Divert wasteful weapons spending

Sir, – The media continue to obsess about the ferries yet remain silent on much greater problems paid from the public purse.

How about the fact that HMS Prince of Wales, the UK’s biggest aircraft carrier, broke down on its trial mission?

HMS Queen Elizabeth, sister ship to HMS PoW, had to withdraw from a Nato exercise due to mechanical problems and had a fire in March.

Along with other vessels they continue to require astronomical repairs and appear unfit.

There is no outrage about the Ajax tanks delivery due to complete yet trials proved they were unable to travel faster than 20mph, loud vibration caused sickness and they can’t reverse over objects higher than 20cm.

Further reports said they cannot fire and travel at the same time.

What about Trident? Keir Starmer calls it the bedrock of Labour’s defence policy.

He is prepared to press the nuclear button and Conservatives say it is “effective, dependable, and formidable.” Westminster has wasted millions of taxpayers’ money on nuclear weapons.

Let’s talk about the misfiring Trident missiles. A test missile failed to launch then fell yards from the submarine carrying it.

Let’s talk about the dangers to Scotland from housing decaying radioactive hulks. Only an outcry in 1989 stopped a plan to dump defunct subs in Scottish west coast waters.

We do not have a final say in using these Americancontrolled weapons which make Scotland a target.

The UK has a poor record on nuclear subs – during trials the billion pound HMS Astute ran aground off Skye!

When one in four children live in poverty it is grotesque to continue.

Ann Bowes, Aberdeen.

The Royal Navy’s flagship, HMS Queen Elizabeth.