Annex 2: Selected web forum submissions
The Committee received 954 submissions through the web forum which serve to reinforce the detailed analyses set out in oral and written evidence on which this Report is based. A few representative samples of web forum submissions are reproduced below.
The Royal Navy is stretched to its limits and requires [substantial] investment to protect the UK and its territories around the world. HMS Albion has recently shown its unique capabilities to assist during the recent hurricanes. How else would we be able to support those in need, or do we just not provide that level of support in future and let people fend for themselves? Threats are changing and evolving in ways that cannot be predicted, the Royal Marines have the capability to deter and counter threats; again, they are currently cut close to the bone; further cuts will demoralise them and leave the UK weak. Fully appreciate times are hard and finances are tight but the Navy and Marines are at a point where there is no fat left and any cuts strike at capacity and capability vital to the UK and its dependants.
John Garnet
The Royal Marines and UK amphibious capability are important to our defence. I feel very strongly that they should be funded fully. It is time we stopped cutting our defences we only have our armed forces to rely on in many scenarios.
Jaclyn Horrod
The Royal Marines have been deeply involved in every conflict since 1945 and this dangerous period in our history is definitely NOT the time to reduce [them] and their amphibious capability.
Christopher Maycock
In my view it would be a terrible mistake for the Royal Navy/Royal Marines to lose the amphibious capability that they currently have. The type of small scale interventions by shipborne forces is only likely to increase, and to be totally reliant on helicopter delivery of such forces is totally impractical.
Anthony G Bruce
The Royal Marines and UK amphibious capability need their funding to be increased not only for matters of the defence of the realm but for their valuable expertise in dealing with emergencies, both natural and man-made, at home and in the Commonwealth.
Kathleen Grundy
I live in the South West and the Royal Marines are integral to the city and its naval history. The two new aircraft carriers seem to be going to Portsmouth when they could have come to Plymouth. We need HMS Albion and HMS Bulwark to stay in Plymouth and help protect the country.
Sheila Yates
These cuts have gone far enough. Sometimes keeping a capability is more important. The
R.M. need these vessels and to get rid of them would mean yet another downgrading of our ability to protect ourselves or our allies should the need arise.
James Neale
As a Royal Marine officer who served Queen and country for 26 years I am dismayed at the possible reduction of the Corps. We are military insurance for our country, ready to respond to any threat. So we need to be at the highest state of readiness with the best possible assets. The Corps has a historic vein running through it which must be maintained to enable the expertise and experience to be retained for future generations of Royal Marine Commandos.
Anthony Smith
As already stated, the RM and amphibious landing capability is vital for the UK. We need these highly trained personnel, and ships, for possible deployment. The effect of cutting such a capability sends yet more wrong messages to potential aggressors. Morale in what would be left will be devastating, we must keep to the current structure. No further defence cuts, full stop.
Simon Girling
As an Ex-Commando Gunner I feel that the Government should look again at our amphibious capabilities and not look at discarding Bulwark and Albion. They are vital for not only our defence but that of other nations and allies within NATO and beyond. The Royal Marines are our highest ranked fighting force other than the SAS and Para Regiments and should never be discarded or minimised.
Bernie Watters
1 February 2018