ROYAL NAVY'S AMPHIBIOUS ASSAULT CAPABILITY

That this House notes the recent speculation that the Government is considering scrapping the two Devonport-based Royal Navy amphibious assault ships, HMS Albion and HMS Bulwark; further notes that scrapping these warships would mean removing the Royal Navy's entire world-class amphibious assault capabilities; observes that these defence cuts risks severely reducing the role of the Royal Marines in future conflicts; highlights that this would create a significant capability gap for the UK; acknowledges speculation that equipment, programmes and personnel in the Army and Royal Air Force are also being considered for cuts in the Government’s capability review; calls on the Government to end speculation around HMS Albion and HMS Bulwark and the strength of the Royal Marines by pledging to safeguard these Royal Navy warships and the Royal Marines; and further calls on the Government to reaffirm long-term commitment to the UK's world-class amphibious assault capability.