Ministers deny plans to scale back warship fleet
MINISTERS have scotched rumours of the break-up of 3 Commando Brigade Royal Marines and further cutbacks to warships after being challenged at Westminster.
It follows claims by a well-respected military journal as the Ministry of Defence consider more cuts during a three-month review of spending.
Reports in Jane's Defence Weekly, which would have major implications for the city, said the Royal Navy's surface fleet could be scaled back to just 12 frigates and destroyers from a 19-strong flotilla at present.
Devonport Naval Base, the base for seven Type 23 frigates, is also home to an amphibious fleet of three warships.
It has already seen four Type 22 frigates scrapped as part of the Strategic Defence and Security Review which saw deep cuts to the armed forces.
Jane's also raises the prospect of disbanding Stonehouse-based 3 Commando Brigade, which would be likely to spark a furious backlash in the city.
It comes as Plymouth commandos are fighting on the frontline in Afghanistan during a six-month tour of duty.
Armed Forces Minister Nick Harvey admitted "further savings" have been identified amid claims the MoD is 'scrambling' to find £8 billion. Subsequent reports have put the gap closer to £10billion.
At defence questions in the Commons, Labour MP for Plymouth Moor View Alison Seabeck tackled the Secretary of State over the suggestion 3 Commando Brigade could be abolished.
She told Liam Fox: "I hope that the Secretary of State will reassure my constituents who have close links to the Royal Marines currently serving in Afghanistan, that that will not happen."
Responding Dr Fox indicated that no such discussions had taken place, and neither did he intend there would be.
Speaking afterwards, Ms Seabeck said: "I think we have it on the record now from the Government there's no intention to disband 3 Commando Brigade.
"The last thing we wanted to hear was rumours of cutbacks. It's important we have that confirmation."
And Tory MP Dr Julian Lewis, a former naval reservist, also tackled the Government over further threatened cutbacks to the fleet.
He asked the Minister: "Will he specifically confirm that that figure of 19 frigates and destroyers will not be reduced to a pathetically inadequate baker's dozen, as posited in some parts of the press?"
Defence Minister Nick Harvey said: "I can certainly confirm the situation remains unchanged from the SDSR. The future force will comprise 19 destroyers and frigates."
4 Comments
by arthur_p
Thursday, July 07 2011, 9:02AM
“"I can certainly confirm the situation remains unchanged from the SDSR. The future force will comprise 19 destroyers and frigates."
Unfortunately this doesn't really mean much. The Government has always said that the SDSR is not simply what was announced last October, it's something that will come in phases. This means any new cuts would be given another fancy title so would not constitute part of the original SDSR, therefore the Minister was actually being factually correct in the House on Monday. Depressing.”
by Winstonsmith0
Thursday, July 07 2011, 7:45AM
“Not quite true popsatpl2 - there are four frigates tied up in frigate ally - so they can create higher than normal noise when the sound level tests are done for the area.
That way, they can argue the new incinerator will not make the place much noisier than it already is.”
by popsatpl2
Wednesday, July 06 2011, 6:55PM
“Crossed the Tamar yesterday on the Torpoint ferry and what a sad sight it was, not a single surface ship tied up alongside in the dockyard, just a few decommissioned subs, we really have reached rock bottom.”
by Winstonsmith0
Wednesday, July 06 2011, 7:27AM
“Hey, they're just rumours.
We all know that rumours such as these never, ever, become reality.
Not here.
Not in jolly old England.
Do they?”