Navy fleet size fears

FRESH questions have been raised over whether the Royal Navy has enough vessels to protect critical trade routes.

The concerns came from former navy boss Lord Alan West during a debate in the House of Lords over food security.

The Labour peer said: ‘My Lords, the insurance of shipping often depends on its protection.

‘Does the minister believe that the fact we currently have 12 frigates and will soon have only nine does anything to help protect the global shipping that is so important for our country and many nations?’

Responding, Lord Richard Benyon said: ‘He is right that this is a matter of global security and not just about what Britain does...There has been huge investment in the Royal Navy, which I am sure he is really pleased about, but we want to see that continue.’