Royal Navy: Aircraft Carriers Debate

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Department: Ministry of Defence

Royal Navy: Aircraft Carriers

Lord Stoneham of Droxford Excerpts
Monday 12th February 2024

(2 months, 4 weeks ago)

Lords Chamber
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Earl of Minto Portrait The Earl of Minto (Con)
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My understanding is that there are aircraft on board the carrier now.

Lord Stoneham of Droxford Portrait Lord Stoneham of Droxford (LD)
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Could the Minister tell us how many other UK vessels are available to accompany and defend our aircraft carrier going to the Red Sea?

Earl of Minto Portrait The Earl of Minto (Con)
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My Lords, the answer to that question is that there is planned maintenance and a certain amount of ships are out of service at any one time. However, force protection is considered paramount at all times, and there is sufficient cover to ensure that is the case.