PM rejects claims plans to scrap Navy missiles will harm armed forces

Theresa May told the Commons today that the government was spending ‘billions of pounds’ in providing equipment for the armed forces.

It comes after it was reported that warships will be left without anti-ship missiles and be forced to rely on naval guns because of cost-cutting. Last week the Telegraph reported that the Navy’s Harpoon missiles will retire from the fleet’s frigates and destroyers in 2018 without replacement.

There will also be a two year gap without helicopter-launched anti-shipping missiles.

During today’s Prime Minister’s Questions in the Commons, Caerphilly MP Wayne David questioned Mrs May on the loss of missiles.

The Labour politician said: ‘In these uncertain times we will all surely agree that Britain needs strong defence.

‘So how can the Prime Minister justify her government’s decision to scrap all the navy’s heavy weight service guided missiles without any replacement?’

In response Mrs May said: ‘I have to say I don’t recognise the picture that the honourable gentleman presents of what the government is doing in relation to the armed forces.

‘We are investing billions of pounds in ensuring that our armed forces do have the missiles, the boats, the ships for the Royal Navy and the other pieces of equipment for the other armed forces, so the picture he presents is not the picture I recognise.’