Dear Chancellor of the Exchequer
I'm appalled!
Being a Luddite, you are obviously not aware what it costs to send a gunboat around the world to host cocktail parties and show the flag?
Sod the carriers, what we need is another Royal Yacht with pathetic escorts like the T23, which have paint lockers large enough to carry the cosmetics required for "tiddlying" - and space for beads and bangles to win over the natives
That way, we will be an Empire again
In simple terms, tax every unmarried family and houses with more than 4 windows, 5 pieces of Eight, to cover the cost
Your's sincerely
First Sea Lord Admiral James Cooke RN (Rtd) now deceased