Orac,
A sobering presentation.
I would think 99% of the people on this forum, self included, feel we need more Astutes, Type 45's, CVF & F-35, but until it's too late I can't see the politicians agreeing.
As always it's a case of "I'm only likely to be here for 5 years, it probably won't happen on my watch so I'll fill the coffers and give my chums tax relief instead"...