CSG sends incredible message to our adversaries, says PM as he visits flagship

Sir Keir Starmer has gone aboard HMS Prince of Wales to thank the crew as they head off for their eight-month deployment on Carrier Strike Group 25.

The flagship was in Plymouth, with a contingent of F-35B Lightning jets and Merlin helicopters on board, having set sail from her home port of Portsmouth earlier in the week.

The Prime Minister said: "I want to say a huge thank you to you for your service to our country and the mission you are about to embark on.

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"When I say thank you, I say that as Prime Minister, but also on behalf of millions and millions of people in our country, who would love to have the opportunity to stand here to say thank you.

"I want to extend that thank you to your families as well because I know when you go on a mission like this, an important mission, your families are also part of that important work you are doing for our country.

“Thank you also for allowing us to see some of the capability and some of the work you are doing. I am a grateful leader in coming and seeing and talking and understanding what you are doing."

During Operation Highmast the UK is partnering with 12 other nations to strengthen European security across the Mediterranean and Indo-Pacific regions, with HMS Prince of Wales spearheading the operation.

Sir Keir added: "The Prime Minister can sit in London and the House of Commons and read briefings about this mission, but I thought I would come and see you and talk through the capabilities and plans you have.

"The idea of bringing together 650 people on this mission, and 4,000 who are involved one way or another in the entire strike group, that is a phenomenal capability. With the UK in the lead position showing our commitment to global stability. That is an incredible message to our adversaries.

"It is an incredible show of unity to our allies and our commitment to Nato.

"This mission comes at an incredibly important point as all of you, your families and friends, the whole country, can sense that the world feels a lot less stable now on defence, security and trade than it did only a few short months ago."

For more reports about Carrier Strike Group 25 click here.