Chris

The MoD does seem to have a particular problem with cost control. I'm not surprised to hear they're defeating even Philip Hammond, who has a fearsome bean-counting reputation.

Yes, the carrier contracts were drawn up in such a way as to make them almost impossible to cancel and this was undoubtedly a political calculation by Labour, which signed them off, but TBH for once I think they were right. Long term strategic planning is not something this country is very good at (look at how we're still wringing our hands over HS2) but the UK's wealth and power was built on global trade which in turn was safeguarded by a Royal Navy which really did rule the waves. Two carrier groups (assuming both are ever in service at the same time, which is unlikely) are not going to put us back at the top of the heap but a strong naval force will allow us to play our part in keeping the world peaceful, and therefore more prosperous.