It all sounds pretty real.
The future of the UK carriers now depends on the Marines' ability to sustain support for the idea that they should get an F-22-priced fighter that is slower, less agile and shorter-legged than an F-16, and that will normally be deployed in six-aircraft units in a combined force with no AEW or AAR. And sustain that support through the next few budget years.
This was also done against US advice, which should probably raise a question or two.