When you take a step back and look at the "big picture" where HMG are prepared to cause financial anguish to literally millions of families over tax-credits being scrapped (along with the provision of HMR&C to reclaim as much as they feel fit) then the carrier program really does shrink in overall importance to the population in general.
I know it's not "right" but that's a realistic outlook.
The choice has been made quite clear to the MOD.
Trident or carriers+lots of other equipment types.
This lot are planning post AFG, and expeditionary warfare is not on the list of "too-does" post AFG.