Axeing Royal Navy's Amphibious Assault Ships Would Be 'Mad'

Any plans to scrap the Royal Navy's two amphibious assault ships would be "mad", the chairman of the Defence Committee has said.

Cost-cutting suggestions, ahead of any formal announcement, have reportedly included the axeing of HMS Albion and HMS Bulwark, alongside the loss of 1,000 Royal Marines.

According to reports, the move would save money and free up crew for the two new aircraft carriers, HMS Queen Elizabeth and HMS Prince of Wales.

Dr Julian Lewis told the committee he had heard a rumour about the "mad scheme" to axe the two ships and went on to raise it on the floor of the House of Commons.

Pressed over what is being considered, Defence Secretary Sir Michael Fallon said during the meeting that the option of losing both ships has yet to come to ministers for a decision:

"We have not had any proposals to get rid of either Albion or Bulwark - they have not reached my desk in any shape or form - so this is for the moment, simply speculation."

The Secretary of State highlighted how HMS Queen Elizabeth, the new £3 billion aircraft carrier, will be able to carry more personnel and helicopters than both ships.

"They actually give us a better literal capability than we have at the moment with Albion and Bulwark," he said.

To which Dr Lewis replied: "No, I am sorry Secretary of State, there is no way that a Queen Elizabeth class carrier can substitute for the capabilities of Albion and Bulwark as a landing platform dock."

Dr Lewis highlighted how future unforeseen crises may require the "silent insertion" of troops onto a beach, stressing that it "cannot be substituted by helicopters".

"Obviously, the answer should be to have both capacities, and if it weren't for a question of money, that is what we would be doing."

Lieutenant General Mark Poffley, Deputy Chief of Defence Staff for Military Capability, also faced questioning from Conservative MP Johnny Mercer.

Asked by Mr Mercer on how important the amphibious capability is to UK defence, Lt Gen Poffley said "it goes without saying the country places great value" on it.

Mr Mercer asked why "two ships with 30 years life expectancy" that enable a "vital part of UK defence" are being looked at.

"You say it is speculation and I absolutely agree that it is speculation. However, in Brazil and Chile they are already making plans, as reported today, to take these ships on," he added.

The Plymouth View Moor MP said "clearly something is going on in the department", before Lt Gen Poffley added he is "not aware of any overture being made by either of those countries".

The Ministry of Defence (MoD) have denied recent reports that Royal Navy frigates and amphibious ships were going to be sold to Chile or Brazil:

"We can categorically confirm that there has been no engagement with either Chile or Brazil in respect of Type 23 Frigates or the two LPD."

Earlier this month, one of the Royal Navy's most senior officers reportedly quit over possible plans to axe the two ships.

If the cost-cutting suggestions are confirmed, the loss of HMS Albion and HMS Bulwark would leave the Navy without a dedicated amphibious assault ship.