Local MP Alan Mak has visited the Royal Navy’s flagship HMS Queen Elizabeth in Portsmouth to support the ship’s company and thank personnel onboard who are residents of the Havant Constituency for their service.
HMS Queen Elizabeth was completed in 2018 at a cost of £3.1bn, and serves as the flagship of the Royal Navy. The warship is currently acting as the UK’s very high readiness strike carrier, which means it could be ready to go to sea within 5 days of any order being given.
Alan Mak MP was appointed as a Government Whip for the Department of Defence in April 2021, and the tour helped him understand HMS Queen Elizabeth’s role and capabilities.
Mr Mak first visited the Portsmouth Naval Base, where he met Commodore JJ Bailey, Commander of HMNB Portsmouth, to discuss his activities and plans for the base.
The Havant MP then went aboard HMS Queen Elizabeth and was greeted by Commander Hugh Harris and Lt Commander Michael Hindmarsh. After a tour of the warship, Mr Mak met Warrant Officer Paul Innes, Chief Petty Officer Liz Howard, and AB Michael Envy, all residents of the Havant Constituency. Mr Mak and the sailors discussed issues facing them on board, and how an MP can help personnel while they are at sea.
Local MP Alan Mak said: “The Royal Navy’s flagship HMS Queen Elizabeth is a world-class ship spearheading the defence of the UK and furthering our interests around the world. It was a great privilege to tour the ship and personally thank members of the ship’s company from the Havant Constituency. They are doing great work for the Royal Navy and our country, and we should all be proud of their efforts.”
