Sir Michael’s announcement came as he watched a battle demonstration at Arbroath as 45 Commando begin training to play a lead role in NATO’s Very High Readiness Group from 2018. This will see them working and training with allies, and place them at the forefront of an international emergency should any arise.

Defence Secretary, Sir Michael Fallon said:

Our Royal Marines are at the heart of Britain’s global role as we do more to support our NATO allies. Their future in Scotland is secure, with those based at Arbroath deployed on ships all around the world as well as working with our European partners to tackle illegal immigration in the Mediterranean, which helps save lives and keep our United Kingdom safer and more secure.

On the visit, Sir Michael Fallon awarded two Royal Navy ranks serving with 45 Commando their Long Service and Good Conduct Medals (LSGC). Petty Officer (Chef) Ian Dixon and Petty Officer (Medical Assistant) Jamie Jackson received their medals in recognition of having maintained perfect military records for 15 years. The men are originally from Lancashire and Derbyshire.

Earlier this month 45 Commando led 400 of their fellow commandos from the Royal Marines’ three main fighting units into the snow and sub-zero temperatures of the Scottish Highlands as they honed winter warfare skills ahead of deploying to northern Norway. In Scandinavia, the Marines can expect temperatures as low as -30˚C, much colder than the -12˚C experiences on the slopes of the Highlands.

The other Royal Marine presence in Scotland is 43 Commando who are based at Her Majesty’s Naval Base (HMNB) Clyde where they protect the UK’s independent nuclear deterrent. Both units are part of the Royal Navy’s elite amphibious infantry who are ready to deploy at short notice both at home and overseas.

45 Commando

• In addition to 650 commandos, 45 Commando employs 30 MOD civilians.

• The unit moved to Arbroath and RM Condor in 1971 after spending much of the 1950s and 60s deployed.

• Their 1982 Falklands Campaign saw major action with the capture of Two Sisters Mountain, which shaped modern Commando, mountain and cold weather warfare.

• The Unit deployed to Iraq in 2003 on Operation TELIC 1, and to Afghanistan on various Operation HERRICK deployments in 2006, 2008, 2011 in Sangin, Nad Ali and Helmand Province.

Defence Budget

• The UK is investing £178bn in a decade long equipment programme.

• The UK Defence budget has a “double lock” which ensures that it will rise every year by at least 0.5% annually, above inflation and always exceed 2% of GDP.

UK

• The UK Government is firmly committed to the future of Defence in Scotland and its continued vital role in Defence.

• Scotland is home to military bases that provide essential capabilities for the Defence of the UK as a whole.

• By 2020, Scotland will be home to all of the Royal Navy’s submarines, one of the Army’s engagement and resilience Infantry Brigades, one of three RAF fast jet main operating bases and new P8 Poseidon Maritime Patrol Aircraft.

From the end of February 2017 the Marine Management Organisation will routinely publish information and documents it receives from advisors, organisations and the wider public in response to marine licence consultations.

The MMO is writing to the affected organisations which provide advice and comment on marine licence applications to explain the development in greater detail and public notices will be amended to make clear to those wishing to make a representation that their comments will be published.

Why additional information is being published

The MMO is not legally required to proactively publish the additional information but is doing so as part of its commitment to openness and transparent decision-making. It already uses the selected cases section of its website to release information where cases are of significant public interest, or when details have been requested under the Freedom of Information Act 2000 (FOIA) and/or the Environmental Information Regulations 2004 (EIRs).

This new approach is also in line with the actions of local planning authorities in relation to land-based developments.

The public register of marine licence applications

Where people or organisations want to carry out development in the marine area they may need prior permission from the Marine Management Organisation under the Marine and Coastal Access Act 2009. Such activities may include construction, dredging, deposits or removal. This consent is referred to as a marine licence.

The online public register holds details of marine licence applications and relevant documents. It also lists marine licence applications which are open for public consultation.

Government responds to agreement reached between Aslef and GTR.

A DfT spokesperson said:

The DfT welcomes the news that an agreement has been reached between Aslef and Southern Rail.

We are grateful to all parties for their efforts to find a positive way forward.