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Navy chief won't be drawn on Victory's future
The head of the navy has refused to back calls for HMS Victory to be kept under naval control.
Admiral Sir Jonathan Band would not say who he wanted to run Nelson's flagship as the Ministry of Defence reviews its future.
Victory could be handed over to a charity or private company to fund its basic 1.5m upkeep.
Speaking to The News on the 250th anniversary of Nelson's birth on Monday, Adm Band, pictured, would only say he was committed to ensuring the ship's long-term survival.
He said: 'I don't have a preferred view. The future of Victory has caused some concern and I will say that we are committed to looking at the best possible way to look after her.
'With the birthday celebrations and the excitement of Trafalgar 2005 three years ago this is the right time to look at Victory's future.
'She is a very old ship and we have to look at what is the best way to ensure she is preserved for the 300th and 350th anniversary of Nelson's birth.
'Whatever we do, she will remain one of the great assets of this country.'
But Portsmouth South MP Mike Hancock said the navy should make it clear what it wants to do with Victory.
'Saying he is looking at all the options is not saying he wants it to be kept with the navy, which will send a worrying message for those who want a clear view,' he said.
'But it just has to be toeing the government line.
'I can't believe he would feel that as the head of the navy.
'Since the review was announced I haven't spoken to a single sailor who wants Victory to leave the navy.
'There are strong feelings everywhere that she should stay as she is.'
The MoD has started a consultation to gauge opinion on who should look after Victory, which is moored in dry dock in Portsmouth's Historic Dockyard.
Nelson's oldest surviving relative, great-great-great-grandaughter Anna Tribe, 78, is one of them.
She said: 'We are strongly opposed to the idea of Victory leaving navy control and we hope the idea will be quickly rejected.'
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Sunday 12 February 2012
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