Is anyone really surprised at this political sop ?
I know I'm not, it's indicative of the way things are nowadays. No reflection on Mrs Windsor but I agree that traditional names are just so much better to associate with.
More worrying is what other equipment programmes will get axed and what other defence cuts will be made to keep these leviatians in the water. I'm a carrier fan but strongly believe these should provide an increase in overall capability not a different capability at the expense of other areas.
And why only 2 ? - 3 is the minimum required to provide a real capability allowing for refits and 1 in home waters with another in transit or out of area.
Before you all throw the cost arguments at me, remember the weasly accountants are past masters at making figures show anything you want them to - so why not in this case ?
Arc