"Suffice to say I think that we need carriers, that the carriers provide unique capabilities we need that cannot be provided any other way, that they are value for money, that they are good for our diplomatic status, help secure the Union, and contribute to exports."
Back on thread - I'd suggest that the last 3 points in your list my be true but a carrier is a damn expensive way of doing it - especially when it leads to the under-funding of other ships and capabilities which are needed today, every day. I can imagine what Fisher would have said to "diplomatic status" - oh! He did........