Grant Shapps says Catterick Garrison has bright future

Mr Shapps emphasised his support for the military town and its garrison, the British Army’s largest globally, during a visit today (February 29) where he spoke with Ukrainian troops being trained there under Operation Interflex.

Two years after Russia’s invasion, the operation, launched by the government in July 2022, has trained tens of thousands of soldiers who have returned to the front line in Ukraine. 

Defence Secretary Grant Shapps during a visit to Catterick Garrison, in North Yorkshire, to tour the base and meet troops, including members of the Ukrainian military currently being trained at the base. (Image: PA)

Mr Shapps told the Echo Catterick has a “very bright future” as he emphasised the service’s recruitment programme.

It comes as the latest Office for National Statistics (ONS) figures revealed a 4% drop in the number of serving personnel in just a year to the end of 2022.

“There is a six-year high in Army recruitment,” he said.

Defence Secretary Grant Shapps during a visit to Catterick Garrison, in North Yorkshire, to tour the base and meet troops, including members of the Ukrainian military currently being trained at the base. (Image: PA)

“From a Catterick point of view and army training, there were 15,000 army applications in January. I think the message that there are amazing opportunities in our armed forces is finally getting through.

“Catterick is a key part of the future in training these young soldiers.”

During his visit, Mr Shapps spoke to just some of the Ukrainian troops who have been trained under Operation Interflex at Catterick, named '2SCOTS'.

Defence Secretary Grant Shapps during a visit to Catterick Garrison, in North Yorkshire, to tour the base and meet troops, including members of the Ukrainian military currently being trained at the base. (Image: PA)

He was shown around a Jackal armoured vehicle and also inspected mock Russian trenches which have been dug as part of training exercises.

“Seeing the training of Ukrainian troops through Operation Interflex, which we’ve backed, is great,” he said.

“Today, speaking to them, they hugely appreciate this training and when I do go to Ukraine and speak to President Zelensky, he tells me it dramatically increases their chances on the front line.

“They were very keen to express their gratitude to Brits and thank the UK for providing this training for them. For them, this training is not just nice to have, it’s the difference between life and death.

“I think it's something the country should be really proud of.”

Mr Shapps was also questioned on a government u-turn on the ‘New Accomodation Offer’ (NAO) which would have seen houses awarded to forces personnel based on the number of children they have rather than their rank, as it currently is.

Defence Secretary Grant Shapps during a visit to Catterick Garrison, in North Yorkshire, to tour the base and meet troops, including members of the Ukrainian military currently being trained at the base. (Image: PA)

Following backlash from the wives of serving personnel, Mr Shapps confirmed the plan is under review as he previously expressed concerns at the changes.

He said: “We have seen some of the campaign in recent weeks, and I took a close look at it and saw some real problems.

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“I was sufficiently concerned about that change – and I have put it on hold and it will be put through a review.

“I want to make sure we have accommodation which is fit for everybody and I do not think the way to get there is suddenly force a change.

“I think we can do this better for everyone – and that’s why I called a halt to it.”