We assessed the implications of removing Nimrod from service and are confident the threat can be managed without the need for a replacement maritime patrol aircraft. We constantly monitor the threat but there is no evidence to suggest our assessment will change in the short term.
"Well, he would say that, wouldn't he?", as someone* once said during the Profumo affaire......
*as well as "Coo, Lord Astor, what a little willy!"