TWO Royal Navy amphibious assault ships will not be scrapped or mothballed ahead of schedule, a minister has said following weeks of speculation about their fate.
HMS Albion and HMS Bulwark were reportedly being eyed for early retirement in order to free up sailors for other vessels, amid a recruitment crisis in the armed forces.
But Foreign Office minister Andrew Mitchell assured MPs that both ships will remain in service until their planned out of service dates in the early 2030s.
Meanwhile, Defence Secretary Grant Shapps said he was "working hard" to ensure the armed forces are not depleted, after being warned that military personnel are leaving faster than they can be replaced.
As MPs were given the opportunity to debate the UK's airstrikes on Yemen-based Houthi rebels, Mr. Mitchell confirmed the fate of the two ships.
Responding to questions about the ships, he said: "He asked me about the two LPDs, the landing platform dock Albion and Bulwark, and he asked for an undertaking that they will not be scrapped.
Denne historien er fra January 26, 2024-utgaven av The Herald.
Start din 7-dagers gratis prøveperiode på Magzter GOLD for å få tilgang til tusenvis av utvalgte premiumhistorier og 9000+ magasiner og aviser.
Allerede abonnent ? Logg på
Denne historien er fra January 26, 2024-utgaven av The Herald.
Start din 7-dagers gratis prøveperiode på Magzter GOLD for å få tilgang til tusenvis av utvalgte premiumhistorier og 9000+ magasiner og aviser.
Allerede abonnent? Logg på
NO FREE HIT FOR ARGYLE
ROONEY IS TAKING HIS PILGRIMS TO ELLAND ROAD TO WIN
Divers make a splash with impressive start to season
PLYMOUTH Diving made an impressive start to the season at their first competitive meet weekend.
Argyle praised for keeping the faith with Wayne Rooney
WHILE the outlook remains uncertain for Wayne Rooney amid Plymouth Argyle's onfield inconsistencies, former Pilgrims stopper Graham Stack is confident the club is making good decisions at all levels.
Man in court on driving charges
A MAN has appeared in court charged with a number of motoring offences after a car crashed in a residential street in Plymouth.
Government's alcohol consumption revealed
THE Government consumed more than 5,500 bottles of wine and spirits in the past two years, new figures have shown.
Teen who murdered ex gets life
A TEENAGER who stabbed his 15-year-old ex-girlfriend to death in the street has been detained for life with a minimum term of 17 years.
Floods leave 205 dead
THREE days after flash floods swept through several towns in Spain and killed at least 205 people, the initial shock was giving way to anger, frustration and a wave of solidarity yesterday.
'Proceeds of crime' cash aids city divers
REINVESTMENT OF PROCEEDS USED FOR NEW EQUIPMENT
Career day aimed at boosting confidence
ADVICE AND INSIGHTS TO LAND A JOB
Butcher Geoff is keeping the old traditions alive
A PLYMOUTH butcher who has been in the trade for more than 50 years, having started at the tender age of 14, says his shop is still going strong.
