Aircraft carrier decision questioned
03/02/2011
The wisdom of last year's defence and security review is being called into account once again.
A survey from the Royal United Services Institute (Rusi) thinktank of defence and security professionals has demonstrated serious doubts about the government's approach.
Two-thirds of those questioned said the need for a carrier strike capability has become more apparent since the 2010 review. Under the terms of the review Britain will be without a functioning aircraft carrier until 2020. After 2020 it will share its capacity with France's carrier.
Just one-third said the UK had a strategy for its national security which is appropriate for the current set of geopolitical challenges Britain faces.
The survey has reignited Labour's opposition to the defence review, which it argues was rushed. The government has argued the Libya conflict has demonstrated a carrier strike capability is not essential.
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