International Development Secretary Penny Mordaunt, pictured, believes the dual role will quell foreign aid budget concernsTens of millions of pounds in foreign aid money could be used to build ships to provide humanitarian relief – and help the Royal Navy. International Development Secretary Penny Mordaunt believes this dual role will quell concerns about Britain annual £14billion foreign aid budget. However, Miss Mordaunt claims the vessels’ dual role – by assisting in military operations when they are not needed as hospital ships in disaster zones – will allay those fears. They could also be used as a ‘forward operating base’ for aid workers, as well as delivering humanitarian aid. When not needed for disaster relief or by the Royal Navy, the vessels could be used as part of trade missions.

Source: Daily Mail January 06, 2019 22:07 UTC