The fate of two decommissioned Royal Navy assault ships remains up in the air, despite reports suggesting a potential £20 million sale to Brazil, a defence minister has confirmed.
Speaking in the Commons, Maria Eagle stated that HMS Albion and HMS Bulwark, designed to deploy Royal Marines for amphibious raids, have attracted interest from multiple buyers, but no final decisions have been made.
Government Sale on the Table
Although the Royal Navy is considering a government-to-government sale, the details remain unclear. The two ships were already effectively mothballed, costing £9 million per year, before the Government officially announced their decommissioning last November.
However, when pressed about reports of a £20 million sale to Brazil, Eagle dismissed the figures as speculation.
“I don’t recognise any of the figures that have been bandied around in the newspapers,” she told MPs.
Concerns Over Naval Capability and Economic Impact
The potential sale has sparked concerns, particularly from Conservative MP Rebecca Smith, who highlighted its potential impact on Plymouth and Devonport dockyard.
“How does the minister justify the economic impact of their sale… let alone the reduction in amphibious capability in the Navy, when the promised multi-role support ships are at least half a decade away?” Smith asked.
Eagle defended the move, arguing that divesting older capabilities is necessary to modernise the fleet.
“The disposal shows that we are delivering for defence by divesting old capabilities to make way for the future,” she said, quoting First Sea Lord Admiral Sir Ben Key.
What Comes Next?
With new multi-role support ships still years away from service, questions remain over the Royal Navy’s amphibious capabilities. As discussions continue, all eyes are on the Government’s next move, and whether selling off these warships will truly serve Britain’s long-term defence strategy.
