Williamson allies defend ferry landing craft

Defence Secretary denies claims he suggested adding guns to tractors in row over Armed Forces funding

GAVIN WILLIAMSON’S allies have defended plans to convert ferries into landing craft for troops, after they were allegedly ridiculed by military chiefs.

The Defence Secretary was yesterday forced to deny claims that he had suggested that “really expensive guns” could be mounted on tractors.

However, The Daily Telegraph understands that the plans to convert ferries are now at an “advanced stage” and that they are likely to be implemented over the next few years.

The approach, used by other military forces, would involve installing a helipad and guns on disused commercial ferries, which could be used to transport troops on humanitarian missions.

It comes as Mr Williamson is fighting Theresa May, the Prime Minister, and Philip Hammond, the Chancellor, for extra funding for the Armed Forces.

The Ministry of Defence is facing a £20billion budget deficit in its 10-year equipment plan.

A source told The Sun: “We need billions and serious ideas to tackle serious problems. Yet Williamson is mucking about with his spider [Mr Williamson has a pet tarantula called Cronus] and coming up with crazy suggestions. This man is out of his mind.”

However Mr Williamson’s spokesman said: “He is continuing to fight for the funds our Armed Forces need, and he is not afraid to do what is necessary. He retains the full support of military chiefs. To suggest he is anything other than diligent is incorrect.”

Mr Williamson is also examining plans to disguise mobile missile defence systems in containers on the back of lorries.

In June, he faced claims that he had threatened the Prime Minister with a mutiny in a row over military cuts. He is said to have warned Mrs May that Tory MPS would vote down her next budget, effectively passing a motion of no confidence in her, if she did not commit an extra £20billion to defence.

Mr Williamson is said to have boasted: “I made her and I can break her.” However, sources denied that he had used that form of words.

Earlier this month Mrs May intervened after the dispute over defence spending led to a row between Mr Williamson and Liz Truss, chief secretary to the Treasury. Ms Truss was said to have felt threatened during the meeting.

Mr Williamson has clashed repeatedly with Mr Hammond since becoming Defence Secretary last year, prompting one ally of the Chancellor to describe him mockingly as “Private

Pike”.

Earlier this year it was reported that Mrs May had questioned whether the UK still retained its status as a “tier one” military power.

Mr Williamson hit back that after Brexit it would be even more important for the UK to “sit at the top table” internationally.

A government source said: “There has been a total loss of confidence within the Ministry of Defence. It has turned from disbelief to mockery to resentment.”