A major military base said there will be no job losses when it moves out of the country following the UK’s decision to leave the EU.

The news follows a statement published on the Forces Network website on July 30 saying that due to Brexit the European Union Naval Force (EU NAVFOR) will transfer its operational headquarters in Northwood to Rota in Spain as of March 29, 2019.

The European Council has confirmed the transition.

In addition, the Maritime Security Centre Horn of Africa (MSCHOA) will move to Brest in France.

Watford Observer:

A spokesperson said today: “There will be no job losses because of this move. All British personnel, of which there are about 50 and mostly Royal Navy, will be redeployed in accordance with normal defence policy and operational requirements.

“Northwood HQ remains a busy location with a number of UK and NATO headquarters based here. The need for local, UK and international personnel here remains strong and undiminished.”

They added: “Our Armed Forces staff the full range of jobs expected at a military headquarter, so with the transfer of most of these functions to Spain and some to France, all those roles will move across, while British personnel themselves transfer either into UK elements in Northwood or other locations.”

A statement published on the Forces Network website said: “The transition is being planned with the utmost consideration to ensure it is smooth and seamless with continued co-operation and collaboration with all stakeholders throughout the region.”

When asked to respond to the to the decision to transfer its operational headquarters, a spokesperson said: “It was never expected that the UK could either command or host an EU military headquarter after Brexit, so the move comes as no surprise.”

“Indeed, for the European staff working at Northwood, some of whom expect to move to Spain, this is the beginning of an exciting new chapter in their careers.”

The European Council has appointed Vice Admiral Antonio Martorell Lacave from the Spanish Navy as the new Operation Commander taking over from Major General Charlie Stickland in March.

Major Strickland said: “I am already working closely with Vice Admiral Antonio Martorell Lacave and it is my role to ensure that this operation remains a Common Security and Defence Policy exemplar and that my successor is set up for continued success.”

He added: “During this time Atalanta will be conducting business as usual with the force headquarters and ships remaining deployed and conducting deterrence of piracy and protection of World Food Programme shipping.”

EU NAVFOR Operation Atalanta provides “deterrence, prevention and repression” of piracy and armed robbery off the Somali coast. It also protects World Food Programme vessels and shipping boats in the same area, and supports other EU missions and programmes in the region.