Fleet retirements
Beags,
It's obvious, mate. The politicos have decided we are going to withdraw from our role as World (or even just Commonwealth) policeman. Therefore, we don't need fancy jets. Lots of boots on parade, yes - it brings in £Zillions from the tourists in London. As for the future of the RAF, forget it. Turning into a (mini-)clone of the the RNethAF. At least they don't grumble about separation and turbulence - 20 years on the same Sqn, on the same base!
When will some politico have the guts to announce the new strategy? Oh, sorry, I forgot: we've just had the all-purpose SDSR.