Situation in the Red Sea - Statement

Part of the debate – in the House of Lords at 12:07 pm on 29 February 2024.

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Photo of Lord West of Spithead Lord West of Spithead Labour 12:07, 29 February 2024

Is the Minister aware that HMS “Diamond” is replenishing with missiles in Gibraltar—which, I have to say, confirms the strategic importance of Gibraltar? I have a question for the Minister, and if he does not know the answer, perhaps he could write to me. The future fleet solid support ships must have the ability to replenish vertical launch missiles at sea. As I understand it, that is not in the spec at the moment; could the Minister please check that, because obviously the whole point is that we could have replenished Diamond out on station, rather than having to send her 1,500 miles home?

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