MP backs campaign for new HMS Sheffield to recognise city's 'extraordinary contribution' to Navy
Paul Blomfield has backed the campaign, supported by The Star, to get a fourth ship named after the city in recognition of its proud naval history,
The Sheffield Central MP believes it would be a fitting honour for the manufacturing powerhouse which has helped build Britain's fleet.
Advertisement
Hide AdAdvertisement
Hide Ad"The first HMS Sheffield, which saw successful action in the Second World War against Nazi Germany’s biggest battleship the Bismarck, unusually had many stainless steel fittings, rather than brass. Let’s continue that tradition too."
Three of the Navy's eight new Type 26 frigates which are being built have already been named after Glasgow, Belfast and Cardiff, leaving five slots free for other UK cities.
Sheffield's lord mayor Councillor Anne Murphy is spearheading the campaign for a fourth HMS Sheffield, which has many high-profile backers including the city's universities, aerospace giant Boeing and some of the companies which helped equip the previous ship.
Mr Blomfield has written to defence secretary Gavin Williamson pressing the case for the city.
Advertisement
Hide AdAdvertisement
Hide Ad"Now it's time to look at the leading cities in England. Sheffield is the fourth largest city and we have an extraordinary history in terms of the contribution we've made to the defence sector and the Navy in particular as a steel and engineering city.
"It seems we should be right at the top of the list to be recognised in this way.
"The Navy over the years wouldn't have been much without steel, and no city has played a bigger role than Sheffield in terms of manufacturing steel."