We no longer have the influence to be a global power, or have the subsidiary requirement to project that lack of influence: we do, however, have to acknowledge that we have interests in a variety of relatively inaccessible places, the FI being the most notable.
The case for 2 or 3 flat tops, with adequate air wings and marine support, is therefore perhaps more pressing than that of Trident replacement.
Perhaps and analysis of the benefit of smaller SSBN boats with the CVNs and joint RAF / RN fixed wing and joint RAF / RN / AAC rotary wing assets deployed on board would be a compromise solution. Compromise has to be the answer as we don't have any family silver left.
The expense of developing a smaller SSBN may be the stumbling block but Barrow does have a history of submarine building and it retains jobs in UK PLC.