Royal Navy: Defence secretary makes bold HMS Prince of Wales and HMS Queen Elizabeth claim at Portsmouth visit

John Healey MP reiterated the importance of HMS Prince of Wales and HMS Queen Elizabeth while on a tour of HMNB Portsmouth today (September 5). The former is due to be deployed to Japan next year as part of a UK Carrier Strike Group.

Both ships have had to overcome problems in recent memory, including propeller shaft misalignment faults which have stopped them from going on deployments. HMS Queen Elizabeth returned home on July 30 after being stationed in the Rosyth dry dock in Scotland for repairs and upgrades - leaving the city for routine tasking earlier this week. Her sister ship left the city yesterday to carry out similar operations. Mr Healy is confident that both vessels will continue to play a vital role in the defence of the country.

The Labour MP for Rawmarsh and Conisbrough told The News: “The carriers are at the heart of the Royal navy capabilities, and the navy is at the heart of defending this country and the heart of Portsmouth's lifeblood and economy.

“The Royal Navy goes back to the 12th century in its history here and looking out across the naval base, there are 14,000 people employed today on this base. For me, that brings home my central message that the defence of this country is made up of many parts and made up of many roles, but it’s one defence for one country.”

Mr Healey stepped aboard the Type 45 destroyer HMS Diamond to meet with serving personnel and ask them about their experiences. He was joined by the Royal Navy First Sea Lord Admiral Sir Ben Key. The politician was given a tour of the bridge, wardroom and operations room - chatting to sailors about their experiences in the force and the sacrifices they have made for this country.

She was most recently deployed in the Red Sea, spending six months off the coast of the Middle East protecting ships from attacks by Iranian-backed Houthi rebels. Mr Healey added: “The special opportunity and privilege for me about being here on HMS Diamond is not just to be able to speak to the First Sea Lord, but to navy personnel at all levels.”