A HAMPSHIRE MP did his bit to boost tourism in Southampton and urged people to visit the city during his first speech in the House of Commons.

Taking the floor at Parliament, Royston Smith made his maiden speech in a Commons debate on the budget – and took the opportunity to talk about the city’s links with the famous Spitfire.

In it, the Southampton Itchen MP who was himself a former RAF pilot – urged people to visit the city’s Solent Sky Museum to see the famous aircraft in its home town.

Mr Smith, who used to fly Nimrod surveillance planes, also paid tribute to local councillor John Hannides. He credited him with spearheaded a campaign to have a memorial to the Spitfire to be built in Southampton.

The iconic aircraft which played a crucial in the Battle of Britain during the Second World War, was designed and built in the city.

Making his speech, Mr Smith said: “The world famous Spitfire, like me, was made in Southampton. A masterpiece of aerodynamic engineering it was designed and built in Woolston by RJ Mitchell and first flew from Southampton airport in 1936.

“Due to the sheer determination of one Southampton city councillor, John Hannides, it looks like 75 years after the Spitfire saved this country in the Battle of Britain, Southampton and the nation may at last have a memorial to RJ Mitchell’s aircraft and the brave pilots who protected our freedom.

“For aircraft enthusiasts and historians, a trip to the city’s excellent Solent Sky Museum to see the Spitfire in its home town is a must.”

As reported by the Daily Echo a towering monument to the Spitfire is being planned for the city. The campaign was officially launched to raise the £4m needed to fund the 130ft structure at Mayflower Park that could be built by 2018.