First the good news. In my time at Westminster this is one of the first defence reviews taking place in the context of an increasing defence budget. The commitment by the Conservative government to increase defence spending by at least one billion pounds per annum is very welcome. I cannot remember the world ever being more dangerous in my lifetime
The concept of warfare is changing, with drones, cyber-warfare and other prospects once confined to sci-fi meaning that almost constant review is necessary to make sure we are not fighting the last war.
However, the possible threat to the amphibious fleet fills me with alarm. One of our most successful and trusted combat units in recent years has been our world-class Royal Marines. Any attempt to downgrade their significance or rapid-deploy-ability is short-sighted and potentially dangerous.
We have to fully crew the two aircraft carriers around which our military muscle will now revolve. The First Sea Lord has a tough task to do this without grabbing resources from elsewhere in his budget. I imagine that the permanently-at-sea deterrent offers little scope for savings, and so he will inevitably look at other naval sections, including the amphibious fleet to help solve his problem. The new carriers can transport Marines to within striking distance of most likely theatres of war, but they cannot unleash landing craft.
I know we are only talking about three ships: Ocean, Bulwark and Albion. HMS Ocean is being decommissioned next year anyway and Bulwark is currently tied up alongside, inactive. Albion though is just coming out of refit and expected back in harness shortly. Plymouth is the home of the amphibious fleet. We wear this badge with pride. It also has strategic significance because it follows that many Commando units will be based in the West Country, close to their embarkation point, a vital part of our proud traditions and economy.
That is why there has been a fierce political campaign since the leaked news that this was being considered by the First Sea Lord percolated through a few weeks back. I raised this at Prime Minister’s Question Time. We know that ministers have yet been briefed or consulted, but we have made it clear that the axing of the amphibious fleet and downsizing of our Royal Marines will be fiercely resisted. Hopefully when final decisions are made just before Christmas, we can all retreat to safer ground. Until then, the battle will rage.