GOVERNMENT has apparently U-turned on plans to close Taunton's marine base - stating it will be there for a 'long time'.

Plans to close Norton Manor Camp, home of 40 Commando, were announced in 2016 by then-defence secretary Sir Michael Fallon.

The Norton Fitzwarren-based camp was among 56 Ministry of Defence sites to close across the UK.

It was believed the Royal Marines would moved to the Plymouth area.


RELATED: Norton Manor camp set to close in 2028


But during a conversation in parliament with MP for Taunton Deane, Rebecca Pow, Sectary of State for Defence, Gavin Williamson, said there were 'no plans' to close the camp.

Somerset County Gazette:

WHAT'S IN STORE?: The Royal Marine camp near Taunton 

The exchange began as Ms Pow said she was 'delighted' to hear about the Government’s commitment to keeping the UK’s two amphibious ships, HMS Albion and HMS Bulwark. She then turned her attention to 40 Commando.

She said: "Could the secretary of state fully understand and comprehend the importance of 40 Commando to my town, Taunton, in its assessment of future capabilities?"

MP Williamson said: "In terms of 40 Commando in Taunton, I can reassure her (Pow) that there are no plans to move 40 Commando from Taunton and it will be there for a long time in the future."

The Ministry of Defence has been approached for comment.