The Royal Navy has been warned it is making a “terrible error” after it emerged none of its ships are set to be stationed in the Middle East. It comes amid turbulence in the region, with continued concerns around the situation in Iran and potential US strikes on the country, as well as fighting in Syria.
HMS Middleton could reportedly return to the UK from its base in Bahrain as soon as March. There are said to be no plans to replace the 41-year-old mine countermeasure vessel which was the Navy’s only ship in the Middle East after frigate HMS Lancaster was retired last month. Former First Sea Lord, Admiral Lord West, voiced concern over the move.
He told The Telegraph: “It’s extremely unfortunate that our Navy has been reduced to such a level that we can’t have a frigate or offshore patrol vessel based in the Gulf because it’s a region that has constant difficulty and trouble.
“To not have that is a terrible error. We need to, as rapidly as we can, get something based there but the trouble is our Navy has been reduced.”
HMS Middleton’s return to home waters will mean the UK will not have a fighting presence in the Gulf for the first time in 46 years, the newspaper reported.
The move will only cause greater concern of the UK’s ability to project naval firepower.
Many experts have long warned the Senior Service is too small, despite the Navy having some new vessels on the horizon for later this decade.
Defence analyst Francis Tusa told The Telegraph that “the idea of global Britain is all but over”, adding “it is simply not doable” with the size of the Navy.
Shadow Defence Secretary James Cartlidge also expressed worries, accusing the Government of “failing to actually fund defence”.
The Ministry of Defence (MoD) insisted the UK remains committed to the Middle East despite HMS Middleton’s pending departure.
A spokesperson said: “We remain steadfast in our commitment to promoting stability and peace in the Middle East and maintaining a presence in the region.
“The UK plays a leading role in combating Daesh, working to stamp out any resurgence in their dangerous and violent ideologies in the region. This includes successful airstrikes earlier this month and through Operation Kipion, the UK’s long-standing maritime presence in the Gulf.
“We are working closely with our allies and partners to improve regional security and strengthen defence cooperation.”
