Maintain the Navy, says First Sea Lord

The head of the Royal Navy told ministers yesterday they must ensure it was not stripped of its ships and its capability to help maintain global security.

The First Sea Lord, Admiral Sir Mark Stanhope, right, said the fleet had to be maintained to help protect the nation and its allies. Speaking aboard the Navy's flagship HMS Illustrious, he said: "I need a certain number of ships if I am to deliver on the worldwide commitments we already have.

We need to retain a minimum level of military capability. Once capabilities are lost, they can't be plucked from a hat. We may not be able to re-grow them in time for the next operation, whatever it may be."