MPs comes to defence of Royal Marines amid rumours of cutbacks

THE GOVERNMENT has maintained the Royal Marines will continue to play a “vital role” in the defence of the nation after claims the world-famous commando force is under threat from “Treasury book-keeping”.

A strongly-worded report by MPs, which was published yesterday, warned that cuts to the Royal Marines and the ability to carry out amphibious operations would significantly undermine the UK’s security.

The proud history of the Royal Marines must not be sacrificed by the demands of the Treasury, the Defence Select Committee said in response to speculation that amphibious capabilities could be slashed in a Whitehall review.

The report added: “After more than three and a half centuries of service to the nation, Her Majesty’s Corps of Royal Marines is in danger of being sacrificed to short-term Treasury book-keeping.”

The Tory-led committee’s report will increase pressure on Theresa May to increase the defence budget.

Speculation about the loss of 1,000 marines and a threat to the Royal Navy’s two Albion-class amphibious assault ships came amid the National Security Capability Review. The defence element of the review has now been separated out, in what was seen as a victory for Defence Secretary Gavin Williamson, and the MPs used their report to warn against cuts.

A spokesman for the Ministry of Defence said: “Protecting the UK will always be our priority and the Royal Marines play a vital role in defending our country. Just last week we launched the Modernising Defence Programme to strengthen our Armed Forces in the face of intensifying threats.”