City MP alarmed by threats

SAYS LOSS OF WARSHIPS WOULD BE HUGE MISTAKE

- HERALD REPORTER

PLYMOUTH MP Luke Pollard has written to the Defence Secretary demanding "urgent clarification" over growing concerns that two Royal Navy amphibious warships are set to be mothballed due to a shortage of Royal Navy personnel.

In the letter written to Grant Shapps, Mr Pollard stated that rumours of the retirement of HMS Albion and HMS Bulwark from active service had "caused considerable concern in Plymouth." Both amphibious assault ships, also known as Landing Platform Docks (LPDs), are based at Devonport.

The MP for Plymouth Sutton and Devonport and shadow armed forces minister also welcomed last week's announcement that Parliament's Defence Committee is intending to call witnesses for a special inquiry into the possible mothballing of Albion and Bulwark, including the potential consequences for Royal Marines capabilities if the ships leave active service.