Tory MP suggests Prince Harry and Meghan Markle should be given a Royal Yacht to 'sail the sea with'

Backbenchers want a new yacht because they think it will help UK trade after Brexit

The old Royal Yacht, which was decommissioned in 1997, on its final voyage to Hong Kong (Getty)

A Tory MP has renewed calls for the commissioning of a new royal yacht following the engagement of Prince Harry and Meghan Markle.

Conservative Tom Tugendhat, chairman of the Foreign Affairs Select Committee, noted there is no Britannia yacht and suggested the royal couple could require "something to sail around the sea with".

Backbench Tory MPs have been leading the campaign, launched by the Daily Telegraph, for a new Royal Yacht Britannia which they claim will help boost trade after Brexit.

Mr Tugendhat's remarks came after Commons Speaker John Bercow and Defence Secretary Gavin Williamson congratulated Harry and Ms Markle on their engagement.

Speaking as MPs considered the UK's Queen Elizabeth-class aircraft carrier provision, Mr Tugendhat said: "A sense of urgency has now come into this as we're not only planning a global future for ourselves and this will require a greater presence around the world.

"But with the royal wedding coming as early as next year, and with the absence of the yacht Britannia, is there not a possibility the new prince and princess will require something to sail around the sea with?"

Defence minister Harriett Baldwin replied: "I certainly wasn't anticipating that line of questioning... but he is absolutely right that this new class of aircraft carrier will give a powerful expression of national ambition and intent, and they are versatile and agile ships that will be able to perform a wide-range of maritime security roles."

Mr Bercow earlier made a statement ahead of the first business of the day in the Commons.

He said: "I am sure that members from both sides of the House will join me in congratulating the couple on this most happy occasion and wishing them all the very best for their future together."

Mr Williamson said: "May I start by congratulating, on behalf of those who work in our armed forces, His Royal Highness Prince Harry, on his engagement to Meghan Markle.

"Prince Harry has acted as a proud champion of servicemen and women in the armed forces - most notably with his commitment to the Invictus Games.

"I am sure we would all like to echo your words, Mr Speaker, in wishing the two of them the very best in their shared future together."

PA