Royal Marines' 'long-term future assured' despite two assault ships set to be mothballed

It follows claims that any decision to mothball or scrap the assault ships HMS Albion and Bulwark would effectively spell the end of the Marines, who rely on such vessels for their maritime operations.

GB News understands that although no final decision has been made, it is likely that Bulwark and Albion will be placed into “extended readiness.”

Although the Navy’s two Landing Platform Docks would be laid-up, they would “still remain part of the fleet.”

However, any move towards extended readiness for the two 20,000 ton vessels will still be viewed with concern among some within the naval community.

Although both ships can be reactivated again, such a move would not be achieved rapidly, and would be a protracted and potentially costly process.

The UK’s armed forces are struggling with budgetary pressures, and the Navy in particular is also dealing with a recruitment crisis.

The move to mothball Albion and Bulwark is part of the tough choices the new Defence Secretary is having to make, along with the scrapping of two anti-submarine frigates, HMS Westminster and HMS Argyll.

A year ago, Grants Shapp’s predecessor Ben Wallace urged the Treasury to consider making an additional £11 billion available to the Ministry of Defence, to maintain its existing programmes, in the face of inflation and other challenges. In the end, the MOD was granted less than half that additional request.

GB News has been told that Grant Shapps views the Royal Marines as “Absolutely essential, and part of the armed forces crown jewels.”

It is understood the Defence Secretary has asked the First Sea Lord to carry out a review and examine the best way of ensuring the Marines are “still effectively utilised and able to operate from other naval platforms.”

The Royal Fleet Auxiliary will still operate three large Bay Class landing ships, along with the helicopter support ship RFA Argus, which has been re-tasked to operate at the head of one of the Navy’s two new Littoral Response Groups.

The Royal Marine Commandos have been facing similar recruitment problems, experienced elsewhere in the Royal Navy.

The spearhead of the UK’s maritime infantry, they currently number around 5,500 personnel, a shortfall of around 700 marines on their planned strength.