Going (forward) without an aircraft
At last the practical aspect of Maritime/AEW work is coming to the surface.
If the country really NEEDED it we'd be in trouble because we don't have it. The longer this drags on, the more likely it is that the MoD & HMG will decide that we do not in fact need anything at all.
If the Fire Brigades up and down the UK were disbanded to save money, the impact would be people dying and premises destroyed. What if any negative effects has the UK suffered since the Nimrod was withdrawn, and how do the bean counters become convinced of the ongoing requirement?
To the people who say it is not required, this period without it has been a godsend. Perhaps those in favour of spending the money could take the time to consider the bigger picture. In the event that no substantial threat can be explained, then it may well be a lost cause, and a very expensive one at that.
Saying we need it because we used to have it is not going to win this battle. A need has to be proven and if that is difficult, it may be as a result of the need not actually being there.