Navy 'a necessity not a luxury

BRITAIN'S maritime forces are a necessity not a luxury, the head of the Royal Navy said yesterday.

First Sea Lord Admiral Sir Mark Stanhope, who lives in Exeter, warned that the UK's ability to control what happens at sea was "fundamental" to national security and prosperity. He said sea power was vital to Britain as a global trading island nation with many overseas interests.

Admiral Stanhope told a Roy-al United Service Institute maritime conference in London that the ongoing war in Afghanistan "remained the priority" for the Armed Forces but "did not define defence".

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His speech comes as the UK's military is undergoing a strategic defence and security review (SDSR) which is looking closely at expensive Navy projects such as building two new aircraft carriers and replacing the Trident nuclear deterrent.

Admiral Stanhope said: "Maritime capabilities are not a luxury, they are a necessity.

Rolex Oyster Perpetual Datejust Mens Watch 116234-BLRJ "Our ability to control what happens at sea and from sea is fundamental to our national security and our prosperity." He said maritime capability was essential to combat terrorism from the sea, weapons proliferation, piracy, smuggling, human trafficking and illegal mass migration.

Admiral Stanhope also called for closer integration of the UK's sea, air and land forces.

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