Jacko
My sources (V High up) indicate that your statement is incorrect. The early departure of Sir Nigel at the time of this decision is an extremely timely coincidence. Previous postings on this thread (and printed in the press) indicate that the decision to axe the aircraft was made unilaterally by the Defence secretary without consultation with our allies or NATO.
The potency of the Naval force, as now perceived by the public as a result of all this, has alarmed the Navy so much that it now feels the need to launch a charm offensive, similar to something that ASDA might do to encourage us to buy more mince pies for christmas. Pitiful.
FEBA