Nia Griffith responds to the Public Accounts Committee report on Delivering Carrier Strike

Nia Griffith MP, Labour’s Shadow Defence Secretary, responding to the Public Accounts Committee report on Delivering Carrier Strike, said:

“This report highlights the significant concerns about the affordability of a key part of the MoD’s equipment plan and a vital aspect of our future defence capability.

“The Government needs to address this issue urgently and ensure that the Carrier programme is adequately funded going forward, in particular the F-35s which need to be paid for in US dollars and will be impacted by fluctuating foreign exchange rates.  

“It’s reassuring that MoD staff have told the Committee that they do not plan to take the Albion class out of service early. The Defence Secretary should stop dodging questions about the future of the vessels and confirm that he will not be selling them off. The loss of this class without replacement would be an unacceptable cut to our nation’s defences.”