Sarah Newton joins Navy

Truro and Falmouth MP Sarah Newton has enrolled in the Armed Forces Parliamentary Scheme, in order to better appreciate the challenges faced by Royal Navy personnel.

The scheme is open to all parliamentarians, with the aim of improving the quality of debate on military issues by exposing Members of Parliament to first-hand military experience. In order to graduate from the scheme Members are required to spend twenty-two days in any one year on active service with units in one of the branches of the Armed Forces.

Mrs Newton, in light of the historic connections between her home town of Falmouth and the Royal Navy, will serve as a sailor during her time on the scheme. Mrs Newton enlisted today at the Royal Navy’s Whale Island base in Portsmouth, and stepped aboard the Navy’s new Destroyer HMS Dragon.

Later this year Mrs Newton will participate in a range of naval programmes and events, including sea training as a flag officer and serving aboard the assault ship HMS Ocean.

Mrs Newton said:

“I am delighted to have this opportunity to learn more about our twenty first century Navy, and will be privileged to serve briefly alongside the dedicated men and women who protect our shores and represent Britain’s interests on distant and often dangerous seas.

“I look forward to the insights this experience will offer, and to fully appreciating the issues faced by the Navy and its serving personnel.”