Political answer is very simple, the coalition and in particular George Osborne came into power with a financial plan. On Day 1 George found a note on his desk from Liam saying "sorry chum their is no money left" and on Day 2 Sir Humphrey from MOD and the usual senior officer suspects admitted they had something to confess...... Ask Lord West why the RN were punished by Osborne?
https://www.theguardian.com/politics...lion-blackhole