Sir Percy,
I know its not you making that argument, but its an argument that can be made for almost every high value equipment program, for example:
- When was the last time the RAF needed to defend UK airspace?
- When was the last time we deployed an armoured division in defence of UK national interests?
- When was the last time a Vanguard SSBN was used in anger?
The list could go on and on. Not having a capability leaves you with two choices- either take no action at all because you can't, or be subservient to someone who has retained the capability. In the UK's case we have trundled along with the USA for far to long.
