Conservative MPs protest plans to scrap Plymouth ships

HMS Albion and HMS Bulwark are reportedly under threat due to cuts. Credit: ITV West Country

A pair of Conservative MPs have written to the Government to protest against plans to scrap two amphibious assault ships.

Johnny Mercer and Gary Streeter say they are "deeply concerned" about the proposals to get rid of HMS Bulwark and HMS Albion.

In a letter to Defence Secretary Michael Fallon, they said: "We need to alert you to the impact we believe this would have both economically and politically upon our region.

"Coming on the back of the Government's repeated commitments to Plymouth - such as the positive rebasing strategy announced last year - it is becoming increasingly difficult for Plymouth based military personnel to feel settled and valued.

"We believe it to be short-sighted and dangerous to downgrade the significant contribution that the Royal marines make to our overall defence capability. It would be hard for them to deploy in the future without sufficient specialist vessels to deliver them rapidly wherever they need to be.

"We ask you to urgently confirm that this proposal will not be taken forward. If that assurance cannot be given, we request an urgent meeting with you to discuss these proposals in detail."