Where are the frigates?

SIR – The only areas of British defence and security that have global strategic significance are the nuclear deterrent, carrier strike and intelligence.

As such, these are valued by the United States. Indeed, the “special relationship” effectively hinges on the fact that our nations are joined at the hip in these areas of endeavour.

Intelligence is paid for separately, but the deterrent and carrier strike are part of the defence vote and need to be properly funded in the Defence Modernisation Programme review being conducted by Gavin Williamson, the Defence Secretary.

The deterrent is not just four ballistic missile submarines – it is also the anti-submarine frigates and helicopters, nuclear attack submarines, mine-countermeasure ships and, in future, maritime patrol aircraft that support them and keep them safe.

Carrier strike does not depend only upon the carriers and Sea Lightning jets, for these are supported by anti-air warfare destroyers, anti-submarine frigates and helicopters, nuclear attack submarines, tankers and stores ships.

Apart from nuclear attack submarines, the clear shortfall is in frigates. The Government needs to speed up the T26 programme and commit itself to a continuous, steady drumbeat of orders. Admiral Lord West of Spithead (Lab)

London SW1