Military is 'bleeding out' as workforce issues trump UK Armed Forces' other challenges
A former Armed Forces minister has described the UK military as "bleeding out" when talking about the staffing issues the services face.
Mark Francois said workforce pressures facing the military "are more important than any programmatic" issues, adding that with "no crew, no ship goes to sea".
His comments came as Lieutenant General Sir Rob Magowan, Deputy Chief of the Defence Staff, was quizzed by a panel of MPs on the defence equipment plan.
Lt Gen Magowan acknowledged a recruitment and retention dilemma that overshadowed issues around new technology.
He was also asked whether HMS Argyll and HMS Westminster would come back into active service from re-fit.
Lt Gen Sir Rob said Defence Secretary Grant Shapps had "not yet decided on those two particular vessels".
"We are in negotiation with the Navy so we can provide… advice to the Secretary of State," he said.
Mr Francois questioned further, and asked if Lt Gen Magowan could say "for definite that they are coming back".
"It is subject to final approval, one way or another, by the Secretary of State?" he asked, to which Lt Gen Magowan agreed.
There have also been reports that the Royal Marines' Landing Platform Dock (LPD) ships HMS Albion and HMS Bulwark could be facing the axe.
Lt Gen Sir Rob admitted crewing is "definitely an issue within the Royal Navy".
"We accept that. Whether that's the driver for whatever decision the Secretary of State makes, with regards to the two LPDs, there's a range of issues associated," he said.
This month, the Defence Select Committee announced it intended to hold an evidence session in the coming weeks on reports Mr Shapps is considering axing amphibious assault ships HMS Albion and HMS Bulwark.
And, on the Sitrep podcast, a former head of the Royal Marines warned the Government's rumoured plans to retire HMS Albion and her sister ship HMS Bulwark would create "real difficulty" for the corps.
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