The Prime Minister announced today that he has asked Michael to take on a new additional role with responsibility for coordinating the Government’s efforts to support the future of the maritime industry in Portsmouth and the livelihoods of the people who work there. This comes on top of the government’s recent support for Portsmouth (and Southampton) in the recent City Deal, announced 12 November 2013. The deal will provide £953 million of investment to create more than 17,000 jobs.
Discussing his appointment Michael said: “Portsmouth has a proud history and I’m confident that it has a strong maritime future and can emerge stronger from the decision taken by BAE. City leaders, unions, BAE Systems, other interested parties and the government are all going to have to work together and pull in the same direction for new jobs and growth. I will be championing Portsmouth at the heart of government and banging the drum for this great city at every opportunity.”