Vernon Coaker MP, Labour’ Shadow Defence Secretary, said:

“Labour supports the Royal Navy having a strong international footprint with the ability to respond quickly to events in a uncertain global environment.

"British defence policy must be strategically-led. The Strategic Defence and Security Review and a National Security Strategy are due to take place next year, and it was expected long term issues like this would be assessed and decided then.

"The Government should therefore clearly set out its reasons for making this particular decision at this time.”