Aircraft carriers are not safe from cuts, Healey confirms
The Independent|November 22, 2024
Defence secretary John Healey has refused to rule out mothballing one of Britain’s two aircraft carriers as a result of the strategic defence review being carried out by Sir Keir Starmer’s government.
DAVID MADDOX
Aircraft carriers are not safe from cuts, Healey confirms

During his first session in front of the newly constituted Commons defence select committee, Mr Healey was asked directly about the fate of the carriers – HMS Queen Elizabeth and HMS Prince of Wales – by Labour MP Emma Lewell-Buck.

Mr Healey, who had been discussing the strategic defence review he launched when he took office in July, warned MPs that the government needed to show “realism and honesty the commitments we can make to allies and we make in committing our own forces”.

On Wednesday, he had given a surprise statement in the Commons about £500m of cuts, including scrapping the Royal Navy’s two remaining amphibious assault craft, 31 helicopters (14 Chinooks and 17 Pumas), the watchkeeper drones and a frigate HMS Northumberland.

هذه القصة مأخوذة من طبعة November 22, 2024 من The Independent.

ابدأ النسخة التجريبية المجانية من Magzter GOLD لمدة 7 أيام للوصول إلى آلاف القصص المتميزة المنسقة وأكثر من 9,000 مجلة وصحيفة.

هذه القصة مأخوذة من طبعة November 22, 2024 من The Independent.

ابدأ النسخة التجريبية المجانية من Magzter GOLD لمدة 7 أيام للوصول إلى آلاف القصص المتميزة المنسقة وأكثر من 9,000 مجلة وصحيفة.

المزيد من القصص من THE INDEPENDENT مشاهدة الكل
Five rescued 24 hours after yacht capsized in Red Sea
The Independent

Five rescued 24 hours after yacht capsized in Red Sea

Search continues for seven people, including two Britons

time-read
2 mins  |
November 27, 2024
Pakistan authorities launch operation to clear Islamabad
The Independent

Pakistan authorities launch operation to clear Islamabad

Move follows clashes in the capital between police and supporters of Imran Khan which have left six people dead

time-read
3 mins  |
November 27, 2024
World's oldest man dies at 112, 'surrounded by love'
The Independent

World's oldest man dies at 112, 'surrounded by love'

John Tinniswood was born in 1912, the year the Titanic sank

time-read
2 mins  |
November 27, 2024
UK troops to probe drones mystery at US airbases
The Independent

UK troops to probe drones mystery at US airbases

Dozens of British soldiers have been drafted in to help the US find out who is responsible for flying more mystery drones over three air bases in England.

time-read
1 min  |
November 27, 2024
Will our rat-infested prisons forever be a low priority?
The Independent

Will our rat-infested prisons forever be a low priority?

Appalling conditions in English and Welsh prisons have been caused by years of underfunding, mismanagement and neglect, according to Elisabeth Davies, the national chair of the Independent Monitoring Boards.

time-read
3 mins  |
November 27, 2024
Dilapidated prisons harmful to inmates, report finds
The Independent

Dilapidated prisons harmful to inmates, report finds

Inmates in the crumbling prison estate have been bitten by rates and venomous spiders, according to a new report that lays bare the state of prisons in England and Wales.

time-read
2 mins  |
November 27, 2024
Pub owner started election petition after googling 'how to change prime minister'
The Independent

Pub owner started election petition after googling 'how to change prime minister'

The pub landlord behind a viral petition calling for a general election has revealed why he decided to start it. Michael

time-read
1 min  |
November 27, 2024
Irish leader's election gaffe threatens Brexit reset hopes
The Independent

Irish leader's election gaffe threatens Brexit reset hopes

Sir Keir Starmer risks a blow to his pledge to reset relations with the European Union after Brexit amid fears one of his key allies could be ousted in Friday’s elections in Ireland.

time-read
2 mins  |
November 27, 2024
Press for EU defence ties, Labour MPs urge Starmer
The Independent

Press for EU defence ties, Labour MPs urge Starmer

Sir Keir Starmer has been pressed by his own MPs to go faster in pursuing closer relations with Europe on defence and security, amid an escalation of the conflict in Ukraine and fears for global security.

time-read
3 mins  |
November 27, 2024
Assisted dying bill could be axed before MPs get to vote
The Independent

Assisted dying bill could be axed before MPs get to vote

The assisted dying bill could be axed before it has a chance to be voted on, as a group of MPs have tabled an amendment that could stop it in its tracks.

time-read
3 mins  |
November 27, 2024