BARROW’S role in providing 'world security' should see it granted Royal Town status.

That’s the view of the town’s MP Simon Fell, who has launched a campaign and raised the issue in the House of Commons.

In Business Questions to the Leader of the House, Mr Fell said that following Barrow’s recent celebration of 150 years of naval shipbuilding, it is time for the town to receive royal status.  

The campaign has already received support from the former Lord Lieutenant, BAE, Westmorland and Furness Council, Cando FM, the Rotary Club, as well as local arts and community groups. 

Leader of the House, The Rt Hon Penny Mordaunt MP, said she recognised the contribution Barrow has made to the UK including the AUKUS agreement as well as the Five Eyes partnership and will support Mr Fell in his campaign as it gathers momentum and generates further support.  

Other towns with Royal Town status include Wootton Bassett, Leamington Spa and Tunbridge Wells.

Leamington Spa was granted the title in 1838 by Queen Victoria, and Tunbridge Wells in 1909 by King Edward VII. Queen Elizabeth II granted Wootton Bassett its status most recently in 2011.

Mr Fell said: "I am pleased to have kickstarted the campaign to get Barrow the royal recognition it deserves in respect of its long-term commitment to UK and international security, having supplied submarines keeping us safe both now and in the future.  

"Hopefully, this will be achieved in the coming months, and I look forward to sharing this update as and when it happens."

Penny Mordaunt MP congratulated Mr Fell on his campaign adding that it sounded like a 'good initiative'.

She said: "He is right to say that this contribution is not just to the UK's security, but also the world's security too."

She said applications for towns to have a Royal title are run through the Cabinet office and each decision is made on a case-by-case basis.

The House of Commons leader said she would be 'happy to meet' with Mr Fell and discuss with him any 'further information that he may need'.

Mr Fell has also launched his campaign on his website and asked the local people to share their views on the Royal Town of Barrow-in-Furness. 

The survey can be found on the Simon Fell website.