John Healey, MP has made his first visit to the Army HQ near Andover with assurances that the Government was committed to Andover.

Mr Healey was greeted by the chief of the General Staff, General Roland Walker and chatted to apprentices, finance officers and civil servants before addressing more than 100 personnel and listening to their concerns on Thursday, September 19. 

(Image: Caroline Simpson)

After the informal discussions, the Defence Secretary took to the floor to address army personnel.

He began his speech by thanking everyone for their service to the country and their hard work and determination to protect the UK.

He said that the HQ in Andover was the nerve centre of the British Army that the government would guarantee its commitment to spend 2.5% of GDP on Defence and that it was vital to support the provide long term global strategy for capability development.

He said: “I’ve come here to chat and have a coffee with you, but also to listen and to take your questions back to London.”

The Minister came under fire about the introduction of VAT on private schools. Many local personnel have concerns about how the changes will affect their children with  potential disruption of their education. Staff emphasized the need for urgent answers for service personnel and their families, particularly those overseas or who have an overseas posting coming up, and those with children in critical exam years.

Mr Healey gave a cast iron assurance that this would be something he would address in the next few months.   

Asked what his first impressions from his visit was, Mr Healey replied: “My single takeaway is the shining example of just how rich the British Army is, I have enjoyed listening to everyone’s experiences and what they are doing. It’s important to get out and speak to people and hear about the issues they’re facing.”

Among those meeting Mr Healey was Private Mollie Trott, 20. He asked her if the army was giving her enough time to complete her studies.

She said: “I told him that yes, I had enough time. I‘ve been in the army a year and I’m following a family tradition as my Dad was in the military and both my Granddads were marines. It was great to have the opportunity to speak to the Defence Secretary.”

Another at the event was Private Nancy St Croix, 22, who is serving with the Coldstream Guards and studying to be a  ‘Production’ chef.

She said: “I’d like to be an instructor. I’m passionate about food and feel that by being in the Army takes you out of your comfort zone and gives you confidence. Mr Healey was interested to hear about the apprenticeship scheme and said it was very important to support it.”

 Also speaking to Mr Healey was Sean O’Neil, who has been in the Army 25 years. 

He said: “I represent four networks including Ethnic minority groups and LGBTQ. There have of course been many issues and Mr Healey was genuinely interested in my concerns, he’s a good ally to the forces."