HMS Albion and HMS Bulwark could be taken out of service, leaving the navy with no way to attack enemy-held beaches, said BBC’s NewsnightThe Royal Navy could be stripped of its ability to attack enemy-held beaches under cost-cutting plans, it has been reported. The navy’s two amphibious assault ships, HMS Albion and HMS Bulwark, could be taken out of service in a new round of cuts to the armed forces, the BBC’s Newsnight said on Thursday. It comes days after Michael Fallon, the defence secretary, used a speech at the Conservative party conference to call for an increase in defence funding as his ministry announced a £1bn support package for the Royal Navy fleet. Newsnight reported that the plan, coupled with the loss of 1,000 Royal Marines, had alarmed senior commando officers. If confirmed, the loss of Albion, a former flagship of the Royal Navy, and Bulwark would leave the Navy without a dedicated amphibious assault ship.

Source: The Guardian October 05, 2017 19:41 UTC