Just a thought - what is happening to Cottesmore/Wittering (where the simulator is)? If it is being retained by the MOD (home to an Army unit returning from Germany perhaps) then keeping it in situ will be much easier.
The defence council were meant to meet this month. Supposedly this proposal was going to be on the table. Given the fact that the Government has had numerous U turns over a wide range of issues, would modifying certain aspects of policy regarding future carrier aviation (like trying not to lose skills) really be a major embarassment - given that they appear to have bodged the sums and need to have another defence review?