Question to the Ministry of Defence:

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, what assessment he has made of the potential impact of his decision to retire HMS Bulwark and HMS Albion on the operational capability of the Royal Marines.

The retirement of HMS Albion and Bulwark will not impact the operational programme of the Royal Marines, who continue to deploy globally.

Both are currently held at lower readiness having not been to sea since 2023 and 2017 respectively. On current planning, neither was due to go to sea again before their planned out of service dates of 2033 and 2034.

The Royal Marines are supported by the three Bay Class Landing Ship Dock (Auxiliary)s and RFA ARGUS, which also provides aviation support and acts as a hospital ship. These ships will continue to support amphibious capability until they are succeeded by planned Multi Role Support Ships.