Debilitating defence cuts could cripple £6.2bn aircraft carrier plan and prevent them from setting sail
The National Audit Office said the spending squeeze on critical Ministry of Defence infrastructure from fuel depots to barracks was threatening the UK’s military capability
WHOPPING defence cuts could prevent Britain’s new £6.2 billion aircraft carriers from setting sail – a bombshell report claims.
The National Audit Office said the spending squeeze on critical Ministry of Defence infrastructure from fuel depots to barracks was threatening the UK’s military capability.
It said accommodation for troops and their families was so bad it was forcing some to quit the Armed Forces altogether.
And it warned that cables that will supply power to the carriers’ in Portsmouth are more than 80 years’ old and in such a state it could “jeopardise” their ability to operate.
“They need replacing but there is no funding to available to do this,” the NAO argued.
The Lib Dems said the report defied belief. Shadow Defence Minister Judith Jolly said: “Chronic-under investment is threatening to turn the new aircraft carriers into white elephants.”
The MoD is currently frantically trying to extend the jetty at Portsmouth and dredge a channel deep enough for the carriers to sail into the port.
HMS Queen Elizabeth – the largest ever ship built for the Royal Navy - will move to the south-coast in 2017. Sister ship, HMS Prince of Wales is expected to be commissioned in 2020.
The power is essential for charging the carriers’ back up batteries.
The report comes as Defence Secretary Michael Fallon tells EU leaders to up their military spending and follow Britain in hitting the 2 per cent NATO target.
The NAO said only “essential maintenance” has been carried out on the MoD estate since 2009 as the Government looks to save cash.
It warned there could be an £8.5 billion shortfall in spending over the next 30 years.
It said the troops’ families had been “badly let down” by the quality of accommodation on offer – saying they are “not getting the service they have a right to expect”.
And the NAO said there was a “medium risk” some aircraft at RAF Brize Norton may be grounded in the future because of safety concerns with a jet fuel storage facility.
“The Department faces a huge challenge in maintaining its estate,” the NAO said.
The MoD last night said it was “determined to deliver a better defence estate”. A spokesman insisted Portsmouth Naval Base would be “ready” for the arrival of HMS Queen Elizabeth in 2017.
He said: “The power delivery infrastructure required to support the arrival of the Aircraft Carrier has been fully assessed and where, necessary, upgraded.”