TREASURY bean counters have been accused of pressuring the Royal Navy to axe one of its brand new aircraft carriers, sparking a ferocious Whitehall row.
The Sun has learnt Treasury officials were dispatched – without permission – to a key Royal Navy budget summit this month.
Insiders said they asked questions about the cost of running both carriers, HMS Queen Elizabeth and HMS Prince of Wales, which cost over £6.2bn to build.
And when Defence Secretary Gavin Williamson found out – he hit the roof.
Insiders said determined Williamson would “veto” any attempts to axe either one of the vital carriers.
Former First Sea Lord, Admiral Lord West, said: “Clearly some people in the MoD and Whitehall, primarily those who have always opposed their acquisition, have been attempting to challenge the policy decision to run two carriers.
THIS IS ‘TAIL WAGGING THE DOG’
“Apparently Treasury officials were present when the Navy was looking at possible means of resolving pressure on the budget without any authorisation from the Defence Secretary.
“They asked about the carriers. He was rightly furious and Treasury officials will not be present when the Army and RAF conduct a similar scrutiny.
“This is a case of ‘tail wagging the dog’.
“Carrier strike is fundamental to UK security and Global Reach and short term savings measures should not affect it.”
Insiders at the MoD confirmed Treasury officials did attend the meeting and that Williamson was furious that they did so without his permission.
Meanwhile the Treasury claimed their attendance was “normal business.”
‘BEAN COUNTERS DON’T UNDERSTAND’
The aircraft carriers are the Royal Navy’s largest warships in its 450-year history and capable of carrying 36 F-35B stealth fast jets, as well as four helicopters.
HMS Queen Elizabeth is close to completing her sea trials, while HMS Prince of Wales is due to join the fleet next year.
A defence source said: “The Navy knew this would happen.
“Bean counters don’t understand that in order to have a carrier ready to sail to an international crisis you must have two active in the fleet to allow for maintenance and training.
“We found out the hard way during the Libya campaign what happens when you don’t have a carrier.
“Britain looked pathetic as we scrabbled around trying to find somewhere to base our jets.”
Last night Treasury insiders denied they were pushing to axe one of the carriers – saying any suggestions to mothball either one was not their idea.
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An MOD spokesperson said: “Our world beating aircraft carriers will defend the nation for the next 50 years, protecting both the United Kingdom and our allies from the greatest threats.
“We have invested £6.2bn in HMS Queen Elizabeth and Prince of Wales aircraft carriers – the largest, most capable and powerful warships ever constructed in the UK.
“We have no intention of diminishing this cutting-edge capability.”
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https://textbacklinkexchanges.com/treasury-accused-of-pressuring-the-royal-navy-to-axe-aircraft-carrier-in-budget-summit/
News Photo Treasury accused of pressuring the Royal Navy to axe aircraft carrier in budget summit
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