THE defence secretary for the UK Government will visit St Asaph next month and learn about the town's military defence industry.

Gavin Williamson, secretary of state for defence, will attend a dinner held by the Vale of Clwyd Conservatives Association (VOCCA) on January 11.

The VOCCA will discuss with Mr Williamson St Asaph’s defence-related industry, which includes factories Qioptiq, defence and aerospace sector supplier, and Kent Periscopes, supplier of periscopes and equipment for armoured vehicles.

Mr Williamson is also expected to discuss current national and international defence issues.

A VOCCA spokesperson said: “The dinner is an opportunity for members and supporters of the Conservative Party to get together. Attendees will also hear from Gavin as our guest speaker.

“The dinner came about after a chat on WhatsApp between Gavin and our former MP Dr James Davies. We are grateful to Gavin for responding so positively to the invitation to attend and look forward to welcoming him to north Wales.

“We expect to hear the latest from him about the important national and international issues of the day and also hope to raise his awareness of the number of defence-related industries on our doorstep.”

The Free Press was told the location of the event could not be disclosed due to national security procedures.

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