Pontius Navigator
The problem is that Torpy does appear to be focussed on getting tranche 3 of the Typhoon come what may. This may be in the best interest of the RAF but not necessarily of the nation.
The Fleet Air Arm has repeatedly shown that it can be relied upon to be deployed in a matter of hours anywhere in the world. If the nation wants a flexible air force then the FAA should continue to help provide that and the RAF not be allowed to destroy it for its own self interests.
For example, if for any reason, the few Falkland based RAF fixed-wing aircraft are unable to fly in defense of the Falklands (particularly if their runway(s) get damaged) then what UK fixed-wing capability is actually going to be left to help defend and retake the Falklands? Sea Harriers (or other radar equipped Spanish/Italian Harriers) would have been perfect for that type of long distance task but that capability has been lost.
Now it appears that the Fleet Air Arm fixed-wing force and possibly all remaining ground attack Harriers could also be at risk! What will a Typhoon Tranche 3 be able to do to help in another Falklands War type long range situation where friendly airfields are not available?
Have the previous lessons of the Falklands War (and many other wars) been lost on our RAF? Our Fleet Air Arm urgently requires strengthening, not wiping out by some very short sighted people.
Will the new aircraft carriers and JSF arrive on time? I sadly doubt that very much, so we as an island nation, are likely to leave our RN ships and overseas interests very badly exposed by a lack of FAA air defence capability for a long time.