THS, I'm aware of the RN's attitude towards keeping the Harrier. However, I think that if we're facing losing a chunk of the GR4 force, or further slowing the buildup of Typhoon numbers, then the RN need to face some harsh truths!
If they can't afford it, why should we pay for it, when it's of relatively little use to us, and the alternative is taking cuts in our busiest FJ force, or our future capabilities?
If CAS was to turn around and say publically that the RAF were going to stop operating the Harrier, but he was quite happy for the Navy to keep going at Cottesmore/Wittering, then the ball would be firmly in their court.