Andrew Rosindell M.P., Member of Parliament for Romford, has spoken out against government plans to “vacate” the London Road Territorial Army Centre as part of defence reforms outlined on Wednesday 3rd July 2013.
Under proposed Government plans, the London Road T.A. Centre is on a “surplus sites” list, which means that it is subject to being vacated with personnel being relocated. Some personnel from Romford are to be moved to Ilford.
On the day of the announcement, Andrew spoke personally The Rt. Hon. Andrew Robathan M.P., Minister of State for the Armed Forces and expressed his strong opposition to the proposed closure. He also raised concerns over what might happen to the Romford Air Training Corps 6F Squadron, of which the M.P. is President, who also have their headquarters at the T.A. Centre.
He visited 6F Squadron in April and has been a long standing supporter of the A.T.C. in Romford.
Andrew Rosindell M.P. said:
“Closing Romford Territorial Army is the wrong decision. I support reforms that seek to strengthen the Territorial Army by providing it with better equipment, a more professional role alongside the regular army and higher profile recruitment campaigns, but shutting down our local T.A. Centre in Romford will be detrimental to that.
The minister has said that some centres are currently under-recruited but could, with better recruitment, become more viable with effective recruiting. I can see little sense, therefore, in closing Romford before giving it a chance to become more viable under the new reforms.
I have visited the London Road T.A. Centre many times and have seen the selfless dedication of personnel, who all make personal sacrifices to serve for Queen and Country.
The Territorial Army Centre has been an integral part of the Romford community since it was founded. The future Territorial Army, as the Army Reserve, will have an even more important role in the nation’s defence as the size of the regular Army is reduced. Putting off potential recruits by making them travel further to a Territorial Army Centre in Ilford sends the wrong signal at the wrong time from the Ministry of Defence!”
As Member of Parliament for Romford, Andrew intends to campaign to “Save Romford T.A. Centre” and will be raising further questions on the subject with Ministers in the House of Commons.